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Ramon Mendoza and Rene Enriquez MEXICAN MAFIA ENCYCLOPEDIA The Evolution of “La EME’s” Criminal Organization About The A

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Ramon Mendoza and Rene Enriquez

Ramon Mendoza and Rene Enriquez

The Mexican Mafia Encyclopedia Copyright © 2013 by Martha Rodriguez and Ramon Mendoza All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owners. Police and Fire Publishing 1800 N Bristol Street, Suite C408 Santa Ana, CA 92707 Email: [email protected] WWW.MEXICANMAFIABOOKS.COM ISBN: 978-1-936986-20-0 Notice to the Reader: Concepts, principles, techniques, and opinions presented in this manual are provided as possible considerations. The application, use, or adoption of any concepts, principles, techniques, or opinions contained in this manual are the risk of the individual or organization making that decision. The authors, their heirs, nor beneficiaries shall be held liable or responsible for any application, use, or adoption of any part of this manual. Cover design by Chris and Oscar Rodriguez

Ramon Mendoza and Rene Enriquez

This book is dedicated to my beautiful mothers, Lupe and Teresa. Exodus 20:12 ~ Rene To those lost souls who seek the avenue of forgiveness and redemption; also to those brave individuals who courageously fight that fight. Darkness will never prevail. Matthew 7:7 ~ Ramon

Ramon Mendoza and Rene Enriquez

QR (Quick Response) Codes

http://www.policeandfirepublishing.com QR (Quick Response) codes incorporate advanced technology to deliver a reality-based application beyond the textbook. The subject matter “comes to life” through a video clip, complete with the sights and sounds unique to each chapter. Each QR code offers a broader perspective of the material being taught and a better understanding of how it is applied in the field. QR codes can be quickly accessed with a cell phone and are tailor-made for quick and easy linking to content on smart phones. Simply point the phone’s camera at the QR code you wish to scan. There are a number of apps in the iPhone App Store that can read QR codes, including the free QR Reader. Most Android phones and Blackberries read the codes right out of the box, as can newer Nokia headsets. For older Androids and Blackberries, download free QR reader applications. Windows Mobile users can download Quick Marks.

Ramon Mendoza and Rene Enriquez

Table of Contents Introduction.............................................................................................................2 Chapter 1 The Formative Period (1957~1969).......................................................4 Chapter 2 The Early Years....................................................................................27 Chapter 3 EME Relationship with the Aryan Brotherhood.................................41 Chapter 4 History of the EME Black Hand..........................................................48 Chapter 5 Mexican Mafia Tattoo Gallery.............................................................52 Chapter 6 Sureño Tattoo Gallery..........................................................................62 Chapter 7 The Four Major Prison Gangs .............................................................71 Chapter 8 The Legend of Cheyenne Cadena........................................................78 Chapter 9 Cleaning the Books.............................................................................87 Chapter 10 Spreading the EME Gospel ...............................................................99 Chapter 11 Ethnic Diversity................................................................................137 Chapter 12 The Young Turks..............................................................................167 Chapter 13 Halting Drive-by Shootings - Phase One.........................................194 Chapter 14 American Me....................................................................................199 Chapter 15 Halting Drive-by Shootings - Phase Two.........................................208 Chapter 16 David “Popeye” Barron....................................................................214 Chapter 17 A New Breed....................................................................................219 Chapter 18 (1995~2000)....................................................................................224 Chapter 19 Los Maravillosos..............................................................................242 Chapter 20 (2001~2002).....................................................................................249

Ramon Mendoza and Rene Enriquez

Chapter 21 The 21st Century EME (2002~Present)...........................................253 Chapter 22 Contemporary EME Induction Process ...........................................278 Chapter 23 The 21st Century Sureño Alliance .................................................283 Chapter 24 Las Señoras ......................................................................................321 Chapter 25 The Four Factions of the Mexican Mafia ........................................337 Chapter 26 EME Nepotism.................................................................................350 Chapter 27 The EME and Transnational Sureño Gangs.....................................364 Chapter 28 Closing..............................................................................................374 Mexican Mafia “Carnales” Photo Gallery.......................................................379 Conversation with the Authors..........................................................................393 Street and Prison Slang Terms ..........................................................................403 Sureño/EME Nahuatl Dictionary.......................................................................421 EME Group Photo Gallery................................................................................428 Acknowledgements..............................................................................................440

Ramon Mendoza and Rene Enriquez

MEXICAN MAFIA ENCYCLOPEDIA The Evolution of “La EME’s” Criminal Organization About The Authors

