Watch CBS News

FBI Unveils Boyle Heights Billboard In Hunt For Gang Member

LOS ANGELES (CNS) — The FBI on Wednesday unveiled a billboard in Boyle Heights in the hope of tracking down one of its top 10 fugitives — a Los Angeles-born
gang member wanted for at least four homicides and reputed to be drug cartel hit man.

Joe Luis Saenz, 35, is shown in three different images on the sign at Cesar Chavez and Soto avenues, and the FBI is offering a $100,000 reward leading to his capture.

Saenz, a Cuatro Flats gang member who has "Cuatro" tattooed on one arm and "Flats" on the other," was identified by Los Angeles police as a suspect in July 25, 1998, double homicide.

Less than two weeks later on Aug. 5, he is suspected of kidnapping, raping and killing his girlfriend, also the mother of his child, according to police and FBI agents.

Saenz is also wanted for the October 2008 murder of Oscar Torres in his Whittier home and the wounded of another man, Laura Eimiller of the FBI said.

The billboard is expected to stay up about 30 days, Eimiller said, adding that the agency has used the tip-generating technique three times before.

Tips related to Saenz can be called in to the FBI by dialing (888) CANT-HIDE.

Saenz has been described by gang associates and others as a gang enforcer and a hit man for a Mexican drug cartel, Eimiller said. He also is reputed to be a cocaine importer.

Among his many aliases and nicknames are Gabriel Saenz, Joe Louis Saenz, Louie Saenz, Toro, Smiley, Giovanni Torres, Giovanni Vasquez, Giovanni Gonzalez, Giovanni Velazquez and Mark Hunnicut.

Saenz, who has a pierced ear, stands about 5 feet 11 inches and weighs about 180 pounds. "Natalie" is tattooed on his left arm — the same one as the "Cuatro" tattoo — and on his back are tattoos that say "Flats4" and "Memory Serelone Flew" on his back.

A tattoo on his chest may have been removed, according to the FBI.

(©2010 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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.