October 16, 2020
STOCKTON, California—The Stockton Police Department announced on Thursday, October 15, the success of “Operation Criptonyte,” which was created to disrupt criminal street gangs in the city, according to ABC 10.
The investigation began back in June 2020 and resulted in 55 search warrants, 38 recovered firearms, $40,000 seized, and 34 people arrests related to various criminal activities, according to Stockton police.
“Part of our gun violence intervention strategies is to identify those groups individuals who continue the gun violence in Stockton putting our entire community at risk,” Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones said.
Authorities also confiscated one pound of cocaine, five pounds of methamphetamine, 1,300 pills of ecstasy, and “an abundance of marijuana,” according to ABC 10.
“Families in Stockton can breathe a little easier tonight,” said California Attorney General Xavier Becerra in a statement. “This investigation and resulting arrests and seizures are an example of what happens when California law enforcement agencies work together to combat violent crime in our communities.”
“Operation Criptonyte” consisted of the Stockton Police Department’s Gang Violence Suppression Unit and other police departments including Sacramento, Modesto, and Manteca. The investigation specifically targeted street gangs in Stockton: Asian Boyz, Muddy Boyz Cripps, Lil Ruthless Criminals Comstocc, Loctown Crips, and Asian Crips.
The Stockton Police Department highlighted some of its arrests:
- Lawrence Carolino, 19, Amanda Arcaina, 20, Larissa Constancio-Galvez, 21, and a female juvenile were arrested for an April 2020 shooting in which one victim was shot.
- Anthony Comans, 30, and Kwabena Twumasi, 35, of Arizona were arrested for conspiracy and illegal possession and trafficking of firearms. During a search, police uncovered 21 guns in their car alone.
- Soktara Hem, 29, was arrested for illegal possession of an assault weapon, marijuana sales violations, and illegal transfer of a firearm.
- Eric Ypon, 35, and Mark Moeutt, 18, were arrested for illegal transfer of a firearm and gang enhancements.
- Kevin Chhin, 24, of Long Beach, was arrested for sales of narcotics, felon in possession of a firearm, and gang enhancements.
On top of arrests made in gang-related activity, drugs, and illegal firearms, Stock police also uncovered an Unemployment Insurance fraud scheme. Rayniko Flores, 21, Michelle Tahod, 41, and Jerry Flores, 70, were arrested for their roles in EDD fraud and the identity theft of numerous victims, reports ABC 10.
Feature Image via ABC10