Three alleged leaders of violent Nuestra Familia gang are indicted
Federal prosecutors Monday announced they have added more than a dozen new charges to their case against three alleged leaders of a prison gang accused of orchestrating robberies and murders.
An indictment unsealed Monday accuses Gary Romero of Stockton, and Joe Felix and Jesus Felix, both of Modesto, of racketeering, conspiracy to commit murder, robbery, and drugs and weapons charges.
According to the indictment, the three men were among the top “carnales,” or leaders, of the Nuestra Familia gang that started in California prisons in the 1970s in response to the growing influence of the Mexican Mafia, or “Le Eme” in the prison system.
The men ordered robberies, murders and shootings on rivals in and outside of prison in Stanislaus County, according to the indictment. Romero went by nicknames such as “Pizza,” “Fresh,” “Grandpa” and “Pesci,” authorities said, while Joe Felix was known as “Gator” and “Bullet” and Jesus Felix went by “Chuey.”
Romero and Joe Felix have been in federal custody since last year, Jesus Felix was arrested Monday. Felix was expected to make his initial court appearance in federal court later in the day.
All three men face life in prison if convicted, prosecutors said. The indictment follows a lengthy investigation involving an FBI task force, the Stanislaus County district attorney’s office and several Central Valley police departments.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
