Federal authorities have charged 68 members of the white supremacist gang in LA

Federal authorities have charged 68 members of the San Fernando Valley Peckerwoods with a variety of crimes, including drug trafficking and financial fraud. The group is a California-based white supremacist gang.

“The Peckerwoods are involved in a wide range of criminal activity,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada. “Everything from drug trafficking to fraud offences, firearms offences, violence and identity theft. But what really sets them apart, what defines them, is their hatred and nemesis toward racial, ethnic and religious minorities.”

A 76-count indictment unsealed Wednesday, Oct. 2, alleged a yearslong criminal enterprise involving drug trafficking, weapons violations and sophisticated financial fraud schemes, including COVID-19 benefits and loan fraud.

Some of the charges include conspiracy to violate the RICO Act, distribution of a controlled substance, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.

During the investigation, law enforcement officials said they seized large quantities of illegal firearms and dozens of pounds of fentanyl, methamphetamine and heroin.

The gang also formed alliances with notorious prison gangs, including the Aryan Brotherhood and the Mexican Mafia.

Members would display their extremist beliefs through Nazi tattoos and graffiti, including swastikas and the ’88’ symbol representing loyalty to Adolf Hitler.

Several law enforcement agencies teamed up for the operation, with the FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Los Angeles Police Department and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office taking the lead.

Attorney General Merrick Garland described the operation as a “decisive blow” to the Peckerwoods, highlighting the gang’s involvement in trafficking deadly fentanyl and committing violent robberies.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California will prosecute the case.