Since the capture of Cuitlahuac Tahua "Tao" Rivera 11/2 years ago, police say they have dismantled the leadership and critically disrupted the operation of the Merced Gangster Crips.
Below is a sampling of action against Merced Crips by local, state and federal authorities since Gray was killed in the line of duty.
Rivera remains behind bars awaiting trial. District Attorney Gordon Spencer is seeking the death penalty.
Oct. 2, 2004
Anthony Adams of Merced is arrested at a house in the 100 block of East 11th Street. Adams was eventually convicted and sentenced to six years in state prison for sales of rock cocaine with a gang enhancement.
Oct. 7, 2004
Tyrone Johnston, 31, a Merced Gangster Crips member, was booked on suspicion of five crimes, including willful discharge of a firearm in a reckless manner, possession of a firearm by a felon and participation in a criminal street gang. He was convicted and sentenced to federal prison for 21/2 years for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Oct. 13, 2004
Dominic Freddy Bell was arrested with a known Modesto Crips member and female companion in Central Merced. Police found $3,000 in cash, rock cocaine and marijuana in the car. He was convicted and sentenced to eight years and four months for distribution of cocaine base and possession with intent to sell cocaine base.
October 29, 2004
Several law enforcement agencies arrested 17 suspected members of the Merced Gangster Crips, including gang leader Raymond Slaton, Tyrone "T-Murder" Johnston, Jensen Scott and Perisha Woolridge.
This sweep is the most successful roundup of Merced Gangster Crips members to date.
• Slaton was later sentenced to 16 1/2 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine base.
• Scott was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine base.
• Johnston was later sentenced to 21/2 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
• Woolridge was sentenced to two years and seven months for being in possession of cocaine with intent to manufacture and distribute cocaine base and for possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute.
Oct. 30, 2004
Authorities continued to crackdown on the Merced Gangster Crips, arresting two alleged gang members for possession of shotguns and cocaine base.
Nov. 3, 2004
A "mega-operation" drug factory was discovered in a Lingard Road barn south of Merced. Forty people were found working inside, police say. Some 19 weapons were seized, including several assault rifles. The California Department of Justice said the operation was supplying Merced Gangster Crips with cocaine.
About 4,500 pounds of processed marijuana valued at $13.5 million, 20 pounds of cocaine, estimated at $150,000, $25,000 in cash, 60 grams of crack, and about a pound of meth, were confiscated. A follow-up search of a Merced house yielded an additional 800 pounds of pot.
Dec. 12, 2004
A day-long sweep across the county led to 84 arrests, including 18 suspected Merced Gangster Crips members. More than 100 officers from nine law enforcement agencies participated in the sweep dubbed "Operation Street Safe."
In addition to the Merced Gangster Crips, other gangs included in the sweep were Nortenos, Surenos, Dead End Locs, True Blue and Oriental Crips.
March 1, 2005
Police arrested Nancy Rivera and Anthony Ray Cooper on suspicion of drug violations. Nancy Rivera's brother, "Tao" Rivera, is accused of killing Officer Gray. The two were found with a small amount of methamphetamine and marijuana and bags used for packaging, police say.
March 15, 2005
Authorities made another show of force against gangs, fanning out around the county in sweeps targeting suspected criminals with warrant and parole violations. Raids used to rein in gangs resulted in 30 arrested, fewer than 10 had gang ties.
