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Topic: Amor De Cobra
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

The first thing you notice about the graffiti of the Insane Spanish Cobra Nation (ISCN) is the fidelity they express for their gang. Wherever there is Cobra graffiti, you will find Amore de Cobra, Cobra Love or it's equivalent 3-12. The gang comes first and the individuality plays a secondary role except when necessary.

People who are aware of the Cobra gang community fear this summer. The Chicago leadership is said to be waiting for the release from prison of some key figures and then the war will be in full force as the Cobras strive to regain their full influence.


Last edited by untanglingwebs on Fri Sep 22, 2017 1:34 pm; edited 2 times in total
Post Mon May 13, 2013 6:29 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

GANGSTER 2

GANGSTER 2
In Depth GANGSTER REPORTS

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Spanish Cobra gang members arrested

Friday, 17 October 2008


Spanish Cobra gang members arrested


00:01 | Imperial Gangsters , Insane Unknowns , Latin Brothers , Latin Eagles , Latin Jivers , Latin Kings , Maniac Campbell Boys , Maniac Latin Disciples , Milwaukee Kings , Simon City Royals

Twenty-five suspected Spanish Cobra gang members arrested Wednesday morning now face federal drug and gun charges, while six more are being sought as fugitives. Those being sought as fugitives are:
-- Ernesto Vargas, 22, of 1055 N. St. Louis Ave.;
-- Daniel Bonilla, 25, of 2544 N. Harding Ave.;
-- Erick Brito, 27, of 2526 W. Cortez St.;
-- Taki Spencer, 28, of 1017 N. Rockwell St.;
-- Gilberto Vargas, 20, of 3907 W. Armitage Ave.; and
-- Chauvet Stiggers, 22, of 8000 S. Kedvale Ave.

In all, 31 people face state or federal charges, according to a release from the FBI. Federal drug charges, including cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana distribution, were lodged against 18 suspects, while and 13 more face state drug and gun charges, according to the release. The charges are the culmination of a two-year investigation called "Operation Snake Charmer," a cooperation between local, state and federal law enforcement to break up the hierarchy of Chicago drug trafficking street gangs, the release said. Police used undercover witnesses, including former gang members, as well as court-authorized electronic surveillance and undercover audio and video surveillance of drug deals as part of the investigation.

"The Spanish Cobras are an organized, centrally-controlled street gang whose members conspire together to sell drugs and protect and enforce their territory in the Chicago area," Robert Grant, special agent-in-charge of the Chicago FBI office, said in the release. "These arrests should remind gangs that law enforcement here is united in our efforts to eradicate the city and suburbs of this plague."


Those arrested and charged federally were scheduled to appear later Wednesday in federal court in front of Judge Susan E. Cox. If convicted, they face mandatory minimum sentences of five years and a maximum of life, the release said.
All those charged were from Chicago with the exception of Floyd Dearmond, 20, of East Chicago,

.Insane Spanish Cobras Nation is a "Folks Mob" made up of mostly latinos. Their colors are Green & Black Their symbols include a Cobra Snake, Diamond on Staff w/3 dots. They originated as a Puerto Rican street gang in the Humboldt Park area of Chicago.[ M]any Puerto Rican residents to relocated to the Humboldt Park and West Town neighborhoods where their concentration facilitated the creation of Chicago first Puerto Rican neighborhood along the Division street corridor. This area was called "La Division." Around this time, clique orientated clubs and street gangs began to solidify their presence throughout these neighborhoods. Soon after, the Spanish Cobras and Latin Kings street gang began to feud in the Humboldt Park community.

In the late 1960's-to-early 70's, the Spanish Cobras united with Latin Disciples, Imperial Gangsters, and Latin Eagles to form the United Latino Organization (ULO), which acted as an alliance among Latino street gangs before the Folks & People alliances were originated in the late 1970's.
(FOLK-NATION)They've done battle with the Simon City Royals:

A key factor in the growth of the Spanish Cobras was the acquisition of territory in Logan Square and in and around the Koz Park area. Prior to this, the Simon City Royals street gang had a firm hold on the grounds.The Spanish Cobras and Simon City Royals fought a violent battle over the control of Koz Park in the 1980's, in which many lives were lost on both sides.They have organized other street gangs:
In 1992, the Spanish Cobras became the principle founder of the "Insane Familia", a group of Latino Folks gangs allied on the streets and in the prisons. All organizations granted membership into the Insane Familia adopted the prefix "Insane" to their gangs title.Here's a list of known rivals:Latin Kings, Insane Unknowns, Simon City Royals, Maniac Latin Disciples, Maniac Campbell Boys, Imperial Gangsters, Latin Eagles, Latin Jivers, Milwaukee Kings, Latin Brothers, Latin Stylers, and Latin Pachucos street gangs





Cobras, Imperial Gangsters, Latin Lovers, Spanish Lords, Insane Unknowns ...





Spanish Cobra gang members arrested ~ GANGLAND

royalespot.blogspot.com/2008/10/spanish-cobra-gang-members...

Oct 17, 2008 · King’s College London says it ... Twenty-five suspected Spanish Cobra gang members arrested Wednesday ... Ind.Insane Spanish Cobras Nation


Last edited by untanglingwebs on Mon May 13, 2013 7:08 pm; edited 1 time in total
Post Mon May 13, 2013 6:53 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

The Cobras are in Flint and Detroit Michigan as well as other areas.
Post Mon May 13, 2013 7:02 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Woodrow Stanley was in office when crime watch leaders noticed there was a more sinister difference between the Cobras and the local street hoods. When this concern was conveyed to the Mayor and his administration, this concern was downplayed . "They are just youth groups" was the official response.

But the Cobras and other Chicago based gangs with their well developed hierarchies, were moving into Flint. Lt Gary Hagler ran the CATT team and the department underwent gang training. You could tell the CATT team worked out in the gym because they were huge muscular police. And the Cobras hated them. They once painted "Catt Killa on a Franklin Avenue storefront near new York Street.

It was mainly through the efforts of Hagler's specialized units that made then Prosecutor Arthur A Busch's racketeering (RICO) bust of the Cobras even possible. Busch's next target was to b the Gangster Disciples, but he left office before he could accomplish that RICO bust.
Post Tue May 14, 2013 12:55 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

The Cobras treated gang members as family. They held meetings and everyone paid dues. Young runaways, called nomads by the police, came to Flint from Lapeer and even Shiawasee County and became part of the Cobra criminal enterprise.
Documents show they usually stole a car in Flint and drove into the out county to commit robberies. They then stole second car to return.

Their criminal activities were not confined to Genesee County. The defendants in one case admitted to going to Traverse City to rob a jewelry store.

During the RICO case, court records showed the gang often held meeting at a local community center and discipline for violations was sometimes meted out behind the center.
Post Tue May 14, 2013 1:05 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Search Results ▼
FBI — Taylor Man Sentenced to 84 Months for Drug Conspiracy and ...
http://www.fbi.gov/…conspiracy-and-firearms-offenseOct 2, 2012 ... Joshua Kevin Oribello, 22, of Taylor, Michigan, was sentenced ... or were affiliated with, a criminal gang known as the Insane Spanish Cobras.


