Could RICO Act destroy Aurora gangs?

You should not believe every thing you read in the papers for truth! They cant even get minor things like there ages right. The Rico Act itself is another way to cheat people out of a fair trial. The Government does not require real hardcore evidence hearsay is very much admissable.

What ever it takes to get these monsters off our streets and out of our lives is good. If they are a member of a gang they've done something they should be taken out of society for.

There are alot of things that are not fair, such as all of the innocent victims and not to mention their families. Why should we care what tools they use to put them away. Naperville had a murder before we did this year. I believe Aurora is a better place to live then 10 years ago. I dont beleive hearsay is fair but if the witness, seen or was apart of the crime in some way he should be heard and allowed after all he was trusted at one point to be apart of it.

If the R.I.C.O. Act cheats gang members out of a "fair" trial I'm okay with that because:

1) Gangs have been cheating society out of a safe and productive environment, and

2) It will serve as a deterrent for gang involvement and growth because gang association could make you a criminal.

It seems like a guilty-by-association law, which is okay with me as long as it is used in a fair and just manner. The law is very clear and seems just. I just wish the Act had a different name.

My brother, Fernando De La Torre is one of the seven men that was found guilty recently. The Beacon of course printed story , after story and picture after picture of my brother and the other guys as the big bad wolves. He lived the gang life since he was 12 , and knew no other way to live. He wanted to be out, and told me so many times. Maby if more time was spent on the streets of Aurora trying to keep these young men from joining gangs as babies then things would have been very different. I know you all know the story that you read in this paper but you don't know about my brother for real. What a good, kind , loving , intelligent individual he really was and still is. Everyone makes mistakes and none of us are perfect. I know that lives have been lost, changed, by the gangs in Aurora but to use these 7 men as an example is not only morally wrong but legally unjust, unfair, and unforgivable. Each and every juror might one day know what it feels like to have your brothers life in the hands of people that don't know him at all , his life in the hands of people that found him guilty based on the testimony of an individual who killed several people in his time , was in the gang while my brother was still in diapers and in my mind was totally trying to save his own skin , which he managed to do quite nicely by throwing everyone else to the lions, another beautiful trademark of gangs save yourself and screw everyone else. Forget about brotherhood, loyalty, family. The gangs will take your children eat them alive and spit them out for breakfast. My brother may spend the rest of his life prison for being in a gang. My brother is no murderer. It's funny how all those older guys that took him under thier " protective wing" , that were higher up in the gang than him , today have less charges on them than him. It's infuriating , and I had to say something, I know that this does not explain everything but I had to say something .

Karina,

I'm sorry this is affecting you like it has but if your brother was a gang member he IS a big bad wolf. You say "Maby if more time was spent on the streets of Aurora trying to keep these young men from joining gangs as babies then things would have been very different." Why is it societies job to "keep these young men from joining gangs"? Where were his parents? His family? It was their job and no one elses. You say he is intelligent? How intelligent is it to join a gang? It is not unjust to hold someone responsible for their actions or use them as an example. Do you think if someone else had been made an example of your brother wouldn't have joined a gang? Gang members are a useless waste of good life and whatever happens to them is not enough for what they do to our society! You say your brother was no murderer but he supported a gang that is, what's the difference?

Well said Karen.Thank You:)

In response to Karen. Karen I totally see where you are coming from and hopefully not everyone in society feels the same way that you do. You ask where my brothers family and parents were? Well, we were all separated when i was about 15, I was the oldest and we were put in separate foster homes because our parents were very abusive and we really had no other ties to family. The boys were left behind including my brother for reasons that I choose not to divulge here. The gang was like the family he didn't have. I feel that it is societies problem to help with gangs and that we should all not turn a blind eye to what is going on in our town. It's nice to be able to sit back and feel no responsibility for anyone but yourself, I'm sure. Being a good citizen is not about that though, it's about caring about todays youth and reaching out in any way that you can whenever you can. That is what I wanted to say. You ask if he was intelligent , why did he join, well miss thang at 12, really, what does any boy know? A child can easily be talked into believing anything , especially if there is not a strong family background to support him or her. I am not saying any of this is any type of excuse at all, so don't climb that soapbox, now...down girl! : > There is a huge difference between being a murderer and "supporting" a gang as you say. People are too quick to judge, no human is a waste , there is always room for reform, forgiveness, and change. I do believe in second chances and no matter what I stand behind my brother and believe in him and his innocence. I do respect your opinion and we are all entitled to one, that's for sure. Anyone else?

