A months-long, multi-agency investigation into a criminal street gang operating in Stockton resulted in 21 arrests — including three in connection with homicides — the seizure of 22 firearms and the confiscation of several types of illegal drugs.
During a news conference on June 13, law enforcement officials announced the results of Operation White Noise, which aimed to reduce gang-related violence and combat illegal firearms, human trafficking and narcotics distribution.
Stockton Police Chief Stanley McFadden said the active involvement of community members who reported what they saw significantly contributed to the operation’s success.
“Our success highlights our zero-tolerance approach to crime, sending a clear message to all criminals: ‘We will not waver in our commitment to protecting our neighborhoods,’” McFadden said.
The still-active operation, which began earlier this year, revealed that multiple gang members were identified as suspects in several homicides that occurred between March and May.
Devontae Holmes, 19; Deangelo Jones, 21; and Apondo White, 32, were arrested in connection with five homicides in Stockton.
White was charged with three counts of murder, according to San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas. The alleged victims were 28-year-old Reesee Johns, who died on March 14; 17-year-old Isaic Aromin-Quintoa, who was killed on April 19; and 17-year-old Marques Yarbrough, who also died on April 19.
Freitas said White faces special circumstances and enhancements for use of a firearm, gang involvement and criminal conspiracy. Additionally, he faces charges of illegal gun possession, pimping, pandering, drug possession, conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit assault and assault with a firearm.
White was arraigned on June 9 and is being held without bail. He is expected to appear in court again on June 23.
The second homicide suspect arrested in the investigation, Jones, has been charged with two counts of murder in the deaths of Quintoa and Yarbrough.
The final homicide suspect, Holmes, was charged with one count of murder in Johns’ death and is being held without bail.
All three suspects could face the maximum sentence of life without the possibility of parole.
“These arrests are vital for delivering justice to the affected families and providing closure to the community,” McFadden said.
Rosie Calderon, public information officer for the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office, said charges had not been filed regarding additional victims mentioned in the news conference.
“The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may follow as law enforcement continues its pursuit of all individuals responsible for this violence,” Calderon said.
The ages of the suspects arrested during the operation ranged from 15 to 67, according to investigators. Many were arrested on weapons, narcotics, probation violation, pimping and pandering charges.
At the news conference, McFadden shared the department’s progress in combating crime.
He said homicides have decreased 35%, with 17 incidents this year compared to 26 during the same period last year.
Injury shootings also decreased 13%, with 45 incidents this year compared to 52 last year.
According to McFadden, proactive measures resulted in a 57% increase in firearm seizures, with 420 firearms confiscated this year compared to 268 last year.
He said they have made more than 1,300 felony arrests and more than 2,000 misdemeanor arrests, leading to nearly 3,500 total arrests.
A breakdown of the operation’s results included the seizure of 17 handguns, two shotguns and three rifles; 1.7 pounds of cocaine, 1.5 pounds of heroin, 3 ounces of fentanyl, 1.2 ounces of methamphetamine and 4.6 ounces of marijuana; and 24 bottles of promethazine. Police said the seizure amounted to $103,526.83.
“My office is fully committed to securing justice for every resident of San Joaquin County. The impact of these crimes has shaken our neighborhood and threatened the well-being of many,” Freitas said. “We are acting quickly and firmly to ensure those responsible are held accountable and to help our community feel safe once again.”
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This article originally appeared on The Record: Stockton police Operation White Noise nets 21 arrests, including 3 homicide suspects
Reporting by Victoria Franco / The Record
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