In a significant development within the ongoing investigation into the Rolling 60s gang, federal authorities have unveiled new indictments that implicate several key members in a range of criminal activities, including gun trafficking and drug conspiracies. Among those targeted is Zire Mitchell, known as Brick Baby, who has been linked to charges stemming from a July 2022 incident involving illegal firearms possession.
Brick Baby’s case is particularly notable due to the federal authorities’ assertion that he is not merely a defendant but potentially a cooperating witness, raising questions about his involvement with law enforcement. The indictment alleges that he was found in possession of a 9mm Luger and was involved in a shooting incident in an LA County parking lot. The federal government is pursuing charges under the premise that the firearm’s interstate origins affect commerce regulations, a tactic often employed in similar cases.
The investigation, dubbed Operation Draw Down, has also led to the arrest of Christian Forbes, a fellow gang member accused of illegally dealing firearms. The link between Forbes and Brick Baby is underscored by evidence obtained through wiretaps, which have revealed communications regarding the trafficking of weapons and drugs.
Additionally, other co-defendants, including Derek Pard and Zachary Rodriguez Garcia, face charges related to methamphetamine distribution and illegal firearm possession. Their operations reportedly involved negotiations with undercover informants, illustrating a broader conspiracy intertwined with the Rolling 60s gang activities.
Federal prosecutors are emphasizing the violent nature of the crimes connected to these indictments, seeking pre-trial detention due to concerns about community safety and flight risks among the defendants. As investigations continue, the case highlights the complexities of organized crime and the federal government’s strategy of targeting key players to dismantle gang operations effectively. The implications of these charges could lead to significant sentences for the defendants involved as the judicial process unfolds.