The American way is to turn our backs, shrug our shoulders and say "well thats what he or she deserves for doing that", but the reality is there are so called "monsters" in our back yard, maybe even in yours and my family. There is always going to be a bad guy! It takes a village to raise a child, stop turning your backs, and get involved. Gangs are victims of society, look at the bigger picture.

Is easy to say where were his parents and family? But thats the story of many young guys who join a gang because they have no family no support from society and the only option or support is from a gang. They are victims of their own environment, instead of the government using our tax money to make and maintain the prisons, they should use our money to take this kids out of this environment.If any one wants to know it is estimated that we spend $60 billion a year on prisons. So sad to know that our government invest our tax dollars on prisons, instead of making more programs and helping more the youth to stay out of trouble, just an example that I have to point out is that there is a school that I went to in Chicago only for a month, thank God because is in one of the most dangerous areas in Chicago. there were no books for the students in some classes that the teacher had to make copies of her own book Why? because there were not enough funds to buy books! Yes unfortunately not everyone is born with great parents, beautiful neighborhood and a good school were they can learn that there is great opportunities in life. I suggest to everyone who doesn't have an idea of how this kids and guys are raced in a bad neighborhood with no parents to care for them, and they have to belong to a gang in order to survive. Sadly but truth. I recommend this book to those who doesn't know what a hard life is for those who live and loose life's in a gang. My Bloody Life: The Making of a Latin King... by Reymundo Sanchez

Karina makes some good points about community involvement, however, Fernando may have started the gang at age 12 but he had time to grow up. At some point in his life, probably when he started telling you he wanted to leave, he could have left.

I don't see the logic in asking for a "second chance" for:
- the murder of 3 people (and/or involvement)
- one attempted murder
- narcotics distribution
- narcotics conspiracy

And thats not considering what he has done that he was not caught doing! (Use your imagination)

Instead of listing the countless factors involved as to why he ended up this way, you should be using this as an example to prevent others from making the same choices. There are opportunities for trouble youth (more so now then back then) so don't blame Society, the environment, or the Govt. Not all youths from troubled backgrounds join gangs. Its about the choices we make, and continue to make again and again.

People get punished for bad choices they make, not because they are bad people. The Beacon doesn't create the Big Bad Wolves or Little Piggies, but they report how those animals act. And thats important.

I am sorry for playing both sides of the fence but I understand why children join cause I was one for a very long period of time. Now I find it very hard to rationalize the things I have done in my youth. Because regardless of where we are from or what has happened in our past, I believe God gave us all free will and with that I also believe we had the basic morals instilled in us growing up. Regardless of what we have been through we know right from wrong we all have felt human compassion of some kind. I knew I was doing wrong but it was a lifestyle that I choose. Know one took me by the hand and forced me. I was 14 and my parents was going through a bad divorce. Not to mention I was raised in the middle of Hell. Played with all sides when we were in Elementary School to later battle over bull**** Older peoples greed and anger. They had money which noone I knew had or seen before. Yes there was times I wanted out but had nowhere to go. Even tried once but people who live a normal not complicated life with peer pressure, always broke, no love and attention from home cause noone is there could never understand. When I left the guys, it was open season on me. From the past opposition which was half of Aurora, the alliances I had with other gangs on my side because I wasnt becoming one of them and they didnt know what I might of known about them. Then there was the APD that was always there and driving reckless to turn you into an informant and god forbid you be seen pulled over by them. Going straight is just as dangerous staying in. But the violence does allow gangs to make the money, which is the root of it all. Take the drugs and money out of the equation and most of the problem is solved. Think about it these kids look up to the glamour not murder. There is nothing to glamourize if there is no money to pay for it. They will have to get jobs. 12 and 14 year old kids dont look up to murders and if they do then they are already lost. I didnt, I looked up to the nice cars, clothes, and money.

