Nine leaders of the violent Longos street gang were arrested in Long Beach Tuesday and, along with six others, charged with federal counts of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, according to officials.

An additional person was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, and another was arrested in connection with a murder uncovered during the investigation, according to the FBI, United States Attorney Andrew Birotte and Long Beach Police Department Police Chief Jim McDonnell. Four of those charged were already in state or federal custody; two were deported for unrelated reasons; one was a fugitive.

The three-year-long investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force in Long Beach, made up of Long Beach police and FBI agents, and included undercover officers who purchased methamphetamine from those ultimately charged.

Assistance was also provided by other law-enforcement partners, including the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, as well as other county agencies. FBI officials said the investigation focused on the “shot-callers” for the street gang.

The Longos, Long Beach’s largest gang, are affiliated with the Mexican Mafia and considered to be among the most violent in the area.

Named in the indictments were:

  • Gerardo Galvan, aka “Big Head,” 31, of San Pedro, who is suspected of trafficking 113 grams of meth
  • Martha Torres, aka “Lil’ Martha,” 25, of Wilmington
  • John David Martin, aka “Smokey,” 30, of Cudahy
  • Manuel Cuanriquez, aka “Wacky,” 31, of Downey
  • Jose G. Hernandez, aka “Serio,” 31, considered to be a fugitive
  • John Gonzalez, aka “Cisco,” 33, of Long Beach
  • Raudel Sandoval, aka “Lil Gumby,” 32, of Long Beach
  • Danny Jose Salazar, aka “Lonely,” 28, of Long Beach
  • Geraldo Santos, aka “Sugar Bear,” 30, of Bellflower
  • Joseph Ferguson, aka “Jawbreaker,” 41, of Florida
  • Francisco Sianez, aka “Profit,” of Texas
  • Daniel Martinez, aka “Soldier Boy,” 25, previously in state custody
  • Jose Antonio Baldovinos, aka “Lil Bozo,” 35, deported
  • Baltazar Santacruz, 35, previously in federal custody
  • Julio Mario Peraza, aka “Coco,” 27, deported
  • Jose Manuel Gomez, aka “Gato,” 37, previously in state custody
  • Mario J. Engfui, 33, arrested by LASD in connection with a murder

Each faces up to 10 years to life in prison if convicted.