Taylor Man Sentenced to 84 Months for Drug Conspiracy and Firearms Offense



U.S. Attorney’s Office October 02, 2012

Eastern District of Michigan (313) 226-9100




Joshua Kevin Oribello, 22, of Taylor, Michigan, was sentenced yesterday in federal district court in Detroit following a guilty plea to drug and firearms offenses, announced United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade. McQuade was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Robert Foley, III, Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Oribello was sentenced by the Honorable Avern Cohn to 84 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.

Information presented to the court at the time of the sentencing established that in October 2010, Obribello and others conspired to distribute heroin, cocaine, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (commonly known as “ecstasy” or MDMA). Oribello and several of his co-conspirators were members of, or were affiliated with, a criminal gang known as the Insane Spanish Cobras. Oribello and others agreed to transport illegal controlled substances, including heroin, cocaine, and ecstasy, from Detroit, Michigan to the Alpena, Michigan area and distribute the controlled substances in the Alpena area. One of the co-conspirators, an Insane Spanish Cobras member, instructed defendant Oribello and another person affiliated with the Insane Spanish Cobras to obtain firearms for gang use and to trade controlled substances for firearms. Oribello and others agreed to receive firearms from a person in the Alpena area as payment for cocaine, in lieu of currency.

Oribello and others transported heroin, cocaine, and ecstasy supplied by gang members from Detroit to the Alpena area. Between October 2 and October 25, 2010, Oribello and others sold heroin, cocaine, and ecstasy to other people in the Alpena area. During this time period, Oribello made additional trips to transport heroin, cocaine, and ecstasy from Detroit to the Alpena area and to transport proceeds of illegal drug sales to another Insane Spanish Cobras gang member in Detroit.

In late October 2010, an Insane Spanish Cobras member received six firearms that had been stolen during a burglary in the Alpena area in exchange for cocaine and took them to the residence of another gang member in Hillman, Michigan. On October 25, 2010, as instructed by a Detroit-area Insane Spanish Cobras member, Oribello drove from Detroit to the Alpena/Hillman area, picked-up the gang member and the firearms, and attempted to transport them to Detroit. Shortly after leaving the residence, Oribello and the gang member were intercepted and arrested by law enforcement, including members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Gang Task Force and the Michigan State Police Huron Undercover Narcotics Team .

“Armed drug traffickers pose a danger to the communities where the operate,” McQuade said. “Sentences like this one send a message that the community will not tolerate this kind of conduct.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Foley stated, “”Violence in our communities can often be traced back to the illegal sale of guns and drugs. The FBI and its law enforcement partners are committed to ensuring safety for our citizens and stopping this type of criminal activity.”

The cooperative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Gang Task Force and the Michigan State Police Huron Undercover Narcotics Team were recognized and applauded by U.S. Attorney McQuade. Assistant United States Attorney Mark Chasteen of the office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit prosecuted the case for the United States.
Post Tue May 14, 2013 1:10 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Israel Gonzalez was known as Hercules and if I remember correctly, Guerra was Face.






PEOPLE v. GONZALEZ




PEOPLE of the State of Michigan, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Israel J. GONZALEZ, Defendant-Appellant.

People of the State of Michigan, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. David Anthony Guerra, Defendant-Appellant.



Docket Nos. 223401, 223402.

-- April 08, 2003
Before:  WHITE, P.J. and KIRSTEN FRANK KELLY and R.S. GRIBBS,JJ.*

Michael A. Cox, Attorney General, Thomas L. Casey, Solicitor General, Arthur A. Busch, Prosecuting Attorney, Timothy J. Cassady, Chief, Research, Training, and Appeals, and Michael A. Tesner, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, for the people.Patrick K. Ehlmann, Lansing, for Israel J. Gonzalez.Neil C. Szabo, Flint, for David A. Guerra.

In these consolidated appeals from a joint jury trial, defendants Israel J. Gonzalez (Docket No. 223401) and David A. Guerra (Docket No. 223402) appeal as of right.

Defendant Gonzalez appeals his convictions of operating a criminal enterprise (racketeering),1 M.C.L. § 750.159i(1);  and soliciting a person to possess with intent to deliver less than fifty grams of cocaine, M.C.L. § 333.7407a(2).   The trial court sentenced defendant Gonzalez as a second-offense habitual offender, M.C.L. § 769.10, to consecutive prison terms of thirteen years and four months to thirty years in prison for the racketeering conviction, and five to forty years in prison for the soliciting conviction.

Defendant Guerra appeals his convictions of racketeering,2 M.C.L. § 750.159i(l );  possession with intent to deliver less than fifty grams of cocaine, M.C.L. § 333.7401(2)(a)(iv);  maintaining a drug house, M.C.L. § 333.7405(1)(d);  and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, M.C.L. § 750.227b. The trial court sentenced defendant Guerra to thirteen years and four months to twenty years in prison for the racketeering conviction, eight to twenty years in prison for the conviction of possession with intent to deliver cocaine, one year and four months to two years in prison for the conviction of maintaining a drug house, and two years for the felony-firearm conviction.   The sentences for racketeering and maintaining a drug house run concurrently;  the other sentences run consecutively.

We affirm.

I. Basic Facts and Procedural History

A Crime Area Target Team of the Flint Police Department, which had been investigating gang activity for several years, discovered that the Spanish Cobras, a gang originating in Chicago, had been active in Flint since the early 1990s.   The Spanish Cobras were primarily drug traffickers, but also committed larcenies, burglaries, thefts, extortion, fencing of stolen property, and assaults.

As part of an investigation of the Spanish Cobras, Michigan State Trooper Dale Girke made several undercover drug transactions to discover the drug source.   Some of these transactions were surveilled by Flint police officers, who ultimately searched Jose Diaz's home finding a safe containing $3,600.   Marked bills from the drug transactions with Trooper Girke were also traced to Diaz. In March 1998, Flint police executed a search warrant at Diaz's home where they found firearms and various items exhibiting gang colors and symbols, as well as photographs of gang members, including defendants, wearing gang paraphernalia and making gang signs.

In June 1998, Flint police officers executed felony arrest warrants regarding eleven individuals, including defendant Guerra.   During the execution of defendant Guerra's arrest warrant, Lieutenant Gary Hagler approached defendant Guerra's house and saw him run from the front door.   Defendant Guerra did not run straight for the back door, but ran through other rooms of the house.   He was arrested on the back patio.   During what the prosecutor argues was a protective sweep of the house, officers observed marijuana.   On the basis of this observation and other information, the police obtained a search warrant.   Pursuant to the search warrant, police seized two bags containing over ten grams of cocaine, a nine-millimeter, semiautomatic pistol, a quilt with gang symbols and colors, other gang-related material and photographs, and drug paraphernalia.

Defendants, as well as three other individuals,3 were charged with racketeering, M.C.L. § 750.159i(l ), in connection with their alleged membership and participation in the illegal activities of the Spanish Cobras.