Ramon “Mundo” Mendoza Rene “Boxer” Enriquez Ramon “Mundo” Mendoza was voted into the Mexican Mafia in 1970 at San Quentin and became instrumental in laying the foundation for the organization’s street drug operations. Joining hands with EME kingpin Joe “Peg Leg” Morgan in “spreading the EME gospel,” Ramon was a brutal enforcer who worked his way up the Mexican Mafia’s criminal “corporate ladder” becoming a member of the “inner circle.” He was involved in more than 20 EME executions before he renounced his criminal lifestyle and turned against his organized crime confederates. Ramon became the highest ranking EME mobster of the 20th century to defect. His court testimony and invaluable intel assisted the law enforcement community with local and state EME prosecutions which resulted in life sentences for several of EME’s highest ranking Members. He is the author of a book entitled“Mexican Mafia: The Gang of Gangs” and has written several training manuals used at law enforcement training facilities. Today, Ramon enjoys a new identity provided to him via his participation in the U.S. Federal Witness Protection Program. Through the years since his relocation in 1983, he has testified before U.S. Senate hearings and makes himself available for select law enforcement training conferences throughout the United States.

Rene “Boxer” Enriquez became a made EME Carnal in 1985 at Folsom. He is notorious for his innovative approach and considered a pioneer who successfully implemented the Mexican Mafia’s tax program on Sureño street gangs, which remains in effect to this day. During his 17-year tenure, Rene led by his violent example and became a highly placed and influential member of the organization. Convicted of two Mexican Mafia executions committed in East Los Angeles, he is serving two life sentences for these crimes. In 2002, “Boxer” made the decision of his life when he decided to hang up his proverbial “gloves” and defect from the Mexican Mafia. Rene is considered the highest placed EME Carnal of the 21st century to turn against the ruthless cartel. He is the primary subject of a book titled “The“Black Hand” and has co-authored another, “Urban Street Terrorism.” Rene is a certified witness in both state and federal court and also co-lectures a course at UC Irvine entitled “Prison Gangs,” which is the only class of its kind in the nation. Rene continues to provide a wealth of information against La EME. He has been utilized as a Mexican Mafia expert educator in law enforcement training venues throughout the United States. Despite his California state prison sentences, Rene is a highly sought after conference speaker at law enforcement seminars. He is currently in prison at an undisclosed location.

Ramon Mendoza and Rene Enriquez

Introduction The concept of the Mexican Mafia Encyclopedia was conceived in a green room where Ramon Mendoza and Rene Enriquez were giving a joint presentation to a group of about 100 law enforcement officers in Ontario, California. It was the second such presentation in as many years in which these two individuals had collaborated. At the conclusion of the conference, after receiving feedback from the audience and via word of mouth, we realized that it was very rare for a street cop or gang investigator to have two actual former Mexican Mafia members possessing in excess of 50 years collective experience to field both historic and contemporary queries about this criminal organization. Given the time limitations that are typically allowed at these training seminars, it is virtually impossible to address the high volume of questions posed by the attending officers. Oftentimes, we employed a ‘scorched earth’ tactic by cramming as much intel into the presentations as possible. Still, after every event we would conclude with a distinct feeling that a tremendous amount of vital information was not covered. After all, how could two men condense decades of criminal knowledge into a few hours of question and answers? For anyone who has attended one of our presentations or a typical gang seminar, they can relate to how rapidly a four-hour block of time can pass, seemingly without even scratching the surface. We have compiled a multitude of related Mexican Mafia topics utilizing testimonials from original founding Mexican Mafia members, prevailing experts in the field, law enforcement investigators, and our combined years as participant observers (the sociological term for “been there, done that”). As high-ranking members of the organization, we have amassed the largest archive of evidentiary documents in existence and incorporated these into an expanded Mexican Mafia historical timeline. This quality firsthand information is unparalleled.