Mr.Jeff Wienseck of the Aurora Police Department stated in the courtroom that it's not against the law to be in a gang.When the youth of Aurora are found to be in the cars riding along with older members of any street gang why is it that they dont take those same kids out of the cars and remove them from the problems,call their parents,take them to their parents,take them to the station.If Aurora really cared so much for the youth than why isnt their more mentors?Were are all of these so called programs these kids can get into? I know that the urban league doesnt allow gang members to be involved in their program.Were are the members of these gangs suppose to go if they want to change their lives around?You know when your young your dumb and you do things to fit in.Everyone makes mistakes and all should have to pay for them but each individual has a right to a fair trail and we will come back on appeals.So to all the residents of Aurora make sure your kids dont leave the house with a White Sox hat especially if their hispanic,and monitor their colors,make sure their pant cuffs are rolled evenly,and the GOD forbidden stitching on their pants isnt gold or green,and GOD forbid you wear a rest in peace shirt to honor them.Come on oh yeah and dont let them wear hoodies because only gangmembers wear them.Oh my gosh do not let your kids have a shag haircut.Beware all the hispanics in Aurora all the white folks think that we immigrated from Mexico.So beware Puerto Ricans you might be thrown in the crossfire to go back home to Mexico too.

Those guys weren't arrested because of what they wore! That is a ridiculous insinuation.

I'm Puerto Rican and I happen to be wearing a hoody today. No charges have been brought against me today. Ive been doing this for years! I'm also not scared to wear any of the clothing you mentioned above, except the White Sox hat. I would not get shot for that, but I'm sure my grandma would strangle me (as a Cubs fan).

And you categorizing "white folks" is just as bad as the people who judge others for wearing the clothing you described. While I have certainly heard comments like, "You are from Puerto Rico? What part of Mexico is that?" I certainly don't think that everyone is that ignorant.

First to Karina, I'm sorry that you didn't have responsible parents and your family was torn apart. It sounds like you and your siblings had a hard childhood, yet you sound like an intelligent and responsible individual. It is hard sometimes watching people, especially ones we love, go through the consequences of their actions. As @6 stated "Not all youths from troubled backgrounds join gangs." We all have choices and I understand that sometimes we are not taught how to make good ones. But we DO learn from society even if we don't have proper guidance as youngsters. I believe what Anonymous stated "I believe God gave us all free will and with that I also believe we had the basic morals instilled in us growing up." You are angry and hurt and I get that. My heart goes out to you for the pain and anger you are feeling right now. But, at some point we have to take responsibility for our actions, not make excuses for them. If we make excuses we aren't truly sorry for what we've done we are only sorry we got caught. When we are truly sorry we take the full responsiblity of our actions. You are also angry at the Beacon for telling the story and these young men being made an example of but I see this as a positive. We need more examples of what your end will be if you join a gang, death or prison. If one young person is deterred from joining a gang by what has happened, isn't it worth it? I applaud the Aurora Police Department for the work they are doing to rid our neighborhoods of these gang members. Getting these guys off the streets means there are fewer out there recruiting more young people. Unfortnately, our justice system needs some work, I don't believe in "deals" for testimony and I totally understand your anger there. My thoughts and prayers are with you Karina. As for Brenda, I think you have it backwards...gangs aren't a victim of society...society is victim of the gangs! Have you forgotten the innocent litte boy that was killed by "mistake" by a gang member?

These boys who join gangs to get respect is a cowardly way. Karina, your brother is a killer and should get what is coming to him. He may have not have family guidance but any human being knows that killing is a crime. I don't have any sympathy for any of these criminals, just glad that they are off the streets and serving their time. Maybe, they will finally realize how dumb and stupid it was to join a gang and now see where it has ended them at. The only second chance they have is God. He's a forgiving God!!! We do all make mistakes however, killing is NOT a mistake. Much luck to you and your family. Where are your peoples now?

Yes lets commend the Aurora Police Department for being a part of this organized crime that has happened if it had not been for law enforcement having informants to arrange muders to take place so they can build cases against gang members! so people are all for cleaning up the streets but yet the law says its ok to do dirt and then turn informant for inmmunity who is the real killer????? everyone says those 7 defendants should have remorse for the things they have done that only the STAR wintness says happend but what about the ingnornat people leaving comments about these men they call MONSTERS you really think to highly of them and think about the effects on some of the families that have nothing to do with people's choices in life but yet they have to deal with peoples ignornat remarks on how you feel about these defendants do me a favor you go sit in at trail for restless hours day after day and tell me if you could still feel the same after hearing from the STAR witness who commited so many murders, so AURORA you mean to tell me you would rather see 7 men behinds bars just because people feel they want to set examples for the future but except that the man who admitted to commiting murders walk free yeah that's something great to teach the new generation lets kill and then turn snitch and anyone who takes offense to this is because they really don't care about society or they future of the kids because if that's the case we would not truly commend this great law enforcement we praise they are not catching the bad people by themselves they need offender to build cases how about we just put all the offenders on the law enforcements payroll because so far all society has seemed to show me is that someone can commit murder and lie on other people and never serve a day in prison after he took someone's son, dad, grandson but in return lets blame these other man so the STAR witness can continue to make lie and be free.