II. Evidentiary Issues

A. Standard of Review and Generally Applicable Law

 The decision whether to admit evidence is within the discretion of the trial court and will not be disturbed on appeal absent a clear abuse of discretion.  People v. Snider, 239 Mich.App. 393, 419, 608 N.W.2d 502 (2000).   An abuse of discretion is found only if an unprejudiced person, considering the facts on which the trial court acted, would say that there was no justification or excuse for the ruling made.  Id. A decision on a close evidentiary question ordinarily cannot be an abuse of discretion.   People v. Sabin (After Remand), 463 Mich. 43, 67, 614 N.W.2d 888 (2000).   Decisions regarding the admission of evidence that involve a preliminary question of law, such as the interpretation of a rule of evidence, are reviewed de novo.   People v. Lukity, 460 Mich. 484, 488, 596 N.W.2d 607 (1999).

 Generally, all relevant evidence is admissible.  MRE 402.   Relevant evidence is “evidence having any tendency to make the existence of any fact that is of consequence to the determination of the action more probable or less probable than it would be without the evidence.”  MRE 401.   Relevant evidence “may be excluded if its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading the jury, or by considerations of undue delay, waste of time, or needless presentation of cumulative evidence.”  MRE 403.   A determination of the prejudicial effect of evidence is “ ‘best left to a contemporaneous assessment of the presentation, credibility, and effect of testimony’ by the trial judge.”  People v. Bahoda, 448 Mich. 261, 291, 531 N.W.2d 659 (1995), quoting People v. VanderVliet, 444 Mich. 52, 81, 508 N.W.2d 114 (1993).

B. Criminal Activities of Others

 Defendants first argue that the trial court abused its discretion in admitting evidence concerning the criminal activities of others.   We disagree.

Defendants were convicted pursuant to M.C.L. § 750.159i(1):  “A person employed by, or associated with, an enterprise shall not knowingly conduct or participate in the affairs of the enterprise directly or indirectly through a pattern of racketeering activity.”  MCL 750.159f(a) defines “enterprise” as “an individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, trust, union, association, governmental unit, or other legal entity or a group or persons associated in fact although not a legal entity. Enterprise includes illicit as well as licit enterprises.”  MCL 750.159g defines “racketeering,” in relevant part, as follows:

As used in this chapter, “racketeering” means committing, attempting to commit, conspiring to commit, or aiding or abetting, soliciting, coercing, or intimidating a person to commit an offense for financial gain, involving any of the following:

 * * *

(c) A felony violation of part 74 or section 17766a of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, M.C.L. § 333.7401 to 333.7461 and 333.7766a, concerning controlled substances or androgenic anabolic steroids.

 * * *

(r) A violation of section 213, concerning extortion.

 * * *

(ff) A violation of section 529, 529a, 530, 531, concerning robbery.

(gg) A felony violation of section 535, 535a, 536a, concerning stolen, embezzled, or converted property.

MCL 750.159f(c) defines a “pattern of racketeering activity” as follows:

“Pattern of racketeering activity” means not less than 2 incidents of racketeering to which all of the following characteristics apply:

(i) The incidents have the same or a substantially similar purpose, result, participant, victim, or method of commission, or are otherwise interrelated by distinguishing characteristics and are not isolated acts.

(ii) The incidents amount to or pose a threat of continued criminal activity.

(iii) At least 1 of the incidents occurred within this state on or after the effective date of the amendatory act that added this section, and the last of the incidents occurred within 10 years after the commission of any prior incident, excluding any period of imprisonment served by a person engaging in the racketeering activity.

The statute was intended to create state racketeering law analogous to the Racketeering Influence and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), 18 USC 1961 et seq.   House Legislative Analysis, HB 4367, January 12, 1996.   RICO recognizes two types of enterprises.  18 USC 1962(a)-(c).  The type that applies to this case is set forth in subsection 1962(c), conducting the affairs of an enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity.   Under this subsection, the enterprise is “the instrument through which illegal activity is conducted.”  United States v. Chance, 306 F.3d 356, 372-373 (C.A.6, 2002).   To prove this type of enterprise under RICO, the government must show

1) an ongoing organization with some sort of framework or superstructure for making and carrying out decisions;  2) that the members of the enterprise functioned as a continuing unit with established duties;  and 3) that the enterprise was separate and distinct from the pattern of racketeering activity in which it engaged.  [Id., citing Frank v. D'Ambrosi, 4 F.3d 1378, 1386 (C.A.6, 1993).]

 Here, the challenged evidence was relevant to establish the existence of the enterprise and the participation of its members in a pattern of criminal activity.   During the execution of the search warrant at Diaz's home on March 17, 1998, police officers discovered a photo album covered in green and black, the Spanish Cobras' colors. On the front of the album was Diaz's photograph cut in a diamond shape, a Spanish Cobras symbol.   The album contained photographs of Diaz, defendants, and others making gang signs.   This evidence tended to show that defendants were part of the enterprise known as the Spanish Cobras.   The photo album was, therefore, relevant to show the existence of the Spanish Cobras and defendants' membership therein.   Regarding the evidence of weapons found in the home, both defendants were seen possessing firearms and defendant Guerra was charged with felony-firearm.   Therefore, this evidence was also relevant.

The testimony of Trooper Girke regarding drug transactions was relevant to show a pattern of the Spanish Cobras' criminal activity.   Working undercover, Trooper Girke acted as a buyer in three drug transactions with Mary Parrish.   In two of the transactions, the vehicle involved belonged to Diaz and was followed back to Diaz's home after the sale.   In addition, some of the money used by Trooper Girke was traced to Diaz. Because other evidence had already been admitted that tended to establish that Diaz was a member and leader of the Spanish Cobras, this additional evidence tended to show that the Spanish Cobras was an organization involved in the street sale of cocaine.   Thus, it was admissible to establish an element of racketeering.

Defendant Gonzalez did not object to the testimony of Officer David Forysteck, Bethany Carter, and Ryan Pinkston.   Nonetheless, this testimony also tended to show that the Spanish Cobras were an enterprise involved in drug trafficking and violence.   Given the other evidence that established the existence of the Spanish Cobras and their activities, no plain error affecting defendants' substantial rights occurred when the jury heard this testimony.   People v. Pesquera, 244 Mich.App. 305, 316, 625 N.W.2d 407 (2001), citing People v. Carines, 460 Mich. 750, 763, 597 N.W.2d 130 (1999).
C. Assault

 Defendant Guerra next argues that the trial court abused its discretion in admitting evidence of an assault that was allegedly ordered by him.   We disagree.

The trial court did not err in admitting the evidence that defendant Guerra ordered another Spanish Cobra member to assault Ryan Pinkston.   This evidence tended to demonstrate defendant's leadership role in the Spanish Cobras.   The evidence was material in that defendant's participation in the affairs of the Spanish Cobras was at issue during his trial.   It was also probative, making his leadership in the Spanish Cobras more probable.

D. Gang Affiliation

 Defendant Guerra next argues that the prosecutor improperly introduced evidence of gang affiliation without an adequate foundation.   We disagree.