Ramon Mendoza and Rene Enriquez Our photo gallery contains hundreds of photographs of EME members past, deceased, defected, and current; some so rare they have never before been viewed by members of the law enforcement intelligence community. In an effort to immerse you in the total Mexican Mafia experience, we have also incorporated QR codes, also known as Quick Response Codes, which can be scanned with a smart phone. Scanning the QR code where indicated in the book will transport the reader directly to a supplemental audio or video lecture or link which will enhance the respective chapters within the book. The Mexican Mafia Encyclopedia is more than just another book on the most powerful prison based organization in the United States. You will tour our nefarious world as we present a chronological history of a criminal society which many claim to know so much about, yet there is so much more to know. The Mexican Mafia Encyclopedia is an educational experience that no criminal justice student/professional, law enforcement officer, correctional officer, parole or probation officer, or federal agent can afford to miss. Our hope is this book will ultimately contribute to making your communities safer by providing information to those who need it the most -- the courageous men and women who combat the plague of gangs on a daily basis. Ramon Angel Mendoza Rene Enriquez (Former Mexican Mafia Members) Introduction from the Authors Rene “Boxer” Enriquez Introduction to the Mexican Mafia Encyclopedia

http://youtu.be/lPb-nxJM0Dc Ramon “Mundo” Mendoza Introduction to the Mexican Mafia Encyclopedia

http://youtu.be/yAGcaqXIZqM

Ramon Mendoza and Rene Enriquez

Chapter 24 “Las Señoras” Historically, women have played subservient or supportive roles in the Mexican Mafia. But according to a revelation from EME veteran Raymond “Huero Shy” Shryock to fellow member and Artesia street gang confederate Rene “Boxer” Enriquez, the EME once considered creating a female faction of the organization who would be deemed “carnalas” (Spanish slang for sisters). The purported idea was to “make” qualified women, but limit their roles to providing housing for paroled members, selling drugs and setting up prospective victims. Shryock, an active member of over 40 years of EME service, spoke of a time in the formative years of the organization. During those years, the tenor of a woman’s role was chauvinistic in the male dominant realm of the EME. In the late 1970’s, Patricia “Patti” Dominguez married Robert “Robot” Salas. Referred to as the “EME Queen Bee,” Dominguez assisted Salas in transporting large quantities of heroin and cocaine during a period in which he headed the Mexican Mafia’s heroin operations. On two occasions, in 1977, LAPD narcotics officers arrested her for possession of heroin. Dominguez would later divorce Salas, remarry, and relocate to parts unknown.

Patricia Dominguez

Gloria Perez Displaying the Black Hand

Las Señoras

http://youtu.be/hCqQWzlSNZg

Linda Dellantonia

Ramon Mendoza and Rene Enriquez

EME Members Receive Visits from Their Women at Chino Prison - 1980

A Señora Raises the Black Hand

Gloria “La Cyclona” Perez was the sister of EME member Raymond “Chavo” Perez. While in prison, Chavo introduced his younger sister to EME’s Ramon “Mundo” Mendoza. Mendoza and Gloria became pen pals between 1970 and 1975. The process of “grooming” females was a common practice within the EME who utilized family members to communicate with each other. Upon his release from San Quentin in 1975, Mendoza continued his criminal and personal relationship with Gloria and utilized her to locate and set up the executions of the Nuestra Familia’s Reyes brothers. Gloria went to the Bakersfield residence of the intended targets and persuaded Ronald Reyes to open the front door. Gloria “La Cyclona” Perez is the first female to actively participate in a Mexican Mafia execution. She would later marry EME member Jose “Sluggo” Piñeda.

Rene on EME’s Use of Women

http://youtu.be/jpj83ND4GSQ

“Mundo” Mendoza with Gloria Perez

Ramon Mendoza and Rene Enriquez Linda Dellantonia married Adolph “Champ” Reynoso in 1976. Reynoso enjoyed displaying his younger wife and branded her with a large tattoo that ran across her chest. It read, “Property of Adolph C. Reynoso.” In 1978, after suffering repeated incidents of physical abuse at the hands of Reynoso, Dellantonia turned against her husband. She led Denver police and FBI agents to his hideout where he was arrested for the August 1977 bank robbery in Thousand Oaks, California. Reynoso has not seen freedom since this arrest. In early 1998, Linda Dellantonia became disenchanted with life and committed suicide by ingesting a massive dose of sleeping pills. 1992-1993: These years produced radical change to the EME’s innovative revenue generating endeavors, members turned to trusted facilitators for the direction, storage, investment, and circulation of their hard-earned revenue. Although initially frowned upon by most Mexican Mafia Carnales, the facilitation of women involved in EME business would become a more prioritized necessity. Two major obstacles had now developed with the introduction of the Mexican Mafia’s successful criminal diversification in the 21st century:  There was no foolproof manner of guarding against disloyalty and no defense against the information divulged.  The understanding that the EME’s evolvement also coincided with the education of the prison authorities and the law enforcement community with regard to EME’s activities. For the most part, Mexican Mafia members were now destined to their exile in Security Housing Units. EME betrayal and Security Housing Units were hurdles that made EME wives and girlfriends, (Las Señoras) invaluable to the organization. Almost every member had a loyal spouse, girlfriend, sister, or mother who could be trusted implicitly and without reservation. Some were very aware of their involvement in EME activity and some had an idea they were being utilized for something illicit and adopted a don’t ask, don’t tell policy; others were kept in the dark and expected to be loyal. As the Mexican Mafia affords a status mobility system for the male street gang members, so too does it provide advancement opportunities to women involved in the Sureño /Hispanic gang subculture.

