Nearly 100 arrests have been made as part of a multi-agency operation in the Central Valley.
On Wednesday, Kings County Sheriff Dave Robinson detailed "Operation Red Reaper," which targeted the Nuestra Familia criminal gang and communications between members who are incarcerated and members on the street.
Robinson said there were 96 arrests made in Kern, Kings, Fresno and Tulare counties. During a massive search operation on Tuesday, Robinson said there were 74 guns seized, 14 of which were fully automatic.
Awaiting press conference about Operation Red Reaper, targeting prison/street gang influence in Tulare and Kings Counties. We’re expecting authorities will also discuss yesterday’s OIS south of Hanford and home invasion shooting in Corcoran. @ABC30 pic.twitter.com/yL4ymEOpNR
— Brian Johnson (@BrianABC30) June 19, 2019
He said officials also found gun kits, which were able to take glocks and convert them into fully automatic guns.
The operation, he said, began in September, but was concentrated starting January, with the bulk of search warrants being executed Tuesday.
Along with area police and sheriff's departments, the FBI and Department of Justice also helped in the operation. An FBI official said the agency provided financial and technical support, but also had 200 people participate during Tuesday's operations. Agents from throughout the state and FBI headquarters in Quantico, Va., were involved.
McGregor Scott, an attorney for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, said, "This is the third time in the last decade we have taken down the Nuestra Familia in Kings County. If we have to come back a fourth time, we will."