 To avoid forfeiture of an unpreserved claim of prosecutorial misconduct, defendant must show a plain error affecting his substantial rights.  People v. Rodriguez, 251 Mich.App. 10, 32, 650 N.W.2d 96 (2002).   “Issues of prosecutorial misconduct are decided case by case, with the reviewing court examining the pertinent portion of the record and evaluating the prosecutor's remarks in context.”  People v. Noble, 238 Mich.App. 647, 660, 608 N.W.2d 123 (1999).

Specifically, defendant Guerra argues that the prosecutor improperly elicited the testimony of Lieutenant Hagler regarding names of other gang members whose identities were derived from hearsay and gang profiles.   Defendant Guerra argues that the purpose of admitting this evidence was to establish that Lieutenant Hagler was a gang expert.   We find that the challenged conduct did not constitute plain error because the prosecutor introduced the evidence on the basis of Lieutenant Hagler's declared status as an expert witness in the area of street-gang investigation and practices.   Even if it was plain error, it could not have affected defendant Guerra's substantial rights because the complained of conduct occurred during a small portion of the direct examination of one witness and did not infect the entire trial.

E. Plea Agreement

 Defendant Guerra next argues that the trial court abused its discretion in not allowing him to impeach witness Mary Parrish with evidence of her plea agreement.   We disagree .

D efendant Guerra called Parrish in his case-in-chief, apparently to mitigate the testimony of a prosecution witness.   Defendant now argues that Parrish's agreement with the prosecutor to give truthful testimony in exchange for a more lenient sentence was admissible to show her bias toward the prosecution.   However, we note that defense counsel first elicited Parrish's testimony that defendant had threatened her.   The prosecution elicited further testimony about this matter on cross-examination.

While a witness's credibility may be attacked by the party calling the witness, MRE 607, defendant was attempting to impeach testimony that he initially elicited from Parrish.  “Because error requiring reversal cannot be error to which the aggrieved party contributed by plan or negligence, defendant has waived appellate review of this issue.”  People v. Griffin, 235 Mich.App. 27, 46, 597 N.W.2d 176 (1999).   Regardless of this waiver, though it may be error requiring reversal to exclude evidence of a prosecution witness's plea agreement on the basis of the right of confrontation, People v. Mumford, 183 Mich.App. 149, 154, 455 N.W.2d 51 (1990), there is no such error here because defense counsel called Parrish to testify and elicited her testimony about defendant Guerra's threat.   Therefore, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying defendant Guerra's request to present the fact that Parrish was offered a plea agreement by the prosecution.

F. Similar Acts

Defendant Guerra next argues that the trial court abused its discretion in “allowing the jury to consider similar acts evidence for an improper purpose without sufficient notice to the defendant.”   We disagree.

To begin with, we note that defendant Guerra did not object to the admission of similar-acts evidence, nor does he argue on appeal that the evidence was improperly admitted.   Rather, he argues that the trial court, in response to the jury's inquiry, improperly instructed the jury that it could “consider all the relevant evidence introduced during the course of this trial on the element of intent in order to determine whether the possession of cocaine ․ was possession with intent to deliver cocaine.” 4  Defendant Guerra does not contest that the evidence was properly considered in relation to his racketeering charge.   Rather, he argues that the evidence should not have been considered in regard to the charge of possession with intent to deliver less than fifty grams of cocaine.   Thus, the scope of our review does not include whether the evidence was properly admitted under MRE 404(b).  Our inquiry is instead limited to whether the trial court properly instructed the jury.

 To preserve an instructional error for review, a defendant must object to the instruction before the jury deliberates.  MCR 2.515(C). Because the alleged error was not properly preserved,5 we review this issue for plain error affecting the defendant's substantial rights.  People v. Knapp, 244 Mich.App. 361, 375, 624 N.W.2d 227 (2001), citing Carines, supra at 766-767, 597 N.W.2d 130.   This Court reviews jury instructions in their entirety to determine whether there is error requiring reversal.  People v. Aldrich, 246 Mich.App. 101, 124, 631 N.W.2d 67 (2001).   We will not reverse a conviction if the instructions fairly presented the issues to be tried and sufficiently protected the defendant's rights.   Id.

 The elements of possession of less than fifty grams of cocaine with intent to deliver are:  “(1) that the recovered substance is cocaine, (2) that the cocaine is in a mixture weighing less than fifty grams, (3) that defendant was not authorized to possess the substance, and (4) that defendant knowingly possessed the cocaine with intent to deliver.”  People v. Wolfe, 440 Mich. 508, 516-517, 489 N.W.2d 748 (1992), mod 441 Mich. 1201, 489 N.W.2d 748 (1992).  “Actual delivery is not required to prove intent to deliver.”  People v. Fetterley, 229 Mich.App. 511, 517, 583 N.W.2d 199 (1998).  “An actor's intent may be inferred from all of the facts and circumstances, and because of the difficulty of proving an actor's state of mind, minimal circumstantial evidence is sufficient.”  Id. at 517-518, 583 N.W.2d 199 (citations omitted).  “Possession with intent to deliver can be established by circumstantial evidence and reasonable inferences arising from that evidence, just as it can be established by direct evidence.”  Wolfe, supra at 526, 489 N.W.2d 748.

In this case, Sergeant Harold Payer testified that the amount of cocaine found in defendant Guerra's home, when considered with other confiscated items such as the sifter containing cocaine residue, a baggie containing cocaine, and weapons, led him to believe that defendant Guerra intended to deliver the cocaine, not merely possess it.   This evidence alone was sufficient to support defendant Guerra's conviction.   Therefore, the alleged instructional error did not affect defendant Guerra's substantial rights.
III. Sentencing Issues

A. Sentencing Guidelines

Defendants next argue that the trial court abused its discretion in using the judicial rather than the legislative sentencing guidelines in formulating their sentences.   We disagree.

 Generally, appellate review of sentencing under the judicial sentencing guidelines is limited to whether the sentencing court abused it discretion.  Fetterley, supra at 525, 583 N.W.2d 199.   A sentencing court abuses its discretion when it violates the principle of proportionality, which requires that a sentence be proportionate to the seriousness of the crime and the defendant's record.  People v. Milbourn, 435 Mich. 630, 635-636, 654, 461 N.W.2d 1 (1990);  People v. Bennett, 241 Mich.App. 511, 515, 616 N.W.2d 703 (2000).

MCL 769.34(1) provides that the judicial sentencing guidelines “shall not apply to felonies ․ committed on or after January 1, 1999.”  MCL 769.34(2) provides that the sentencing guidelines promulgated by the Legislature apply to felonies “committed on or after January 1, 1999.”  People v. Reynolds, 240 Mich.App. 250, 254, 611 N.W.2d 316 (2000).

 The trial court did not err in applying the judicial guidelines because the offenses of which defendants were convicted occurred before January 1, 1999.   Defendant Guerra was not charged with any conduct that occurred after 1998.   Of the alleged predicate offenses underlying the racketeering charge against defendant Gonzalez, only one occurred after January 1, 1999, intimidating a witness in March 1999.   The jury did not find defendant Gonzalez guilty of this offense.

