Four members of the Mexican Mafia and its associated Pomona street gangs were sentenced on March 12 to life in federal prison for racketeering-related crimes, including the June 2020 murder of a federal inmate in Los Angeles.
The sentencing highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address organized crime and violence linked to prison gangs. The case involved extensive criminal activity, including drug trafficking, extortion, and violent acts over several years.
Michael Lerma, also known as “Pomona Mike” or “Big Mike,” received a life sentence from United States District Judge George H. Wu, who also ordered Lerma and three other defendants—Carlos Gonzalez (“Popeye”), Juan Sanchez (“Squeaks”), and Jose Valencia Gonzalez (“Swifty”)—to pay $10,365 in restitution. All four were convicted after a 20-day trial in March 2025 of racketeering conspiracy, violent crimes in aid of racketeering (VICAR) murder, and first-degree murder within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. Additional convictions included conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin at MDC Los Angeles and in Pomona for Lerma and Valencia Gonzalez, as well as firearm possession charges for Gonzalez and Valencia Gonzalez.
According to court documents, Lerma directed three gang members to kill an inmate identified as “S.B.” at MDC Los Angeles because S.B. failed to pay drug debts owed to Lerma’s cell of the Mexican Mafia. Prosecutors said in a sentencing memorandum that “[Lerma’s] role as the leader of a violent criminal enterprise reflects the danger he remains to the community. His direct involvement in the murder of an inmate at a [Federal Bureau of Prisons] facility and attempts to cover-up the crime reflects his cruelty, his cunning, and his power.”
The investigation was led by the FBI’s San Gabriel Valley Safe Streets Task Force (SGVSSTF), which includes agents from multiple agencies such as the FBI, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Pomona Police Department, El Monte Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Pomona Police Department sponsors this task force.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California supports community outreach through programs focused on victim assistance and public education according to its official website. The office serves more than 19 million residents across seven counties according to its official website and focuses on prosecuting federal criminal cases while handling civil matters for the government according to its official website. E. Martin Estrada has held the position of United States Attorney for this district according to its official website. The office works with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to ensure public safety according to its official website.