Ramon Mendoza and Rene Enriquez

Crew Structure For the most part, Señoras are the wives and girlfriends of made Mexican Mafia members. An important function for these women is to relay sensitive information to street crews, prison mesas and fellow EME members. Collectively, Las Señoras (the wives) are clannish and typically only associate with other wives, girlfriends, or female relatives of EME members. The Señoras often wielded the same power as their made spouses in the gang communities. For most Sureño gang members, communicating with an EME made member is next to impossible. Señoras provide a direct line of communication for Sureño gang and crew members. Often, Señoras are vested with the criminal’s version of “power of attorney,” the autonomy, and power to call shots and make decisions for a gang or crew based on their own discretion on behalf of their EME “boss.” She becomes the adhesive that binds the criminal enterprise of the Mafioso, who is a figurehead, and provides the authority for the word or “street cred” of a Señora. The word of a Señora becomes as strong as her husband’s socio-political status within the organization. Women would go on to play critical roles in the development of many Mexican Mafia criminal endeavors. This simple tactic would again prove to revolutionize how the EME conducted business. But Señoras are not independent sources of power within their crews. Often they will deploy a male representative of her EME husband/boyfriend known typically as a “crew chief” or “Llavero” (Spanish for key holder). Individuals in this subservient position to the señora are responsible for collecting all taxes and enforcing all orders. The Señora’s status in the crew is second only to the EME member.

Ramon Mendoza and Rene Enriquez Recently, local and federal prosecutors have realized the roles that women have assumed in the EME’s criminal activities and have successfully brought forth a number of prosecutions that targeted women.

Structure for Women

Señoras, by the inherent structure of each crew, are heavily insulated from law enforcement exposure. This tactic has proven successful in thwarting law enforcement investigations and prosecutions of the Mexican Mafia member and his Señora. Some Señoras have tattooed symbols of the EME on their bodies.

M & M Tattoo

Ramon Mendoza and Rene Enriquez

Secretaries or Secretarias “Secretaries” or “Secretarias” (Spanish for secretary) hold a position lower than that of a señora within the EME infrastructure. The increasing utilization of women in the organization’s hierarchical structure succeeds in enabling previously powerless females in the male dominated Sureño Hispanic gang subculture with a viable status mobility system on par with that of male counterparts. The role of a Secretary differs greatly from that of a Señora. Where the señora is completely insulated, a secretary is completely exposed. Her main function is to provide a conduit of communication for correctional facilities. This is achieved when the secretary procures a “burn out” telephone account. A burn out account is one that is obtained by fraudulent means such as one established with a stolen identity. The telephone number is then distributed among the Sureño hierarchy and infrastructure at a given correctional facility. Sureños will place collect calls to the number until the account is closed by the telephone company for failure to pay the bill or when the individual whose identity was stolen notifies the company of the theft. Secretaries receive multiple calls daily and relay messages, hit lists, and orders to various sections of the jail on their burn out line. The burn out system has proven to be an innovative mode of communication for Sureños and the Mexican Mafia members in that it streamlines communications and enhances the revenue generating capabilities of the organization. In addition to maintaining intra-facility communication (multiple inmates in the same facility who are otherwise unable to link up with each other due to physical housing placements), they also facilitate inter-facility contact in a similar fashion. Their multi-tasking responsibilities also include communication with street gang and crew members on the outside and the collection and distribution of EME monies.

Sobrinas Sobrinas (Spanish for nieces) often take the place of the Señora or secretary when neither is available to function for the crew or EME member. Sobrinas are well-schooled female members of the crew familiar with the infrastructure of their specific criminal enterprise. Typically, Sobrinas are selected because of the strong socio-political skills and business acumen, as are the secretaries. When a secretary or Sobrina is working to insulate the Señora from potential exposure to law enforcement scrutiny, their role is diminished to that of spokesperson for the Señora. Functioning in this capacity, they wield no true power as the Señora still remains operational. Their powers increase exponentially when the secretary or Sobrina become the sole source of communication for the Carnal and crew. Oftentimes these women become even more powerful than their male counterparts become and are vested with the ability to make snap decisions for the EME member without having to first verify with him. This latitude on rare occasions

Ramon Mendoza and Rene Enriquez includes the ability to order mob hits and give “passes” (to exonerate or pardon an EME transgression).