 However, defendant Gonzalez also argues that the evidence supporting his solicitation conviction is ambiguous with regard to the date the offense occurred.   The subject of defendant Gonzalez's solicitation first testified about a sale of marijuana that occurred in the summer of 1997.   This witness was then questioned about cocaine solicitation, to which the witness responded that there was “just one incident.”   The exchange continued:

Q. When was that?

A. Not too long after that, probably in the wintertime after that.

Q. And would that put it one side or the other of New Year's, if you know?

A. Not exactly sure.

Q. So that would have been either just-would-would it be fair to say winter can be either side of New Year's.

A. Yes.

Q. It would be either the late end of ′97 or the beginning of ′98.

A. Well, that-that it was-it had-I think it was in the winter of ′98-

Q. Okay-

A. -it was probably a year after that.

Q. Okay.

A. It was awhile after that.

We agree that this testimony is ambiguous and could be read to place the incident in the early months of 1999.   However, even if the offense occurred after January 1, 1999, any error in applying the judicial guidelines was harmless.   The trial court stated that it would have found substantial and compelling reasons to depart from the legislative guidelines if they had been applied.   The court noted that justification for this departure was found in defendant Gonzalez's criminal history.   Furthermore, the jury found him guilty of eleven of fourteen predicate offenses.   Had the trial court used the legislative guidelines, it would not have abused its discretion in determining that these objective and verifiable factors presented substantial and compelling reasons to depart from the legislative sentencing guidelines.   People v. Babcock, 250 Mich.App. 463, 465-468, 648 N.W.2d 221 (2002).

B. Defendant Gonzalez's Consecutive Sentences

 Defendant Gonzalez next argues that the trial court erred in ordering consecutive sentences for his solicitation and racketeering convictions.   We disagree.

 Whether the trial court properly sentenced a defendant to consecutive sentences is a question of statutory interpretation that is reviewed de novo.  People v. Denio, 454 Mich. 691, 698-699, 564 N.W.2d 13 (1997).   A consecutive sentence may be imposed only if specifically authorized by law.  People v. Lee, 233 Mich.App. 403, 405, 592 N.W.2d 779 (1999).

In this case, defendant Gonzalez was convicted of soliciting Ryan Pinkston to possess less than fifty grams of cocaine with intent to deliver.  MCL 333.7407a(2).  “Except as otherwise provided 6 ․ a person who violates this section is guilty of a crime punishable by ․ the penalty for the crime he or she solicited, induced, or intimidated another person to commit.”  MCL 333.7407a(3).   Possession with intent to deliver less than fifty grams of cocaine is prohibited by M.C.L. § 333.7401(2)(a)(iv).  MCL 333.7401(3) prescribes consecutive sentencing for offenses involving controlled substances that are enumerated in M.C.L. § 333.7401(2)(a).  People v. Spann, 250 Mich.App. 527, 655 N.W.2d 251 (2002).   Our Supreme Court has interpreted M.C.L. § 333.7401(3) to require consecutive sentencing for a defendant convicted of conspiracy to commit one of the enumerated offenses.  Denio, supra at 691, 564 N.W.2d 13.   Therefore, we find the trial court did not err in imposing consecutive sentences for these offenses.

C. Proportionality of Defendant Gonzalez's Sentences

 Defendant Gonzalez also argues that the trial court erred in imposing a disproportionate sentence.   We disagree.

 As discussed above, the legislative sentencing guidelines do not apply to defendant Gonzalez's convictions.   Additionally, the judicial sentencing guidelines do not apply because he was sentenced as an habitual offender.  People v. Colon, 250 Mich.App. 59, 65, 644 N.W.2d 790 (2002).   This Court reviews the sentence of an habitual offender for an abuse of discretion.  Id. at 64, 644 N.W.2d 790.  “Nonetheless, ‘[a] sentence must be proportionate to the seriousness of the crime and the defendant's prior record.   If an habitual offender's underlying felony and criminal history demonstrate that he is unable to conform his conduct to the law, a sentence within the statutory limit is proportionate.’ ”  Id. at 65, 644 N.W.2d 790, quoting People v. Compeau, 244 Mich.App. 595, 598-599, 625 N.W.2d 120 (2001) (citation omitted).

In this case, the jury found defendant Gonzalez guilty of eleven offenses predicate to racketeering, most of which involved the possession or sale of cocaine and marijuana.   The evidence demonstrated that defendant Gonzalez was a leader of the Spanish Cobras and induced others to commit crimes.   Moreover, defendant Gonzalez was a second-offense habitual offender, having previously been convicted of cocaine possession.   Therefore, the evidence demonstrated that he is unable to conform his conduct to the law, and sentencing him within the statutory limits was proper.

Pursuant to M.C.L. § 750.159j, defendant Gonzalez could be imprisoned for the racketeering conviction for not more than twenty years.   However, as a second-offense habitual offender, M.C.L. § 769.10, he could be sentenced to a maximum term that was not more than 1-1/2 times the longest term prescribed for the offense.   Therefore, defendant Gonzalez's maximum sentence for racketeering, thirty years, is within the statutory limit.   Pursuant to M.C.L. § 333.7407a(3), defendant Gonzalez could be sentenced for his solicitation conviction to the “penalty for the crime he or she solicited, induced, or intimidated another person to commit.”   The sentence that can be imposed for possession of less than fifty grams of cocaine with intent to deliver is not less than one year nor more than twenty years.  MCL 333.7401(2)(a)(iv).   Because defendant Gonzalez had previously been convicted of possession of less than twenty-five grams of cocaine, he was subject to having this sentence enhanced to “not more than twice the term authorized.”   MCL 333.7413(2).   Therefore, the sentence the trial court imposed for this offense, five to forty years in prison, is within the statutory limit.   Accordingly, we find no abuse of discretion.

IV. Motion to Suppress

Defendant Guerra next argues that the trial court erred in denying his motion to suppress evidence found in his home.   We disagree.

 This Court reviews for clear error a trial court's ruling on a motion to suppress evidence.  People v. Stevens (After Remand), 460 Mich. 626, 631, 597 N.W.2d 53 (1999).   To the extent that the trial court's decision is based on an interpretation of the law, our review is de novo.   People v. Kaslowski, 239 Mich.App. 320, 323, 608 N.W.2d 539 (2000).

 The right of individuals to be secure against unreasonable searches and seizures is guaranteed by both the federal and state constitutions.  U.S. Const., Am. IV;  Const. 1963, art. 1, § 11.   The lawfulness of a search and seizure depends on its reasonableness.  People v. Beuschlein, 245 Mich.App. 744, 749, 630 N.W.2d 921 (2001).   Searches conducted without a warrant are unreasonable per se, unless the police conduct falls under one of several specifically established and well-delineated exceptions.  People v. Kazmierczak, 461 Mich. 411, 418, 605 N.W.2d 667 (2000);  Beuschlein, supra at 749, 630 N.W.2d 921.   Generally, items that are seized during an unlawful search or that are the indirect results of an unlawful search may not be admitted as evidence against a defendant under the exclusionary rule.  Stevens, supra at 634, 597 N.W.2d 53.   Two exceptions to the exclusion of evidence seized during a search without a warrant are applicable here:  a search incident to a lawful arrest, People v. Toohey, 438 Mich. 265, 271 n. 4, 475 N.W.2d 16 (1991);  People v. Eaton, 241 Mich.App. 459, 461-462, 617 N.W.2d 363 (2000), and seizures of items in plain view if the officers are lawfully in the position from which they view the item, and if the item's incriminating character is immediately apparent, People v. Champion, 452 Mich. 92, 101, 549 N.W.2d 849 (1996).

