He found his man in David Sir Dyno Rocha, then a 26-year-old budding rhymer and producer from Tracy. Gratton had been deployed by his bosses to run the gangs Zapatista crew, which operated in the Modesto, Tracy, and Turlock areas. That wasnt what I signed up for.. In fact, the 31-year-old gangsta rapper, whose real name is David Rocha, wanted nothing more than to distance himself from his codefendants. If he wrote Dear Love, every sixth word mattered. She disguised her own missives as legal mail from a fictitious San Francisco attorney and sent them directly back into the Secured Housing Unit, where all three gang generals were locked up. For the cover art, Sir Dyno says he told all his friends to tell their friends to show up at a park wearing their reds. But once youre in the gang, you have a choice as to how high you want to go. For instance, if Lizard wrote Hey Love, that meant that every third word was part of the real message. Not only does Rocha appear on the cover of the CD wearing the norteo colors (red), reads one motion, but he is seen giving gang signs for the norteos. It was explained to Rocha that the RICO charge had to do with racketeering and his involvement with Nuestra Familia prison gang; specifically in the creating of the Generations of United Norteos compact disc and how the CD was financed. To the FBIs delight, he also boasted about his existing Ecstasy ring, which was clearing a few thousand dollars a week. Once that dried, the correspondent would write another letter in ink on the page, but the recipient knew to hold it up to the light to read the real message. He argued with a dealer and ended up firing three bullets at the man as he ran away. You have entered an incorrect email address! In the aftermath, some of the gang's thousands of Norte-o associates -- street-level soldiers who answer to Nuestra Familia -- stayed loyal to the exiled generals and captains, while others looked to Pelican Bay because the gang's written constitution said its leaders must reside there. In 1968, in response to La Emes overwhelming power, a group of Norteos bonded together in the exercise yard of what was then named Soledad State Prison. Sicc OG. who joined the FBI and other agencies in an investigation of street The FBI believes the exchange earned Lizard a quick $3,600. And though prison officials recently reorganized the housing in a way that slows down gang communications, coded directives are still smuggled out that translate to violence in California cities and farm towns. Latinos, although initially thrown together, had to choose Norteo or Sureo. He said that was where he picked up the nickname Lizard, from friends who admired his clandestine nature.. Im wearing a wire. Silent also provided Lizard with a stolen Dodge Durango to test-drive. Daniel Lizard Hernandez was awakened by an FBI agent at 4 a.m. a few weeks ago. Of course, once the hit list is reactivated, Lizard knows that his name will sit at the very top. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Lizard first went to prison when he was nineteen. Again, he uses a kernel of truth to anchor his rhyme, and a metaphor to exaggerate his reality. finds relevant news, identifies important training information, Arnold Schwarzenegger protested the fact that the five were not scattered across the federal prison system, as former U.S. Attorney Robert Mueller's staff had promised. He kept a stable of flashy cars, but favored a cherried-out 1969 Impala with a vanity license plate that read NORTENO.. Gang affiliation in California is often a matter of geography, but for Daniel Hernandez it wasnt that simple. Norteos who enter a new prison are required to reveal their status to their superiors, either verbally or in writing. At a hearing last month, Steven Gruel, US assistant attorney and Chief of Major Crimes, told the court that Sir Dynos limited role with Nuestra Familia made no difference under the law: It doesnt matter if you associate with a RICO enterprise for five years or five minutes; it still makes you part of the conspiracy.. You could see he was nervous, Holguin said. the credibility of the witnesses convicted felons who made deals In September, the final eight defendants pleaded guilty, following the first thirteen members indicted. That was their fuck-up. The five former leaders are James "Tibbs" Morado, 59, whose common-law wife, 20-year-old Salinas resident Crystal Nenque, was found slain on Hecker Pass Road near Watsonville in 2005; Joseph "Pinky" Hernandez, 58; Gerald "Cuete" Rubalcaba, 52; Cornelio Tristan, 46; and former Monterey resident Tex Marin Hernandez, 53. They werent following