OAKLAND — Nine alleged gang members suspected of committing murders and other crimes in Oakland over a seven-year period have been indicted by a federal grand jury, officials said Wednesday.
All but one of the suspects are in custody — with six being arrested during a series of raids Wednesday morning.
A news release from the federal Department of Justice said the men were indicted on charges of racketeering conspiracy in connection with two murders, three attempted murders, narcotics and firearm distribution and other related crimes allegedly committed on behalf of two Oakland-based Sureño street gangs.
The release identified them as Marvin Bonilla, 24, Edwin Cano-Merida, 24; Cesar Rolando Lucas-Pablo, 28; Walfer Mendoza-Mendoza, 31; Gonzalo Pablo, 25; Jeronimo “Orlando” Pablo-Carrillo, 41; Mario Pablo-Matias, 24; Raymundo Pablo-Matias, 31; and Carlos Ramiro-Mendoza, 28. They were charged in an indictment filed October 9, 2025, and unsealed Wednesday.
Six of the nine defendants were arrested Wednesday morning in coordinated law enforcement operations. Lucas-Pablo and Pablo-Carrillo were already in custody, while Gonzalo Pablo remains at large. A number of the defendants are unlawfully residing in the United States, the release said.
According to the indictment, the nine defendants were members of a racketeering enterprise referred to in the indictment as the Oakland Sureños, a criminal street gang. The Oakland Sureños were part of the larger Sureños criminal street gang and, like the larger Sureños gang, generally recognized the primacy of the Mexican Mafia prison gang.
The release said that “gang members perpetrated crimes, including murder, shootings, firearms trafficking, and narcotics trafficking, to enhance and protect the power, territory, and profit of the gang and to gain entry into, and improve a member’s status in, the gang. These crimes included committing violence against gang rivals perceived as disrespecting the Oakland Sureños, which led to innocent members of the public being injured or killed.”
Related Articles
Sketch released of Union City attempted kidnapping suspect
Fatal East Bay stabbing victim confirmed to be husband of suspect
Man held in death of 8-year-old Sophia Mason released from jail after plea deal
Jury deliberates fate of Berkeley activist accused of raiding Petaluma poultry plant, taking 4 chickens
Two arrested, charged in Berkeley shooting
Each defendant is charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. In addition, the indictment alleges that special sentencing factors apply to six defendants in various cases.
In the release, U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian said: “Like people everywhere, the residents of Oakland deserve safe and peaceful neighborhoods, not ones filled with fear and senseless violence. … This indictment charges nine members of the Oakland Sureños for their roles in a dangerous criminal enterprise that inflicted harm throughout Oakland. My office will continue to partner with local and federal law enforcement to reclaim our streets from the gangs who threaten our residents.”
Assistant Oakland Chief of Police James Beere said in the release: “These individuals have caused lasting damage to our community for years.Their violent actions, including shootings and homicides, have left families mourning and communities forever changed. We are grateful for the efforts of our local law enforcement partners, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, as we work together to seek justice for the victims and their families.”
The defendants were scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna M. Ryu.