We find that the trial court did not err in denying defendant Guerra's motion to suppress.   When the officers executed the arrest warrant against defendant Guerra, Lieutenant Hagler knew that Guerra was a member of the Spanish Cobras, and that Guerra sold narcotics and used guns.   Lieutenant Hagler was also aware of threats made to the police by Spanish Cobra members, including defendant Guerra's cousin.   Additionally, some of the arrest warrants against defendant Guerra were for violent offenses.

When Hagler approached defendant Guerra's house, he noticed defendant Guerra behind an Armorguard door.   After Hagler announced his purpose and ordered defendant Guerra to comply, defendant Guerra ran in the opposite direction through the house, zigzagging through other rooms.   Lieutenant Hagler entered the house and chased defendant Guerra past other people in the home, to the back door where defendant Guerra stepped outside and was apprehended.

Given these circumstances, the trial court did not err in determining that the police conduct was reasonable.   Lieutenant Hagler articulated facts that would form “a reasonable belief” that there may have been individuals in defendant Guerra's home who posed a danger to the arresting officers.   The officers knew that other individuals affiliated with the Spanish Cobras, including some wanted for assaultive crimes and murder, were still at large and could be hiding in defendant Guerra's home.   It was reasonable to perform a protective sweep of the house, including the basement, to ensure that no individuals were hiding in the house.   The officers also noted defendant Guerra's girlfriend Sandra Fierros' presence and checked her person and the area immediately around her for firearms.   While performing this protective sweep, the officers observed an ashtray containing marijuana seeds and stems on the dining-room table.   In addition, the officers found a marijuana cigarette on the floor in front of a couch in the basement.   Both of these items were immediately recognizable as contraband and were located in plain view.   Because the officers' conduct was reasonable, it was not improper to list these items of contraband on the request for a search warrant.   Accordingly, the evidence found pursuant to the warrant was admissible against defendant Guerra at trial.   The trial court did not err in denying defendant Guerra's motion to suppress. V. Jurisdiction Over Predicate Juvenile Offense

 Defendant Guerra also argues that the trial court erred in refusing to instruct the jury that the trial court did not have jurisdiction over a predicate offense that occurred when defendant Guerra was a juvenile.   We disagree.7  Issues of subject-matter jurisdiction are reviewed de novo.  People v. Harris, 224 Mich.App. 597, 599, 569 N.W.2d 525 (1997).   A lack of subject-matter jurisdiction cannot be waived by a party.  People v. Eaton, 184 Mich.App. 649, 652, 459 N.W.2d 86 (1990).   This Court also reviews de novo claims of instructional error.  People v. Hall, 249 Mich.App. 262, 269, 643 N.W.2d 253 (2002).

Defendant Guerra argues that pursuant to M.C.L. § 712A.4, the circuit court did not have jurisdiction to consider the charge of delivery of cocaine or possession with intent to deliver cocaine that occurred when he was a juvenile, absent a waiver hearing.   However, this issue is moot 8 because the jury did not find defendant Guerra guilty of that offense.   All the other predicate offenses, of which defendant Guerra was convicted, occurred when he was at least eighteen years old.

 Defendant Guerra argues that even if the jurisdictional issue is moot, we should still address the instructional issue because “the trial court also instructed the jury that this alleged conduct may be considered when determining guilt on Count II [possession with intent to deliver less than fifty grams of cocaine].”   Although the jury was permitted to consider evidence of the alleged juvenile conduct, it found that there was insufficient evidence to establish that this conduct occurred.   Having found that this act was not proven beyond a reasonable doubt, it is improbable that the jury considered it in relation to Count II. Moreover, even without the evidence of defendant Guerra's juvenile act, there was ample evidence to support his conviction as discussed above.   Therefore, even if the trial court erred in denying defendant Guerra's request for the jury instruction, defendant Guerra cannot show a miscarriage of justice under the “more probable than not” standard, Carines, supra at 774, 597 N.W.2d 130;  Lukity, supra at 495-496, 596 N.W.2d 607.

Affirmed.

While I agree with the result reached by the majority, I write separately because my reasoning differs on several issues.

Regarding evidence of the criminal activities of others, I agree that evidence concerning the album seized from Jose Diaz's home was relevant and admissible.   I find no error requiring reversal in the admission of the other evidence challenged on appeal because I conclude that the admission of evidence of guns found in the search was harmless, and that witness Theresa Goodman provided adequate foundation for testimony concerning the drug transactions with Diaz and Mary Parrish.

I agree that any error in admitting Lt. Gary Hagler's testimony regarding various individuals' membership in the gang did not affect the outcome of the trial.  People v. Lukity, 460 Mich. 484, 495, 596 N.W.2d 607 (1999).

I conclude that the trial court erred in refusing to allow defendant Guerra to question Parrish regarding her plea agreement.   However, the error did not affect the outcome of the trial.  Id.

Regarding the similar-acts evidence and the jury's consideration of the evidence in relation to the count of possession with intent to deliver, I find no error requiring reversal under the circumstances because defendant Guerra did not request a limiting instruction when the evidence was admitted, and objects to the evidence only on the basis of failure to give the notice required by MRE 404(b).

Lastly, with regard to defendant Guerra's motion to suppress, I conclude that the initial search was far more expansive than is permissible as a protective sweep.  Maryland v. Buie, 494 U.S. 325, 337, 110 S.Ct. 1093, 108 L.Ed.2d 276 (1990);  People v. Shaw, 188 Mich.App. 520, 524-525, 470 N.W.2d 90 (1991).   However, because the marijuana that formed the basis for the search warrant was observed in plain view while the officers were engaged in permissible, protective activity, I agree that the denial of the motion to suppress should be affirmed.

FOOTNOTES

1.  The jury found defendant Gonzalez guilty of eleven of the fourteen crimes listed under the racketeering charge on the felony information.

2.  The jury found defendant Guerra guilty of three of the seven crimes listed under the racketeering charge on the felony information.

3.  Before trial, the three individuals entered guilty pleas and testified at trial.

4.  This instruction was merely a reiteration of the instruction provided before jury deliberation began.

5.  Defense counsel objected after the jury was excused and deliberations commenced.

6.  The parties do not argue that these exceptions are applicable to this case.

7.  We note that this issue is somewhat oddly articulated.   Although this issue is framed as whether the trial court lacked jurisdiction, defendant Guerra's argument is that the trial court improperly denied his request for a jury instruction that the trial court lacked jurisdiction over the juvenile offense.   We also note that defendant Guerra did not object to the evidence of the offense when it was admitted at trial.

8.  An issue is moot where a subsequent event renders it impossible for this Court to fashion a remedy.  People v. Briseno, 211 Mich.App. 11, 17, 535 N.W.2d 559 (1995).

