13 Arrested in Blow to Rancho San Pedro Gang; 'Hydra' Leader Nania Suspected of Prison Control
Authorities have arrested 13 individuals linked to the Rancho San Pedro gang, a notorious criminal organization operating in Southern California. The gang, now divided into six cliques, has been under scrutiny for its alleged involvement in drug dealing, illegal weapons possession, and extortion. Despite being incarcerated since 1995, Salvatore Nania, 47, is suspected of leading the gang from his prison cell, earning him the moniker 'the head of the hydra'.
Nania, convicted of first-degree murder, has been using smuggled cellphones to communicate with lower-level gang members, accomplishing this up to eight times in the last eight years. His influence extends beyond prison walls, with authorities alleging he is an associate of the Mexican Mafia, which holds sway over many Latino gang members.
The Rancho San Pedro gang's leadership is not limited to Nania. Another prominent figure is Salvador 'Smokey' Perez, currently serving an 18-year sentence for shooting at a perceived rival in 2011. Meanwhile, Angelica 'Dizzy' Wertz, a member of the Locas, a female crew within the gang, allegedly impersonated an FBI agent during a home invasion robbery attempt. Despite these known figures, no individual has been reliably identified as the sole leader of the gang at the Motel 6.
The recent arrests have dealt a blow to the Rancho San Pedro gang, but authorities acknowledge that dismantling such an organization is an ongoing process. With Nania's influence behind bars and other leaders like Perez and Wertz in the mix, the gang's future remains a concern for law enforcement. The investigation continues, with authorities determined to disrupt and dismantle the gang's operations.