This is for the person who said people do not get harrassed because of the clothes we wear i seem to find it funny because people are getting killed for wearing the wrong colors at least that's the excuse the law enforcement gives when they say an innocent by stander got killed you made a good point by saying you won't get killed or should not be mistaken for a gang member for wearing certain colors but police will beg to differ or maybe it only applies to certain people but go ask someone who got put on the affliated gang list and truly has no ties with them so people make up your mind either you are gang related for certain colors or you can wear whatever you want in fact before you leave home call APD and check what is okay to wear for that day people are so double stander and as far as the Puerto Rican comment it was intended for ignornat people who assume all hispanic come from mexico.

I just want to say to all of AURORA that the real appluad needs to ge to the STAR wintness not this great Law Enforcement people seem to keep commending for two reasons first because we learned that a previous offender can commit crimes and get away with it and second the LAW is making it possible for the younger generation to go commit any crime they desire and then get immunity to help build cases I am a real upset citizen because I do not have any ties with those 7 men that were just on trail and yet it bothers me that we pay all these taxes to have our city protected but our lives have been placed in the protection of an informmant who willingly admitted to commiting shootings and setting up other people for amusement to help APD but he is out free walking the street what is the world coming too who are the real murderes?

Karina,

I have one very simple question for you. You stated that, “I feel that it is societies problem to help with gangs” Given this statement, tell me: Where does one’s personal responsibility end and society’s responsibility begin?

I am my Brothers Keeper at least that is what I was raised believing. When a neighbor got ill or lost a job I remember Mom buying extra milk and eggs for them or passing them down some extra clothes before the winter. That was the American Dream I was raised on. Knowing someone would be there to help out regardless of asking or not. Just doing so because you knew they needed it. How many people know their neighbors. I remember Mom and Pop running late from work and going to the neighbors house until they made it home and if we were hungry they fed us. That Dream is gone. We prefer to look the other way when our neighbors are being hurt that is so reverse. So to last person who probally dosent understand tough times or helping someone out. You should ask your priest cause I dont think anyone else in this day of age could help you with that.

people that grow up with a silver spoon do not see all the hardships some people go through........i definatley do not agree with gang violence, but i do agree that there needs to be more done for unfortunate children....its not their fault and unfortunatly, we as a society do not care enough. dont make comments that you will eventually regret and be part of the solution not the problem!!!

just fyi, all gang members are not murderers....alot of them just want to make money to feed their families and its an easy way to make money by joining a gang and that is selling drugs. we need more jobs and opportunities for less fortunate people

It is a shame we have to have so many gang members from our community on trial. This says little for Aurora. I am my Brothers Keeper was what I was raised to believe too. I feel if the communinty started to provide better education and more job solutions then we would not have these problems. People ask where the parents are, they are traveling to jobs, just to pay for the rent, food on the table, and taxes. Instead of being worried about bringing people in to our town or community they need to worry about the people we already have. A plus side to this is if we produce a positive image with the people we already have then people will want to be a part of our community. They will want to bring their business to aurora. We need to stop building buildings for a minute and start building the community again.

I like how all these people post about "doing more". What are you doing? Danielle?

And then you go on to defend gang activity because they "just want to make money to feed their families"? That is a bunch of bologna! Justifying drug dealing? That is the same mentality that further perpetuates gang activity which in turn leads to murder. We don't need more jobs, we need those people to 'get their weight up'. There are plenty of opportunities for people, so much so that people sacrifice a whole lot just to come here. I think people who keep complaining that we need more done are just selfish. This sense of entitlement is sickening.

And I pity the fool that sells drugs to feed his/her family. You would put their lives at risk so that they can eat? Very illogical, irresponsible, unnecessary, and selfish; not to mention illegal.