KIRSTEN FRANK KELLY, J.

R.S. GRIBBS, J., concurred.

.
Post Tue May 14, 2013 1:33 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Jose Diaz is a brother of Israel Gonzalez and his street name was Papo. The brothers were originally from Puerta Rico and they came here from Chicago. I believe three of the brothers were all named Jose Diaz. At least one resided primarily in Lapeer.
Post Tue May 14, 2013 1:40 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

The Cobras street gang has an elaborate hierarchy consisting of Kings, Princes and going through a somewhat military configuration before dropping to the street soldiers. Street talk was that Hercules and Papo were somehow related to King Chuii in Detroit. Jesus Garcia, aka King Chuii, was convicted in the case of a 1999 murder in Detroit. Cobra gang members testified he frequently sent them on "missions" which included the elimination of rival gang members.

I remember talk of King Tuffy C in Chicago. At some point he was said to be replaced by Crazy C.
Post Tue May 14, 2013 2:12 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

While the Cobras are said to be part of the Chicago Folk Alliance, they do not ride under the six point star. Instead they ride under the four point diamond, sometimes represented as a spear with a curved guard and three points around the top points. The three dots are said to represent Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life).
Post Tue May 14, 2013 2:15 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

almighty flame alliance : afa - GANG

ganglit.webs.com/almightyflamealliance.htm

The Bloods and Black P Stones in Kansas City would naturally team up against other gangs because of a distant alliance they already had in Los Angeles.





AFA

The Bloods representing the 5 point star started in the midwest after the 8 ball alliance that occurred in Kansas City, Missouri in 1993 during a gang peace summit. It started because the local crip sets and Gangster Disciple decks were getting savagely attacked by the local Blood sets and Black P Stone decks. The Bloods and Black P Stones in Kansas City would naturally team up against other gangs because of a distant alliance they already had in Los Angeles. So the local Crip sets and Gangster Disciple decks decided to create a secondary alliance and unite under the 8 ball, which is what you get when you put the "C" hand sign and a "Pitch Fork" hand sign together. This alliance caused the Gangster Disciples in Kansas City to allow the Crips who participated in the alliance to adopt the 6 point star with their own meaning and create their own literature to implement the 6 point star in. In light of the Crip and Gangster Disciple alliance, the local Blood sets and Almighty Black P Stones in Kansas City, Missouri took it upon themselves to form a secondary alliance also. The name for this alliance was called the Almghty Flame Alliance (AFA). This alliance caused the Almighty Black P. Stones in Kansas City to allow the Bloods who participated in the alliance to adopt the 5 point star with their own meaning and create their own literature to implement the 5 point star in. All Bloods and Black P Stones under the AFA alliance were to add new teaching to their lit called " The Red Flame Manifesto". All Crips and Gangster Disciples under the 8 ball alliance were to add new teachings to their lit called "The Universal 8 Ball Doctrine". Although these secondary alliances were non-official local alliances that were not embraced in and held no weight in the motherlands of Chicago and Los Angeles, these alliances were still widely embraced by almost everyone else and quickly spread. The 8 Ball Alliance and Almighty Flame Alliance was firmly established by the end of 1993 throughout the United States. Many (not all) Chicago and Los Angeles motherland natives have shown great animosity and hatred towards these new alliances due to the many changes in the structure and ways of the Bloods, Crips, Gangster Disciples, and Almighty Black P Stones that participate in these alliances have made from their origins. Eventhough the Almighty Black P Stones strictly represent to the left, the AFA Blood sets have continued to represent to the right like the original blood sets. This shows that even though they have made the secondary alliance with the Almighty Black P Stones, Bloods have no interest in being part of the People Nation. Not all Bloods represent the 5 point star. Only Bloods sanctioned under the AFA alliance represent the 5 point star. The AFA alliance has allowed members from both the Bloods and Black P Stones to splinter off and create new hybrid Blood / Black P Stone combination gangs that are known to represent to the right side like the Bloods in Los Angeles, but have the word "Stone" attached to their set name, all sanctioned under the AFA alliance.






THE RED FLAME MANIFESTO

The Almighty Oath:

The Red Flame in the eyes of my sisters and brothers shall shine brighter than any other! With this oath I promise to uphold The ( Red Flame Manifesto and The Circle Seven Holy Koran of The Moorish Science Temple of America that was devinely prepared by the noble prophet Drew Ali ) .

Almighty to the Bone, Blood to the Soul! For our brothers we will forever ride, from the East Side all the way to the West side! My Blood and My Soul combined to create the Almighty Devine unified state of mind! Roll them low and roll them high, but never forget that the Almighty Flame is known world wide! Peace Almighty! I'm so high, you're so high, we will be Almighty until the day our physical dies and still be Almighty as our spiritual flies! Peace Almighty! Your enemy is my enemy! Peace Almighty! We are the shining star, the guiding light, Peace Almighty!

The 5:
The Red Flames illuminating our brothers and sisters are shined from the star of the Almighty 5 points of Love, Truth, Peace, Freedom, and Justice. This star is brighter than all others. A star so strong and divine that it has united us to create a union like no other. A unity that is destined for supreme victory over all of our adversaries. A power so strong that it sends shock waves throughout the world. It holds that we are all united under the 5 points of a star that shines with the brightness of the sun. The Fire of the Five will burn and destroy Hatred, Falsehood, Wars, Maya and inharmonies in life. The 5 is me, the 5 is you, the 5 is True! The 5 is the eternal red flame in the sky that will always stay alive! 5 poppin! Peace Almighty! 5 alive! Peace Almighty! Nick nack patty wack give a dog a bone all a enemy will see is a funeral home. Peace Almighty! I live by the 5 and die with pride! Peace Almighty! Up that 5 from One Almighty Body formed from the Unity of Love straight like this! Peace Almighty!

Flag:

All of my brothers and sisters under this Glorious Flame shall hold dearly the Devine colors of the Almighty flag of this alliance.

The red is for the original Bloods, the ABB, the Blood shed by our brothers and sisters in the struggle, and the blood that unites all people of African ancestry .

The Black is for the color of the dark and vicious struggle of our brothers and sisters who have been oppressed in this wicked land, and for the universal U and I VERSES all who oppose this glorious aliance!

The Green is for the land we walk on, the natural green we inhale to keep our minds at Peace, and the money we make and take together.


Og tye- Og Tye was a crab who wanted to become Blood

but in order to become Blood he had to kill six crabs

he killed 5 and at the end of a Bank robbery he killed

himself making 6.

Theres still knowledge from the AFA missing.when i find it ill post it.
Post Thu May 16, 2013 3:58 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

An eastside alliance between Crips and Bloods, called the Flame gang, is challenging the Cobras and threats against police have also been made.
Post Thu May 16, 2013 4:02 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

From the urban dictionary
1. Flamed up

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70 up, 11 down

a Blood word for a person or an item that wears alot of red.