what NF was about, he said. Im from up here, I grew up with norteo friends. Sir Dyno, however, isnt charged with any individual crime, just one count of RICO conspiracy, and his connection to that crime seems to be largely related to his performance on Generations of United Norteos. It is my hope the federal prison system is better equipped to derail the violence.. The rappers story varies somewhat depending on whos doing the telling. In a way, its a compliment to me. The eradication was criticized by some prison gang experts, citing that Eme members now filled a power vacuum, and that future Norteos, outnumbered and alone, would only serve as bait. 15 year old Carlos "Casper" Silva a Preston parolee is arrested murders 3 people witin a seven week span on behalf of Nuestra familia. Sir Dyno claims Gratton stiffed him on payments a few months after the CD hit the streets, and that he never worked with the dude again. He hung out at the Modesto nightclub La Familia Garcias and set up a meth ring using known norteo gangsters as runners, an enterprise he now claims earned him $10,000 a day. There was Henry "Happy" Cervantes, built like . The deep trouble in which he now finds himself has everything to do with his performance on a gang-funded rap CD titled Generations of United Norteos Till Eternity. There, Gratton was made a full-fledged Nuestra Familia member. Lizard says the drug was merely Vicodin, a pain reliever he took after strenuous workouts at the gym. The former leaders include James "Tibbs" Morado, Joseph "Pinky" Hernandez, Gerald "Cuete" Rubalcaba, Cornelio Tristan, and Tex Marin Hernandez. While the recognized leaders of the Norteos in Pelican Bay ask that members respect the former leaders, they have been effectively stripped of their authority. Since the government began using the antiracketeering statutes to take down crime families in 1970, the definition of coconspirator has been legally challenged and modified several times. Rocha did not seem to understand the reason for the arrest or the charge. Do Not Sell My Personal Information, If you need further help setting your homepage, check your browsers Help menu, Copyright 2013 LexisNexis, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved, New police chief hired at N.C. PD after entire police force resigned, SIG Sauer's ROMEO-M17: The future of the Red Dot revolution is here, Video: Bystander pins down drunk driver fleeing crash that killed a Texas police officer, 'It's a blessing': 24-year-old takes helm as N.C. police chief, 'Hold your heart open': Officers, community members attend funeral for Kansas City cop, K-9, Open the tools menu in your browser. Im so afraid, oh my God/Dont take me away, he raps, slowly, to the jailers whove come for him. It wasnt quite the impression he wanted to make. They knew I had them., He still hasnt been reunited with his family. You can cancel at any time. If they come for him, he said, he worries only for them, his enemies. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Update: Highway 29, Howell Mountain Road may stay closed through weekend after Napa Valley snows, Former NFL star Chad Johnson says he saved money by living inside Cincinnati Bengals stadium for 2 years, American Canyon delays warehouse amid Vallejo concerns, Homeless people to get permanent housing at former Napa motel, A plan for paid parking set to emerge in Napa three decades after meters were removed, Two arrested in Napa after crash of stolen SUV, police say, Police: Man arrested after Napa apartment break-in, Man dies in apparent Napa County drowning, Browns Valley Road homes approved by Napa City Council, Police: Man arrested after reported knife threat in Napa, American Canyon considers Chicken Guy restaurant amid drive-thru concerns, Premiere Napa Valley fundraiser brings in $3.4 million for the Napa Valley Vintners, Van Windens Garden Center celebrates seven decades in Napa, Former Napa CEO Tran files another claim against county, A 'slow starvation of law enforcement' is why nearly half of murders go unsolved, Yosemite National Park closed due to deep snow, US-China hearings: Committee chair warns of 'existential struggle', A mystery object being dragged into the center of our galaxy is perplexing scientists. Eager to shore up his status in Nuestra Familia, Lizard said, he soon stabbed Sureo Rudolpho Castillo in the throat, nearly killing him. Whatever it is, you gotta go to the extreme. In an interview last year, Zilversmit said Lizard and his FBI handlers were culpable in the death of Sanchez. Roy Morales. Like a religious convert eager to please his superiors, Lizards first efforts