42 Members of Violent White Supremacist SFV Peckerwoods Gang Arrested on Multiple Charges

Federal officials have announced the arrest of 42 alleged members and associates of the SFV Peckerwoods gang, a violent white supremacist organization based in California. The arrests come as part of a major operation targeting the gang’s criminal activities, which include racketeering, firearms and drug trafficking, bank fraud, identity theft, and other felonies.

A total of 68 individuals have been charged in a 76-count indictment, with the charges being unsealed on Wednesday as the arrested individuals were arraigned in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles. The majority of those charged, except for 13 who remain at large, were either apprehended on Wednesday or were already in custody, according to the Victorville Daily Press.

The SFV Peckerwoods gang is considered a domestic terror organization and is known to be aligned with the Aryan Brotherhood. They have established connections with other organized crime groups within California prisons, including an alliance with the Mexican Mafia prison gang. The gang members prominently display Nazi tattoos, graffiti, and iconography, such as swastikas and the “88” symbol associated with Adolf Hitler, to signify their violent white supremacist ideology.

U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California described the SFV Peckerwoods as a “grave menace to our community” and “a destructive force.” Their hatred and animosity towards racial, ethnic, and religious minorities define their actions. The gang’s criminal activities extend beyond their extremist ideology, as they are also involved in drug trafficking, identity theft, and bank fraud. They have been known to rob drug dealers and conduct “smash and grab” merchandise heists.

During the investigation into the gang’s activities, law enforcement officers seized significant quantities of illegal firearms, as well as substantial amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin.

The arrests and charges against the SFV Peckerwoods gang members highlight the ongoing efforts to combat domestic terrorism and organized crime in California. The operation serves as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by violent white supremacist groups and their involvement in various criminal activities.