Posted by Tiffany Sanders J.D. | Posted in General
The city of Los Angeles this week filed a first-of-a-kind lawsuit against leaders of one of the city’s most troublesome gangs. The suit, which names 9 imprisoned gang leaders (including two members of the Mexican Mafia), seeks cash damages on behalf of residents of two neighborhoods where the gangs have imposed "street taxes".
The suit, if successful, will create an important precedent because the neighborhood residents targeted by such gangs are usually unable or unwilling to pursue their own relief out of fear of retaliation. City officials seek compensation on behalf of residents for property damage, property devaluation, emotional distress, personal injury, medical expenses and time in which residents could not use public parks because of gang activity.
If judgment is entered against the gang leaders, property will be seized and distributed among residents who have been victimized by gang activity.