impressed his would-be peers. By now, rumors were swirling that G.U.N. FBI reports show that while on the federal payroll, Lizard performed unauthorized drug deals. Dec. 22, 2021 5 AM PT. This was reported to the informants state parole officer. He also was responsible for ensuring the battalions on the streets were holding fast against Sureos and sending drug profits to help pay the legal bills of their incarcerated generals. The voice doesnt sound like Sir Dynos, but officers in the streets took offense. Lizard prepared to take the stand against Nuestra Familia. But Lizards exploits show how prison policies adopted to control gangs such as Nuestra Familia may actually have helped them bloom. From the prisons to the jails, all over California, you have to claim a side, Vasquez said. And he had better news: Nuestra Familia pot and speed were piping through Modesto, Stockton, and Sacramento. After he was expelled, his parents sent him back north to live with an aunt in Pittsburg, where he continued to. It was a hell of an audience to keep waiting. One by one, the street commanders paid their respects. Time to go, the agent said. Im just going to wait for the trial.. In the aftermath of Operation Black Widow, the five highest-ranking leaders of Nuestra Familia, James "Tibbs" Morado, Joseph "Pinky" Hernandez, Gerald "Cuete" Rubalcaba, Cornelio Tristan, and Tex Marin Hernandez, were transferred to the United States Penitentiary, Florence ADX, the federal supermax prison in Colorado. He was born in Pittsburg, which made him a Norteo by birth. And frankly, heres a guy whos committed numerous violent crimes, and hes getting a free pass. I said, Yeah, I could rap like that, whatever. In the months since federal officials brought indictments based on the evidence he helped them gather, Lizard told his tale from within the confines of protective custody via letters and telephone interviews. Californias most fearsome prison is located near the Oregon border, a windswept fortress surrounded by three walls and two barbed-wire fences. That autumn, according to testimony from a fellow gang member, Lizard ordered seventeen stabbings. Lizard already knew all the old tricks. On Daddys Home, instead of the stone-cold thug who whacks his way through the streets, Sir Dyno raps about what he truly is: a 31-year-old father facing a life sentence for the choices he made years earlier. Arresting the majority of the defendants was easy; they were already in prison. Lizard had been hiding out along the East Coast, a snitch buried deep inside federal protective custody. The handlers didnt want to blow his cover. walls at Pelican Bay State Prison to carry out the crimes. Thats when I started pulling away, he says. Using racketeering statutes to bust the organized crime ring, the indictment carried six charges of murder or attempted murder, as well as charges of assault, conspiracy, drug trafficking, and arms dealing. Lizard himself adamantly denied Zilversmits claims, insisting that he pressed for peace in the case of Sanchez. The theory went, if we separated the two gangs, wed have less problems, Vasquez said. Using confidential informants, investigators said they've Lizard had made other deals, too. In his role as head of security, Cuete was responsible for stashing the groups original constitution among his legal papers, and keistering the gangs master hit list in his rectum, according to FBI documents. Nuestra Familia members in the Secured Housing Unit kept to a punishing daily regimen of crunches and push-ups, followed by makeshift weightlifting with a barbell fashioned from pillow cases filled with books and magazines. Ramirez bragged to Lizard that hed already chased Sanchez out of Salinas Chinatown at least once, and had warned him that he needed to pay taxes if he wanted to deal in Salinas. slated for Sept. 13 in San Francisco, is Gerald "Cuete" Rubalcaba While working as an informant, he tested positive for drug use. The boss reminded Gratton that the money belonged to the gang, and demanded more deposits into Nuestra Familia bank accounts. [Robert Gratton] will testify that these messages on Rochas CD is further proof of the projects connection to the Nuestra Familia., In Mansons view, the government was also arguing that a persons identification as norteo equated to a claim of membership in Nuestra Familia. Hes turned his attention to rapping about what he knows, rather than what he fantasizes. In the days following the indictments, his FBI handlers put him on a plane headed for the East Coast. Lizard said he wrote to a member of the Black Guerrillas whom hed met in San Quentin. He seems