Nigga I stay flamed up.

buy flamed up mugs & shirts

by malice mam Jul 30, 2003 add a video

2. FLAMED UP

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54 up, 12 down

wearing all red.. or all red and black

he looked like a blood he was flamed up

buy flamed up mugs & shirts

blood red black niggas gangs
by juggalopride187 Jul 6, 2006 add a video

3. flamed up

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52 up, 18 down

A gang term used by gangs that rep with red (chiefly Bloods and Northsiders) which means wearing alot of or entirely red clothing to represent the gang. Used in combination with belts, hats, even shoelaces to a certain side (e.g left for Northsiders, right for Bloods in most cities left for Bloods in the People Nation)

Nigga1: Look at Tyrone, rockin' red to da flo'. Nigga why you flamed up?
Tyrone: It's B'z up, nigga.

buy flamed up mugs & shirts

swoop crip northside buster scrap southside sur norte surenos nortenos trece catorce
by skudge Dec 26, 2007 add a video





4. Flamed Up

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4 up, 13 down

to "flame up",or flame somebody up,is when you continuously pick on,mock,or throw insults at another until you run out of insults.it can be done in groups or it can be done alone.all in all, flaming up is another name for roasting, or the act of doing so.falming up people most commonly based on how they dress,how they look,or how they act.other variations of the phrase can include ,"flaming you up" "flame on!" or "flamed up",as a post-tense variation of the phrase.
background:
"flaming" was generated in the south by the urban youth who found other people's misfortune's hilarious.me being one of them.i am somebody who you can say,flames people up.flaming up can also start after a joke is cracked and when a person says "flame him up!" its rare that person doesnt continue with insults.

example:
*a very ugly,misfortunate looking white boy in sketchers and flooding,off-branded wranglers with bifocals walks down a hallway...*

Floyd:mann THIS motherfucker...look at his swag,lookin like he just stepped off the thrift stores clearance sale isle and shit.

Jacob:hahaha flame him UP!!

Floyd:lookin like a white steve urkel and shit.

Jacob:fourty year old virgin lookin' ass!

Floyd:haha oh god,we need to stop flaming this kid up..he might commit suicide if we dish out any more...

Jacob:nah forget that! dressed like that he NEEDS to commit suicide.lookin paler than bird shit,GET OUTTA HERE!

Floys:damn,he just got flamed up.

buy flamed up mugs & shirts

flamed flaming flam flambe flamboyant flank flat fact fag fart
by Jacob/A.K.A. InFamous Dec 18, 2009 add a video

5. flamed up

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7 up, 54 down

When a crip wears red.Crips wear blue as a flag they are crips. Bloods, their rival, wear red as a flag they are Bloods.



"Look at that fool over there with all that red. I thought he was a crip."

"He is, he just flamed up."
Post Thu May 16, 2013 4:06 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Genesee County man charged with 2011 gang-related stabbing at Freeland prison
Print Andy Hoag | ahoag@mlive.com By Andy Hoag | ahoag@mlive.com The Saginaw News
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on April 17, 2013 at 10:59 AM, updated April 17, 2013 at 11:08 AM
SAGINAW, MI — A dispute over gang affiliations led a Genesee County man to stab a man more than 10 times at the Saginaw Correctional Facility in 2011, prosecutors say.

Gary A. Fisher Jr., 23, is charged with assault with intent to murder, committing a felony as a gang member, and possessing a weapon as a prisoner in an Aug. 20 incident at the prison, 9625 Pierce in Tittabawassee Township.

Saginaw County District Judge Kyle Higgs Tarrant on Friday, April 12, concluded Fisher's preliminary hearing by ruling that prosecutors showed probable cause to take him to trial in Circuit Court.

County Assistant Prosecutor Paul Fehrman said Fisher and Duane T. Lee, now 25, had a dispute at the prison that led to Fisher stabbing Lee in the prison's cafeteria.

Fisher, a member of the Cobras gang, was getting along with Lee, a member of the Gangster Disciples, until Lee began associating with the Latin Counts gang, Fehrman said. Fisher confronted Lee about the matter in the prison yard and told him not to talk to members of that gang, Fehrman said.

Sometime later, while they were eating in the cafeteria, Fisher was sitting with three other men when he pulled a shank out of his pants, Fehrman said. When Lee walked by the men, Fisher stood up and jumped on Lee's back, stabbing him more than 10 times in his neck, back, and shoulders, Fehrman said.

Prison guards wrestled Fisher away from Lee, Fehrman said, adding that the incident was recorded on the prison's surveillance system.

Assault with intent to murder carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, while the gang member charge, which was sponsored by State Sen. Roger Kahn, R-Saginaw Township, carries a 20-year maximum penalty.

As authorities investigated the incident, Fisher was released from prison on May 23 after “maxing out” out of his 13-month to five-year prison sentence for unlawful driving away of an automobile and third-degree fleeing from a police officer — crimes he committed on May 19 and May 22, respectively, in Genesee County.

Since Fisher's release, Genesee County prosecutors have charged him with capital crimes in two separate cases. He's charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a weapon, carjacking, armed robbery, possessing a firearm as a felon, carrying a concealed weapon, and possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony in a July 1 incident and with armed robbery in an Aug. 15 incident.

He's scheduled for a May 14 trial on both cases.

Lee, meanwhile, was released on Feb. 23 of this year after also “maxing out” of his sentence — an 18-month to five-year sentence for receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle in Genesee County and a consecutive 20- to 30-month sentence for possessing a weapon as a prisoner in Ionia County. Fehrman said authorities do not know where Lee is, and he did not testify at Fisher's preliminary hearing.

Fisher remains jailed without bond.

Follow Andy Hoag on Twitter @awhoag
Post Sat May 18, 2013 7:02 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

In the 90's they called it the "dark east side' and for good reason. The area around Kearsley Park pavilion was frequently mentioned as a site where Satanism was followed. Tales of animal sacrifice, drinking blood and other acts were referenced.

The base of the pavilion was accessible and not finished. Homeless accessed the building lower level and feces and debris filled the place. In good weather the homeless sometimes slept under trees.

Control of a park is an asset for gangs. Whaley Park and sometimes Kearsley Park were sites of gang meetings. The East Side Community Center was cited in court records as a meeting place also and discipline was sometimes meted out behind the center.

The Center became quite controversial. It was financed by a democratic Party fundraiser and many objected to the stories about it. It was where many troubled teens went and east side issues became identified strongly with it. Underage prostitution, homosexual activities and the spread of HIV were rumored to be associated with the center. The center was eventually the victim of arson.

A volunteer of the Center was identified in the kidnaping of a juvenile boy, who was later found by the State Police in Oakland County. He was wearing military style fatigues when e was found in a remote trailer filled with snakes and reptiles. The boy was questioned for hours by Flint Police as he told stories of drinking cat blood in a Satanic ceremony. He was taken to Lansing where he was hospitalized under a fake name after being involved in some sort of fight. He was being prepared to be transported to a group in a southern state.

The distressed mother told how she had returned home after realizing she had left her work keys there. She described how she discovered two men in her home and her distraught daughter tied to the bed. Black nail polish and other items were placed on the girl's dresser. Her son had given the men access to the home and he disappeared shortly after this incident. The mother moved.
Post Fri May 24, 2013 7:31 am 
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