Federal Charges Allege Murder, Drug Trafficking by LA Street Gang

Twelve members of 18th Street gang arrested in crackdown on drug trade in MacArthur Park

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Federal authorities have arrested 12 members and associates of the 18th Street gang in Los Angeles, charging them with racketeering, murder, and drug trafficking. The indictment alleges the gang used MacArthur Park as an open-air drug market and controlled a portion of the drug trade in the Skid Row area of downtown LA.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of combating entrenched street gangs and their involvement in violent crime and drug trafficking, particularly in vulnerable urban communities. The crackdown on 18th Street's activities in MacArthur Park and Skid Row aims to disrupt their grip on the local drug trade and restore a sense of safety and security for residents.

The details

The 12 individuals arrested are alleged to be members or associates of the 18th Street gang, one of the largest street gangs in Los Angeles. They face a range of federal charges, including racketeering, murder, extortion, and drug trafficking. Authorities claim the gang used MacArthur Park as an open-air marketplace for drug sales, operating out of tents to conceal their activities. The gang is also accused of controlling a portion of the drug trade in the Skid Row area of downtown LA.

  • The FBI and other agencies served multiple search warrants and made the arrests on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
  • The federal grand jury indictments were returned prior to the arrests.

The players

18th Street gang

One of the largest street gangs in Los Angeles, with ties to the Mexican Mafia and operations across LA, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America.

Keiko Marie Gonzalez

The second-in-command and street boss of the 18th Street gang, who is accused of ordering the murder of a drug trafficker who failed to pay the gang's extortionate taxes.

George Carillo

A 60-year-old member of the 18th Street gang charged with one count of murder in aid of racketeering for his role in the killing of a drug trafficker.

Carlos Beltran

A 48-year-old member of the 18th Street gang charged with one count of murder in aid of racketeering for his role in the killing of a drug trafficker.

Anthony Chrysanthis

The Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division, who stated that the gang has been "exploiting the MacArthur Park community for far too long."

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What they’re saying

“Gang criminals and drug peddlers have been exploiting the MacArthur Park community for far too long. 18th Street has been moving product in MacArthur Park at will. The collaborative work poured into this multi-agency operation is a testament to our resolve to turn the tide. We want to return MacArthur Park back to the community.”

— Anthony Chrysanthis, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Officials are still searching for six fugitives related to the case, with one believed to be in Mexico and another in Guatemala.

The takeaway

This crackdown on the 18th Street gang's drug trafficking and violent activities in MacArthur Park and Skid Row demonstrates the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to disrupt the grip of entrenched street gangs on vulnerable urban communities. The seizure of drugs, cash, and firearms underscores the scale of the gang's criminal operations and the importance of coordinated, multi-agency investigations to combat such threats to public safety.