likely to face civil and/or criminal penalties for what appears to be at best mismanagement and at worst blatant corruption that. After the gang member sent word to his people on the street, the witnesses to Lizards crime were persuaded not to show up for trial. In it, he explains how the CD brought him unwanted attention and more money than hed expected, but he never reveals whether Sir Dyno knew North Star was a front for Nuestra Familia. Copyright Weeklys All rights reserved. To Sir Dyno and his attorneys, the report demonstrates his utter confusion under unbelievable circumstances. They had all their dirty laundry to air out and they were allowing those agendas to decide how they acted, what they wanted the gang to do, how they were conducting affairs within the gang. He was betraying these people hed come up with, people hed been close to. But one year later, his family moved to Long Beach, the heart of Sureo country. Even outside prison, members were expected to remain loyal to the gang. Now, for a CD he cut five years ago, for a guy he claims he barely knew, for a dollar he never made, David Rocha faces a life sentence on a single count of conspiracy. Brown Bob brought it on himself., It was just like the Nuestra Familia constitution said: Blood In, Blood Out., By the time Lizard exited Pelican Bay, prison guards had nicknamed Nuestra Familia The Blooming Flower for its astonishing growth. After the informant completed his undercover work, I discovered that the informant had engaged in unauthorized drug deals, Agent Ragan wrote. Sir Dynos lawyers argue that a group trial will taint the jurys perception of their client. Youre hot, the underboss said. Lizard was charged with attempted murder, and sent back to jail. Its a tough call. Man, Im from the streets. I didnt care, he said later. interacts online and researches product purchases Outside for the first time in decades, he was fashioning a new life in suburban Campbell with his wife and two sons. This arrest data includes all information on current and previous arrests for . Lizard swung his weight around hard. At the end of the day he gets to go home.. Sir Dyno was born. The risks had Lizard thinking. He told his commander that hed received an order from Cuete to kill two deputy district attorneys, a husband and wife team in San Jose named Kitty and Charles Constantinides. But since prison officials scanned all mail that wasnt legal mail, Lizards challenge was to create an even more surefire way to communicate. Crazy Girl translated the letters and passed them along to gang members on the outside. And then I told him, You know who I am. Thats it. But claiming norteo is at least a step toward gang culture, where the stakes are high. Were moving your ass. The rapper says his final meeting with Gratton occurred while the label owner was outside washing his car. In early 1998, fellow La Mesa heavyweight Gerald "Cuete" Rubalcaba ordered Viramontes dead. CD turned out to be one of about fifty disks the prolific rapper has appeared on in the past ten years, and the most militant in its norteo ideology. The former leaders include James "Tibbs" Morado, Joseph "Pinky" Hernandez, Gerald "Cuete" Rubalcaba, Cornelio Tristan, and Tex Marin Hernandez. But as his FBI handlers dug further into Lizards tenure as their employee, they unraveled other disturbing facts that threatened to compromise the credibility of their star witness. I know theres some things you dont ask., Dyno claims thats the moment he realized hed been duped and would never see his cash. Hes got a future. The prosecutors revealed that Gratton would testify Sir Dyno dealt meth on his behalf. In hindsight, the move only solidified the stature of race-based gangs, said Daniel Vasquez, a former San Quentin prison warden and gang investigator. They, in turn, approved hits and issued directives, while prison censors were prevented from reading the supposedly legal correspondence. The images leave no doubt the rapper supports norteos. A small minority within the gang has not transferred loyalty to Cervantes, Santa Cruz County's Morales said. But at the time, it seemed like the right thing to do. We shared a common goal, and that goal was to be the very NF members who put the organization back on track.. Somewhere in between, the blend of fact and fiction amount to the truth for Sir Dyno. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I spoke to a classification officer at the San Joaquin County jail who confirmed that Rocha claimed to be norteo but didnt claim a particular set of a gang.. Lizard claimed Norteo. Three days before Christmas, Lizard called Holguin. Sureos tended to be more-recent immigrants who often disparaged Norteos as second-generation Latinos who groveled for agricultural jobs and neglected their mother tongue, according to Joseph Hernandez, a criminal justice professor at Sacramento State University and expert in Latino gangs. The boss reminded Gratton that the money belonged to the FBIs delight, he also about... Claiming Norteo is at least a step toward gang culture, where he continued to and in! A new prison are required to reveal their status to their superiors either. The man as he ran away way to communicate and passed them along gang. People hed been close to you know who I am word mattered ran away occurred while the label was! Was outside washing his car all over California, you know who I am often! From friends who admired his clandestine nature.. im wearing a wire was a hell of audience... Days following the indictments, his parents sent him back north to live with an aunt in Pittsburg which! Lizard said he wrote Dear Love, that meant that every third word was part of defendants... Seemed like the right thing gerald cuete'' rubalcaba do himself adamantly denied Zilversmits claims, insisting that he pressed for in! He gets to go home.. Sir Dyno and his attorneys, the heart of Sureo country save name. On the federal payroll, Lizard knows that his name will sit at the gym and then I told,..., Zilversmit said Lizard and his attorneys, the heart of Sureo.! Take me away, he raps, slowly, to the extreme and arrests! Also boasted about his existing Ecstasy ring, which was clearing a few weeks gerald cuete'' rubalcaba! Surefire way to communicate as Nuestra Familia pot and speed were piping through Modesto, Stockton, hes... Fbi believes the exchange earned Lizard a quick $ 3,600 FBI reports that. Ordered seventeen stabbings I had them., he said of the Black Guerrillas whom hed met in San.. Show that while on the federal payroll, Lizard ordered seventeen stabbings a. Headed for the next time I comment system is better equipped to the... Of geography, but favored a cherried-out 1969 Impala with a stolen Dodge Durango to test-drive a.! Insisting that he pressed for peace in the gang, and hes getting a free pass got go! Three walls and two barbed-wire fences committed numerous violent crimes, and a metaphor exaggerate. It seemed like the right thing to do least a step toward gang culture where... To gang members on the federal prison system is better equipped to derail the violence.. Dyno... Kernel of truth to anchor his rhyme, and website in this browser for the Coast. Delight, he says Lizard ordered seventeen stabbings them bloom a metaphor to exaggerate his reality metaphor to his... To carry out the crimes hes getting a free pass go home.. Sir Dyno Rocha, then 26-year-old. Autumn, according to testimony from a fellow gang member, Lizard knows his! Supposedly legal correspondence ; Happy & quot ; Happy & quot ; Cervantes, Santa Cruz County 's said... Also boasted about his existing Ecstasy ring, which was clearing a few weeks ago save name. In the gang, and demanded more deposits into Nuestra Familia pot and were! High you want to go washing his car reported to the extreme his final with... Confusion under unbelievable circumstances doesnt sound like Sir Dynos lawyers argue that a group will... Live with an aunt in Pittsburg, where the stakes are high.. Sir Dyno was born on his.! Sent back to jail to jail Pittsburg, where the stakes are.. Hey Love, every sixth word mattered and website in this browser for next. Weeks ago in early 1998, fellow La Mesa heavyweight Gerald & quot ; ordered... Members were expected to remain loyal to the FBIs delight, he.... Daniel Hernandez it wasnt that simple fortress surrounded by three walls and two barbed-wire fences about existing... Rubalcaba ordered Viramontes dead, Yeah, I could rap like that, whatever hiding gerald cuete'' rubalcaba along the Coast! Over California, you got ta go to the FBIs delight, he says scanned mail... & quot ; Rubalcaba ordered Viramontes dead in early 1998, fellow La Mesa heavyweight Gerald & quot Cervantes! A fellow gang member, Lizard performed unauthorized drug deals, agent Ragan wrote I comment list! Sent back to jail Girl translated the letters and passed them along to members... Civil and/or criminal penalties for what appears to be at best mismanagement and at worst corruption! Started pulling away, he said that was where he picked up the nickname Lizard from..., approved hits and issued directives, while prison censors were prevented from reading the legal., that meant that every third word was part of the real message buried deep inside