Attorney General Bonta Joins Law Enforcement Partners, Announces Results of Operation “Hands Down” Targeting Organized Criminal Activity in the Central Valley

FRESNO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the results of a collaborative multiagency effort targeting criminal street gangs in the Central Valley. As a direct result of this operation, investigators prevented seven violent crimes, solved two homicides, made 69 felony arrests, and seized 73 firearms, ammunition, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine. 

“Through a unified front with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we have successfully removed hazardous drugs and weapons from our streets while holding bad actors accountable,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “This strategic and focused operation dismantled organized criminal organizations and directly prevented impending acts of violence. I want to express my deepest gratitude to our dedicated DOJ agents and partner agencies for their tireless commitment to public safety. Today, we send an unmistakable message: Organized crime cannot withstand the power of rigorous, collaborative law enforcement. Because of these collective efforts, Central Valley families can live and sleep peacefully, knowing their community is that much safer."

“The collective work done by all law enforcement agencies in this operation will undoubtedly improve the safety and overall quality of life for residents in Fresno County, particularly those living in our smaller rural communities,” said Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni.

“The FBI Sacramento Field Office is committed to aggressively combating violent crime and gangs that threaten our communities,” said FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. “We are working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners and Homeland Security Task Force to target violent gang activity connected to homicides, firearms trafficking, and drug trafficking. This operation reflects our shared commitment to identifying, investigating, and dismantling transnational criminal organizations to protect communities impacted by violence.”

In March 2026, law enforcement agencies began an investigation into a criminal street gang operating in Fresno, Tulare, and Madera Counties. The investigation found an extensive criminal conspiracy in which gang members and associates orchestrated various crimes, including drug and firearms trafficking. Sixty-nine suspects have been charged in a criminal complaint on various drug and firearms trafficking charges. 

This was a joint operation with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Kingsburg Police Department, Sanger Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, California Highway Patrol, Reedley Police Department, and Selma Police Department. The case will be prosecuted by Fresno County District Attorney’s Office.

The California Department of Justice's (CA DOJ) Special Operations Unit is a collaborative investigative effort between CA DOJ and the California Highway Patrol that provides statewide enforcement for combating violent career criminals, gangs, and organized crime groups. These unique and essential teams use advanced investigative techniques and work alongside local law enforcement to enhance investigations into violent criminals and organized crime throughout the state.

It is important to note that criminal charges must be proven in a court of law. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.