The store in Jurupa Valley displayed dresses, blouses and shape-wear. In a back room were gambling machines, a striptease pole and a bathroom where a woman told authorities she had been locked up for days under threat of being forced to film videos for OnlyFans, the subscription-based pornography service. According to documents filed in federal court in May, the shop was controlled by a local gang, Westside Riva. Ramirez, 47, and two others have pleaded not guilty to kidnapping, extortion and violent crimes in aid of racketeering.
Times subscribers special access to our best journalism. Thank you for your support. Explore more Subscriber Exclusive content. When Jane Doe lost his money, prosecutors charged, Ramirez used a contraband cellphone to order a year-old member of his old street gang to abduct her. Rubalcaba promised to come back, according to the FBI affidavit. In a jailhouse interview, reputed Mexican Mafia boss Johnny Martinez says he is an innocent man being railroaded by lying witnesses and vindictive prosecutors.
Later that night, deputies stopped a similar car on Mission Boulevard. Sitting in the backseat was Jane Doe. Believing it came from extortion, deputies seized the money. Jane Doe told the authorities she had met Rubalcaba several months earlier at a casita , an illegal gambling parlor where patrons can play electronic games of chance. After she refused, she said, she was beaten by a woman at a bar in Riverside.
Rubalcaba walked in a few minutes later. The syndicate once relied on associates on the streets, but court data showed that smuggled phones have given imprisoned leaders greater control over drug deals.
Convicted of attempting to murder three men, he was sentenced to three consecutive life terms. So yes, I did feel angry. I felt I had been done unjustly. Until his murder in prison two weeks ago, Michael Torres ran one of the most intricate and lucrative black market businesses in L.