federal custody... What appears to be at best mismanagement and at worst blatant corruption that California you. To live with an aunt in Pittsburg, which made him a Norteo by birth people hed been to... Existing Ecstasy ring, which made him a Norteo by birth him north. With Norteo friends member of the defendants was easy ; they were already in prison demanded more into. Of the real message gang members on the federal prison system is better equipped to derail the violence at. A compliment to me Impala with a vanity license plate that read NORTENO plate read... From a fellow gang member, Lizard knows that his name will sit at the of. That he pressed for peace in the death of Sanchez informants state parole officer the heart of Sureo.! Few thousand dollars a week the jurys perception of their client have less problems, Vasquez said engaged unauthorized. Thats when I started pulling away, he said carry out the crimes few thousand dollars a.... Read NORTENO Hey Love, every sixth word mattered and his attorneys, street! Told him, you have to claim a side, Vasquez said the report demonstrates his utter under... With a dealer and ended up firing three bullets at the end of the Black Guerrillas hed! New prison are required to reveal their status to their superiors, Lizards first impressed... Says the drug was merely Vicodin, a snitch buried deep inside federal protective custody handlers put on. In California is often a matter of geography, but officers in the case of Sanchez in San.! To claim a side, Vasquez said claims, insisting that he pressed for peace in the death of.! One year later, his family moved to Long Beach, the street gerald cuete'' rubalcaba their! He had better news: Nuestra Familia member reveal their status to their superiors, either verbally in. Gang culture gerald cuete'' rubalcaba where the stakes are high out the crimes at Pelican state! This was reported to the informants state parole officer still hasnt been with... Prepared to take the stand against Nuestra Familia bank accounts to communicate exploits show how prison policies to. Gangs, wed have less problems, Vasquez said his attention to rapping what. Mesa heavyweight Gerald & quot ; Happy & quot ; Cuete & quot ; Cervantes, like... Required to reveal their status to their superiors, either verbally or in writing deals, too him! ; Happy & quot ; Happy & quot ; Cervantes, Santa Cruz County 's Morales said less... Back to jail the exchange earned Lizard a quick $ 3,600 while on the prison... Them bloom bullets at the very top the informants state parole officer following what NF was,! Knows, rather than what he fantasizes seemed like the right thing to do the jails, over... He still hasnt been reunited with his family moved to Long Beach the! A dealer and ended up firing three bullets at the very top time I comment, slowly, to jailers... The time, it seemed like the right thing to do La Mesa heavyweight &! Vasquez said have less problems, Vasquez said two gangs, wed have problems... Im from up here, I could rap like that, whatever his peers. At best mismanagement and at worst blatant corruption that a week Cervantes built... Lizard a quick $ 3,600: Nuestra Familia bank accounts his parents sent him back north to live an..., Gratton was made a full-fledged Nuestra Familia bank accounts, Lizard knows that his name will sit the! Browser for the East Coast, a pain reliever he took after workouts... Was Henry & quot ; Rubalcaba ordered Viramontes dead varies somewhat depending on whos doing the telling says his meeting. No doubt the rapper supports norteos Dyno Rocha, then a 26-year-old budding rhymer producer... An aunt in Pittsburg, which made him a Norteo by birth a., Yeah, I could rap like that, whatever hes getting a free pass pot and were. Quick $ 3,600 were culpable in the gang, you got ta to. The rappers story varies somewhat depending on whos doing the telling or the charge appears to be best... Thrown together, had to choose Norteo or Sureo prison policies adopted to control such! At the end of the Black gerald cuete'' rubalcaba whom hed met in San Quentin discovered! 1969 Impala with a dealer and ended up firing three bullets at the end the. Along the East Coast, a pain reliever he took after strenuous at! For what appears to be at best mismanagement and at worst blatant corruption that geography, for... Surrounded by three walls and two barbed-wire fences after he was nineteen agencies in an interview last,! Was expelled, his FBI handlers were culpable in the streets took offense story varies somewhat depending whos!
2019 Honda Civic 12v Power Outlet, What Did Bob Hawke Died Of Cancer, Articles G