Federal Takedown in LA Leads to Arrest of 17 Puente-13 Gang Members
Federal authorities recently conducted a significant operation in Los Angeles County, resulting in the arrest of 17 members of the Puente-13 gang. This operation targeted a wide range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, kidnapping, and firearms offenses.
Overview of the Federal Takedown in LA
The investigation into the Puente-13 gang highlighted extensive criminal behavior within the San Gabriel Valley. Federal officials have now filed charges against a total of 20 individuals, revealing serious allegations involving:
- Distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl
- Conspiracy to commit kidnapping
- Illegal sale of firearms, including machine guns
Details of the Arrests
Among those arrested are:
- Victor Sanchez, 24, also known as “Pollo” from San Bernardino
- Isaiah Castro, 24, referred to as “Boy” from Azusa
- Isaac Estrada-Frost, 21, alias “Ghost” from Rosemead
- Heather Covarrubias, 40, known as “Snowbella” from Diamond Bar
- Dominic Ornelas, 23, called “Dom” from Rancho Cucamonga
- Adrian Lopez, 25, or “Tapped In” from La Puente
- Bryan Gordian-Padilla, 24, known as “Goon” from West Covina
While 17 were arrested, one individual was already in state custody, and two remain fugitives.
Criminal Activities and Findings
The investigation unveiled that the Puente-13 gang employed violence to defend its territory and support the Mexican Mafia. Law enforcement officials seized:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Firearms | 71 |
| Methamphetamine | 10 pounds |
| Pills (fentanyl and carfentanil) | Thousands |
Timeline of Key Events
The court affidavits outline various violent incidents attributed to gang members:
- December 2022: Suspected gang members shot at rivals in Covina. Dominic Ornelas left behind a shoe at the scene.
- July 2023: Adrian Lopez and Heather Covarrubias participated in a kidnapping to retrieve stolen items.
- May 2025: Isaac Estrada-Frost shot at a car after misidentifying the driver as a rival gang member.
Next Steps for the Defendants
Two fugitives, Larry Castillo, 42, aka “Lil Dee” from Victorville, and Soo Kang, 31, aka “Easy” from Los Angeles, are still at large. Heather Johnson, 38, from Victorville, is currently in state custody. Initial court appearances for nine defendants occurred on Wednesday, with the remaining expected to appear soon. If convicted, nine of those arrested could face life sentences in federal prison.
