“South Side Myfas” Street Gang Members Convicted of Cocaine Trafficking

A federal jury late today (November 10) returned guilty verdicts against RICARDO LARIOS-TRUJILLO, a/k/a “Rico,” 34, of Lawrenceville, Georgia; RAMON CORTEZ, a/k/a “Toro,” 21, of Lawrenceville, Georgia; and HOMER LARIOS, a/k/a “Hummer,” 34, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Additionally, RICARDO LARIOS-TRUJILLO and HOMER LARIOS were convicted by the jury of attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The trial lasted seven days. The jury returned its verdict after approximately two hours of deliberation.

FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Greg Jones said, “Today's conviction is a major step forward and proof of progress in restoring normalcy to a region that has been hit hard by Latino gang activity and its associated drug trade. It is this type of investigation that the FBI's Safe Streets Task Force was intended and we are very proud of the efforts and the resulting progress made by these dedicated agents and officers.”

According to Acting United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates and other information presented in court: Between 2007 and 2008, LARIOS-TRUJILLO, CORTEZ and LARIOS, members of an Hispanic street gang called “South Side Myfas,” along with other co-defendants, used “Monster Car Audio,” an audio installation business belonging to LARIOS-TRUJILLO and located at 134 South Clayton Street in Lawrenceville, Georgia, to distribute cocaine. After a lengthy investigation, on November 3, 2008, FBI and ICE agents conducted a joint undercover operation at the “Monster Car Audio” business, during which LARIOS-TRUJILLO, LARIOS, and a co-defendant attempted to purchase more than five kilograms of cocaine from an undercover FBI agent. On November 3, 2008, at the times of the arrests, FBI agents also seized approximately $130,000 in cash from the defendants. CORTEZ was arrested later. Evidence at trial showed that the drug operation moved from California to Massachusetts to Georgia during the course of the conspiracy.

LARIOS-TRUJILLO and LARIOS were convicted by the jury of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and attempting to possess with intent to distribute, at least five kilograms of cocaine. CORTEZ was convicted by the jury of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and attempting to possess with intent to distribute, less than five kilograms of cocaine. The jury also ordered all proceeds from the defendants’ criminal scheme to be forfeited to the United States, including five pieces of real property, an Escalade, Hummer, and approximately $48,0000 in currency.

LARIOS-TRUJILLO, CORTEZ, AND LARIOS all could face sentences of life imprisonment. The charges also carry a maximum fine of up to $8,000,000. A sentencing date has not yet been set by the court. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders. The defendants are also subject to deportation from the United States following the completion of their sentences.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.com.

This case was investigated by Special Agents of the FBI and ICE, as well as through the FBI's Safe Streets Task Force, composed of members from the FBI, Atlanta Police Department, DeKalb Police Department, Gwinnett County Police Department, Forest Park Police Department, Alpharetta Police Department, Johns Creek Police Department, and the Smyrna Police Department. Additional invaluable assistance was also provided by the Lawrenceville Police Department.

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