The reputed head of the Orange County Mexican Mafia, key leaders in the street gang and multiple other associates have been named in a federal racketeering indictment unsealed Wednesday that alleges murder, attempted murder, drug dealing and weapons charges.
The reputed head of the Orange County Mexican Mafia, key leaders in the street gang and multiple other associates have been named in a federal racketeering indictment unsealed today that alleges murder, attempted murder, drug dealing and weapons charges.
By City News Service
Photo: Getty Images
SANTA ANA (CNS) - A 24-year-old man was convicted today for his role in the fatal shooting of a drug dealer in Placentia, an attack allegedly ordered by the head of the Orange County branch of the Mexican Mafia.
Augustine Velazquez was convicted of murder, conspiracy, burglary and attempted robbery in the Jan. 19, 2017, killing of 35-year-old Robert Rios. Jurors, who deliberated for about a day, also found true special circumstances allegations of murder during a robbery.
Velazquez, who is scheduled to be sentenced July 23, faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.
By City News Service
May 15, 2021
SANTA ANA (CNS) - Orange County prosecutors have been dealt a legal setback in their murder case against at least one of five defendants, including reputed Orange County Mexican Mafia chief Johnny Martinez, due to fallout from the Orange County sheriff s evidence booking scandal.
Unlike his co-defendants, Augustine Velazquez, 24, has pushed for a trial and does not want to waive any more time in the case so he will go on trial first. His trial is scheduled to begin next week.
On Monday, Orange County Superior Court Judge Patrick Donahue granted a motion to dismiss multiple gang-related charges and sentencing enhancements in the case when defense attorney Rob Harley argued prosecutors evidence from a gang expert during the preliminary hearing was tainted because the sheriff s deputy was dishonest on the stand.