Facilitators Female facilitators play a number of lesser roles. From visiting Sureño inmates, to placing money or removing funds from an inmate’s account, to providing access to a three-way prison phone line for communications when no secretary is available, or acting as a mail drop. To a limited degree, facilitators relay messages and are willing to assist in criminal endeavors. Their involvement is generally predicated on the request of a boyfriend or incarcerated relative. Although their actions often constitute the commission of a crime, they differ from their male counterparts.

Sureñas Sureñas are defined as female street gang members who belong to gangs loyal to the EME. Though Sureñas are not involved in Mexican Mafia business, they provide a vast pool from which Sureños and EME members can recruit for future use in criminal endeavors. Previously, it had been totally taboo to reveal Mexican Mafia secrets to outsiders and the penalty for doing so was an automatic death sentence. Ongoing EME improvisation with the passage of time has not only embraced Sureño gang members for the organization’s prison and street operations, but women have been given “sneak peeks” into the internal affairs as well. Although women have always played a varying role in EME organizational activities, they had previously never been allowed to assume positions of authority as they do today with distinct titles and job descriptions assigned to them.

Bottom Row: Sureñas Display the Roman Numeral 13 with Their Arms

Ramon Mendoza and Rene Enriquez The roles of today’s Mexican Mafia women have little resemblance to those of their forerunners in the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. As times have changed, so too has the perception of women within the EME. Whereas it was previously taboo to involve outsiders (women) in the affairs of the organization, it has now become standard operating procedure. Though there still remains a healthy dose of criticism from the Mustache Petes, or more traditional factions within the EME, most members brushed off these grumblings as that of individuals who had fallen out of touch with the new era. The truth was, everyone had begun to incorporate the Señoras into the fabric of their crews and it was safe to do so because if one Carnal was targeted for the violation, then 90% of the EME would have to be targeted as well. In a contemporary example of the EME attempting to infiltrate legitimate federal organizations, Rachel Ortiz is pictured on the following page with members of the Mexican Mafia in a California prison. In an unprecedented example of her influence, Ortiz was allowed to enter Pelican Bay SHU, one of the securest prisons in the United States, and arrange a meeting with Mexican Mafia members from San Diego who were housed in the Security Housing Unit. According to Chris Blathchford in his book, The Black Hand, Ortiz was then the Executive Director of Barrio Station, a community center which over the years received millions of dollars in federal funding. Ortiz, a hardcore community activist, also served as a key adviser to Governor Pete Wilson and campaigned diligently to deliver the Hispanic vote as he rose through the ranks from city councilman to the governor’s office. What was not known to Governor Wilson, or the many other politicians that had interacted with Ortiz at some level, was that she was secretly the girlfriend/Señora of longtime Mexican Mafia member Richard “Gato” Martinez. In 1992, “Gato” Martinez was arrested for selling 48 pounds of meth to undercover agents and sent to prison. The San Diego Tribune revealed Ortiz as an activist with criminal ties. After the scandal broke, Ortiz admitted that Martinez was her live-in boyfriend. Still, Ortiz remained loyal not just to “Gato” Martinez, but to all other EME members who interacted with her. In a subsequent debrief with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), Rene “Boxer” Enriquez revealed that Ortiz was an EME Señora who had visited him and Benjamin “Topo” Peters at the Los Angeles County Jail. The purpose of the visit was to provide Enriquez with bail money for his then EME facilitator and wife Rosemary Ruiz, who had been arrested for smuggling narcotics into the jail for distribution and sale. Corroborating Enriquez’ account, a 1996 CDCR investigation into the activities of EME member Raul “Huero Sherm” Leon, produced a 225-page report written in part by Special Agent Devan Hawkes of the Special Services Unit (SSU). It was documented that Ortiz was “making phone calls…and redirecting letters to dozens of EME members, including Rene “Boxer” Enriquez, “Huero Shy” Shryock, “Topo” Peters, and “Huero Sherm” Leon.”

