-- Richard Winton
2:51 PM, February 13, 2009
file lawsuit aimed at MS-13 gang
Los Angeles city prosecutors filed a lawsuit today aimed at curtailing gang and narcotics activity at a Pico-Union apartment complex, which authorities contend is the epicenter of the Mara Salvatrucha gang’s empire.
- The drug abatement and public nuisance lawsuit seeks a court order forcing the apartment owner to curtail criminal activity at the property.
- It also seeks an order appointing a receiver who would assume control of managing of the property.
The lawsuit is the latest effort by City Atty. Rocky Delgadillo’s office to use the civil courts to crack down on alleged gang hangouts.
Prosecutors allege owner Jacob Libman allows the gang -- known as MS-13 -- to live in, and use, the building as a stronghold for illicit activity.
“We are using every tool against this gang,” said Bruce Riordan, the city’s top gang prosecutor. “We want to keep MS-13 guessing what is going to happen next.”
The property, at 833 Fedora St., is part of the city attorney’s Project TOUGH (Taking Out Urban Gang Headquarters), which already has targeted several gang-controlled properties. One of those properties was a residence used by the Avenues gang on Drew Street. It was demolished last week.
Prosecutors allege the 24-apartment building on Fedora Street has become a magnet for criminal activity.
- Since October 2004, dozens of crimes have been committed at or near the property, Riordan said.
- The suit also alleges that the landlord permitted the gang to run an “after-hours club” where alcohol, drugs and sex were available for purchase.
- Libman is already facing a felony drug charge in connection with a December 2008 arrest, according to prosecutors.
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