Watch CBS News

Latino Gang Leader Sentenced For Racist Campaign

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A so-called "shot caller" who was arrested in a crackdown on a Southern California Latino street gang has been sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Federal prosecutors say 43-year-old George Manuel Flores was sentenced Monday in Los Angeles. He pleaded guilty in March to five counts, including conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine.

Flores was the lead defendant in 2009's "Operation Knock Out."

About 170 members and associates of the Varrio Hawaiian Gardens were arrested; some have pleaded guilty and received sentences up to nearly 25 years in prison.

Authorities say the gang waged a racist campaign to eliminate black residents in Hawaiian Gardens through attempted murders and other crimes.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.