Ramon Mendoza and Rene Enriquez

L to R: Luis “Boo-Boo” Garcia, George “Silent George” Ruiz, Rachel Ortiz Raul “Huero Sherm” Leon, and Carlos “Robot” Diaz

Leon, who is well known for his propensity to flamboyantly boast about his organized crime deeds, brazenly identified Ortiz in the report as assisting the Mexican Mafia. As a result of her involvement with the EME, Ortiz was banned from entry to all prisons in the state of California by the Office of the Director of Corrections. She also resigned from her position as Executive Director of Barrio Station (The Black Hand; The Bloody Rise and Redemption of Boxer Enriquez, a Mexican Mob Killer. Harper Collins, New York, 2008). In another example of feminine EME prowess, one of the first Señoras to entrench herself into EME and Sureño politics was Nilsa Arias. Nilsa was the wife of deceased Mexican Mafia member Juan “China Boy” Arias (“China Boy” was strangled to death in federal prison by his cellmate and fellow EME member) and was known by Sureño gang members who functioned in her territory as “the wall.” The moniker was inherited because dealing with her was as difficult as butting your head against a wall. In her position as an EME Señora, Nilsa oversaw her husband’s street operations after he was arrested on federal RICO charges and operated a bar named “The Gallion,” which was owned by Arias. Her tactics included the exclusion of other Emeros from operating within her husband’s area, an area that was shared jointly by a number of Mexican Mafia members from southeast Los Angeles. Each Carnal who was prevented access had previously entered into an agreement to rightfully function unfettered in the region and respectfully requested of Nilsa that they be afforded the professional courtesy to maintain their interests in the area. During an arranged meeting between Nilsa Arias and representatives from the Baca/Enriquez crews, Arias warned they were not welcome in the area and that she did not care who they represented. Because these were unchartered waters, the resistance from the wife of a made Carnal was a matter that would have to be handled delicately.

Ramon Mendoza and Rene Enriquez Rather than offend “China Boy” they initially handled Nilsa with kid gloves. As the obstructions and interference continued to escalate to the degree of outright disrespect, Pelican Bay EME members Darryl “Nite Owl” Baca and Rene “Boxer” Enriquez, who both shared this territory, sought intervention from the members who were housed in the Metropolitan Detention Center with “China Boy.” Federal members advised Arias of his wife’s activities and that the Baca/Enriquez crews would be allowed to flourish unmolested and ultimately take control of the entire area.

Nilsa Arias

Juan “China Boy” Arias

Nilsa Arias 3rd from left Celebrating with EME Señoras

In another display of female audacity, Maria Llantada was the wife of EME’s Jacques “Jacko” Padilla. In addition to being his spouse, Llantada was also Padilla’s criminal representative who controlled his drug dealing and taxation/extortion network on the outside. Llantada’s power and influence, because of her connection to Padilla, was virtually unlimited and unquestioned until she exceeded her authority and ordered the death of EME member Ralph “Perico” Rocha. Rocha had recently paroled from federal prison after serving a sentence for a RICO conviction and had partnered up with fellow Mobster Rafael “Cisco” Gonzalez. The problem arose when Rocha and Gonzalez warned Llantada to stop dealing in the Los Angeles area which they coveted because she was encroaching on their turf. Maria Llantada, who had for several years sold drugs in La Puente, California, and the surrounding areas without complication nor interference, chose to disregard the warning. As a direct result Gonzalez and Rocha ordered the kidnapping of Llantada’s brother, “Neto,” demanded and received a $50,000 ransom payment for his release. In the annals of the Mexican Mafia this was completely unprecedented. Carnales did not kidnap family members of fellow Carnales, and Señoras did not conspire to kill EME members. Llantada, with her husband “Jacko” Padilla’s blessing, then ordered Sureño gang members to kill Rocha. Rocha was in fact shot and wounded in one attempt on his life. Not satisfied with the result, Llantada incorporated the assistance of Hawaiian faction EME and long time member Anthony “Tony P” Palacios to assist in the conspiracy.

Ramon Mendoza and Rene Enriquez

Maria Llantada

“Perico” Ralph Rocha

“Cisco” Rafael Gonzalez

“Jacko” Jacquez Padilla

“Tony P” Tony Palacios

Before further action could be initiated by Llantada and her group, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department intervened. Llantada was the target of an ongoing LASD investigation and was under surveillance when she called a meeting with Palacios. At this encounter she produced a detailed “kite” from her husband “Jacko” Padilla in which he orders the death of Rocha. When the meeting ended, L.A. Sheriff’s deputies effected a “wall stop,” a traffic stop to determine Palacios’ identification. After discovering the kite, Palacios, Llantada, and Padilla’s daughter were arrested for conspiracy to commit murder. Llantada and Padilla’s daughter were sentenced to state prison for their roles in the conspiracy. As of this writing, Palacios remains incarcerated in the Los Angeles County Jail awaiting adjudication of his case. Janie Garcia is the wife of Mexican Mafia member Francisco “Puppet” Martinez and was nicknamed the Lady Boss or Black Widow by Sureños and fellow 18th Street gang members. Janie assisted her husband in running one of the most lucrative territories in their Los Angeles area.

Janie Garcia and Puppet Martinez

Ramon Mendoza and Rene Enriquez The 18th Street clique “Columbia Lil Cycos,” who controlled the MacArthur Park area for her husband, paid Garcia as much as $40,000 a month in tribute/extortion disbursements. She ordered the death of an 18th Street gang member who had the nerve to display his contempt for her by making a payment of $10,000 in one dollar bills. The offending gangster was gunned down by fellow 18th Streeters in a pool hall. When arrested for her role in the EME/Sureño criminal enterprise, federal authorities discovered $50,000 dollars in cash stashed throughout her apartment. Janie Garcia is currently awaiting adjudication of her case which is pending in federal court. Up to this point we have discussed the distinctive roles of Señoras and women in the EME’s infrastructure. There were also women who were not Señoras who wielded true Mexican Mafia power. In what had previously been considered a male dominated world, women are now utilized and have a place at the table to gain the status males have traditionally vied for. They are also demonstrating that a woman has the ability to become as/or more powerful than a man in the male dominant Hispanic culture, particularly the subculture of the Mexican Mafia. Lora Hernandez never possessed or exercised real EME power even though she had a direct line of communication with the upper echelon members in her crew, nor did she gain financially for her endeavors on behalf of the Mexican Mafia. Hernandez was a secretary for the Eulalio “Lalo” Martinez crew. “Lalo” Martinez is a made EME member who at this writing controls the entire Los Angeles County Jail system. Martinez is one of the Carnales responsible for converting the county jail into one of the most lucrative pieces of mob territory in California. In one year, Martinez is reported to have generated over $350,000 from inmate taxation and extortion within the county jail alone. All of Martinez’ activities are facilitated by women like Hernandez who receive multiple calls from a variety of different county jail facilities and relay information back and forth from Sureños and crew members to Martinez. Hernandez participated in more than just the revenue generating activities of the Martinez crew. In hundreds of her calls, she was recorded by law enforcement investigators giving orders to Sureños involving murder conspiracies, extortions, and assaults. The targeted individuals had purportedly fallen into disfavor with the EME or with “Lalo” Martinez. Lora Hernandez was ultimately arrested for conspiracy to commit murder after a lengthy investigation of Martinez’ crew and the crew’s utilization of females as secretaries to assist their illicit activities. She was sentenced to seven years in state prison for her crimes.

Lora Hernandez (center)

Lalo Martinez

Ramon Mendoza and Rene Enriquez

Whereas Lora Hernandez was cautious when dealing with subordinates, Jennifer “Huera” Barela was outright bold. Upon receiving calls requesting instructions from Sureños regarding the assault or targeting of an individual, Barela often took it upon herself as a secretary to make snap decisions which normally would have had to travel up the chain of command for approval. Unlike Lora Hernandez, Barela lacked direct communication with “Lalo” Martinez and the upper echelon of the crew. Despite this handicap, Barela was still the more powerful of the two secretaries and felt comfortable enough to render substantially more serious decisions without having to seek approval. Barela achieved a status that relatively few average Sureños ever achieve. Barela was also investigated and convicted for her role in the conspiracy to kill an MS13 gang member in the Los Angeles County Jail. She is currently serving a prison sentence in California for her crimes.

Jennifer “Huera” Barela

Los Angeles County Jail

Because of their varying level of commitment, there are occasions when women who assist the EME do not fall into a distinct category or fall into multiple categories. To the untrained eye, it is easy to confuse the unique roles of Mexican Mafia women and many law enforcement and corrections experts will use the terms secretary and facilitator synonymously. In an unprecedented event, Mexican Mafia member Jimmy “Smokey” Sanchez appointed Valerie “Bubbles” Delgadillo to actually run his crew on the streets, foregoing the traditional appointment of a male Llavero or “rep” (representative).

Ramon Mendoza and Rene Enriquez

Valerie Delgadillo

Jimmy “Smokey” Sanchez

After Sanchez’ wife Susie Schoenberg had been indicted and sentenced to state prison for assisting him in his street crew activities, “Bubbles” demonstrated her strong socio-political acumen and earned Sanchez’ complete trust. Although she was not a Señora she was definitely more than a secretary. Delgadillo became the target of a federal investigation called Operation Bubble Bath. In 2010, she was charged with federal racketeering crimes under the RICO statute and received a sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Jimmy Sanchez died the same year of Delgadillo’s arrest as a result of inoperable colon cancer. In another difficult case to classify, Andrea Dominguez held the unique position of Señora to multiple Carnales in the San Diego area without actually having been a Señora to a made member. Dominguez maintained regular communications with the real Señoras of the members she was representing. Such was her power and influence that she ran all of the local state prisons and county jail facilities with the approval of the Mexican Mafia members from San Diego County. She was known as a Señora by law enforcement and Sureños alike even though she had no romantic ties to any made member of the EME. She worked for Mexican Mafia members Jose “Bat” Marquez, Richard “Cheeks” Buchanan, and Frank “Chino” Madrigal. She also maintained close ties to a Sureño shot caller-turned-informant named “Dedos.” Dominguez was also an imbedded Confidential Human Source (CHS) for the FBI. The Violent Crimes Task Force-Gangs Group had led the previous successful federal investigation into the activities of EME’s Raul “Huero Sherm” Leon in Operation “In the Hat” and seized the opportunity to cultivate Dominguez as an informant. Although Dominguez was operating in an undercover capacity, her tenure as a Señora vested her with considerable power from her association with members of the Mexican Mafia. As a result of Dominguez’ cooperation with law enforcement, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office were able to indict and convict dozens of Mexican Mafia associates and EME members. Dominguez was enrolled in the Federal Witness Relocation Program but was excluded from the program and charged with drug distribution and sales. Her status is unknown as of this writing.

Ramon Mendoza and Rene Enriquez

Andrea Dominguez

Andrea Dominguez Footage

http://youtu.be/Qh1aj9D7hoo It is important to acknowledge that in the past, not all women married to or associated with EME members or associates represent the examples depicted above. In his book Mexican Mafia: The Gang of Gangs, Ramon Mendoza states: “It would also be ludicrous to suggest that EME women were representative of the typical female. Indeed, they loved their babies, respected their parents, maintained clean homes, washed the dishes, cooked for their men, and cuddled up with them during chilly winter months. That is where the similarities ended. For starters, they inherit their man’s enemies. They incur the wrath of the various law enforcement agencies that specialize in making a hood's life miserable. The rotating teams of undercover plain-clothes officers not only harass and conduct close surveillance on their homes, but also follow them around on freeways, to beauty shop appointments, visits to relative’s homes, even to the supermarket. Although, love is blind, female companions of EME members cannot claim complete ignorance to the fact that their men are involved in a high stakes game. Unfortunately, most of them come to meekly accept their predicament after being ‘schooled’ either by their husbands or other veteran EME wives who have persevered. From vehement opposition to frustrated anger and fear, EME women, especially those loyal to their partners, eventually accept their loved one’s dubious lifestyles. With resignation and despair they come to understand that any conduct detrimental to the organization can result in certain death. No one, they soon discover, not even a member’s wife and family, is immune from the ultimate punishment. Although it normally requires an unusual situation for a member’s woman or family member to be sentenced to death, the foreboding peril is everpresent. It hovers like many dark

Ramon Mendoza and Rene Enriquez clouds threatening to unleash its torrent, especially for anyone who dares to betray the organization to the authorities or violate an EME edict. Mexican Mafia wives and girlfriends are extremely conscious of their behavior in the presence of visiting EME soldiers. They are required to brave the day-to-day pressure that comes with being a soldier's wife. They are unable to share or confide their apprehensions to anyone, not even a close friend, for fear of possibly betraying an organization secret. Many of the wives have come to jealously resent and envy the loyalty, attention, respect, love, and even intimacy that their men bestow upon their first love, La EME. Within the closely-knit brotherhood we have a popular macho proverb, "El hombre hace a la mujer,” the man makes the woman. This adage appropriately describes the subservient role that Mexican Mafia members generally reserve for their ladies.” The role of the female has experienced a sensational makeover from the EME’s early days when the vast majority of women were insulated from involvement in the criminal activities of the Mexican Mafia. Indeed, there has been great emphasis placed on the roles of women within the infrastructure of today’s EME. However, in the cases cited above and a host of others, women play active roles in the organization’s crimes. The utilization of women is not a passing trend; rather, women within the organization’s hierarchy and structure have become integral to the EME’s daily operations.

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