I would just like to thank Danielle for her comment. I also am a sister of one of the seven found guilty, and your absolutely right not all gang members are killers. Before or after anyone decides to read this i hope you take under concideration my feelings as well as my parents. We to have had alot of hardships just living in Aurora. I dont for one minute loose focus on these victims and there families my heart goes out to every single one of you sincerly, But i just wish that there was one second that the citizens of aurora could see that we to are victims including my brother. I know for a fact that he is innocent for that in witch he was found guilty he did not commit these murders. I'm not asking for you to belive me i'm not asking for pitty or judgement. I'm not going to say he was totaly innocent but he is when it comes to the murders he is innocent. My parents had three children and all of us are different but i know our teenage years were brutal. High School is no picnic and you have to learn how to servive, or you will get eaten alive. It's not just hard for the guys but the girls to. I know i had my far share of heart raceing moments were i didnt know if i was going to live another day and its not right but when you live in a society that is just crazy you have no choice.I know some of you dont beleive that and you will say that we had choices, but it's not that simple. I wont go into detail as to how he ended up there because as you have read the comments above these snitches are vicious. They are out for themselves. I sat in for countless hours and what seemed like endless days of testimony through out this two and ahalf month trial and listened to each witness tell a story of some events that took place, and just listening to the countless evidence that did not match up so many stories of the same events that did not match. Again i know you will still have an opinion but if you sat in court along side of me you would understand where i am comming from. It's not just because he was my brother i am not defending the actions that the government "alledges" but i am and always will stand by his side.

About my comment earlier about being my brothers keeper. I believe that if things in our economy continue we will be forced to become more of a community. Fuel prices will raise more and force people to spend more time at home with their children. We Glutonous Americans will have ration what we eat. Alot like our Grandparents had to do. Hopefully it will be a huge correction. Make us go without and Cherish what we have. Another thing, I wonder if the 60' and 70's had to do with today. Because my Grandparents had no problem dishing out punishment and hard work which of coarse made my parents sissies and passive. My father has never experimented with drugs and I cant recall seeing him drunk or disorderly. Maybe after we suffer a little we will get some of our values back. Their is a downside to all this. Inflation will cause crime to raise, people will become desperate.

@6....your being so judgmental, i dont need your rudeness when im stating my opinion. i have seen alot of people get out of gangs and change their lives....you have to realize that adults dont join gangs, children do! almost everyone i know that has been involved in a gang, joined sometime between the age of 12 and 17. explain that to me since you know it all!

and to answer your quesion about what do i do to help solve the problem........i CARE! i do volunteer programs, i talk to teenage mothers, i donate to the red cross and salvation army, but most of all i dont judge people because of their past choices. maybe you should try the same

To the killer's sister-what high school did you go to that you could get eaten alive? I would also say its kinda suspect that his sister and family would think he is innocent and 12 unbiased jurors disagreed based on ALL the evidence. Where you in court every single moment?

The family that denies the problem of their own, is the family whose loved ones end up in trouble. Its called, denial. And denial says 'I accept your behavior'.

Danielle, if you care so much why did you tolerate your brother's involvement in gangs for so long? I know about gangs as well. And yes most of them join as youth but there is a point when they all grow up. The fact of the matter is, these were not petty crimes; these were crimes against humanity. And I don't believe in having terrorist run around the street. Last I read, they found Fernando and his boy were in possession of 20 or so guns. And you want society to feel compassion for your "innocent" brother?

I'm not judging anybody. We have a system that does that for us.

ummmmmmmm @6. i dont have any brothers and it wasnt me who had the brother involved......like i stated before, think before you post so you dont regret it. you have to know what your talkin about to sound intelligent, thanks for your concern though :)

Put aside guilty or not guilty and these people go to prison to be examples for everybody else, then what? Nothing that is what because maybe these gang members feel that jail is better then what they have now. Maybe these people feel that being in jail gives you a home and three meals a day. Maybe these people feel that it is the structure they need. Maybe we should not talk about society as a whole but maybe as our community. We can warehouse people all the time but until we come up with solutions then it will keep happening. Until we come up with a prevention plan this will only get worse. Selfish are people who ignore the real problem, @6. The real problem is Aurora as a whole is falling apart and children are suffering because people wish to be greedy and use every excuse to gain money for this town but refuse to give back to the children who one day will take over. Yes we have programs for children but they are losing funding everyday. The city does not know how to give back to them. Sad to say also all of these trails have come to light in an election year. I don't condone none of these behaviors but I also don't condone how we as a community choose to deal with these issues. I am mom and I am there everyday with my children but until the schools get (and yes it is easy to be intimidated at school you feel that you can get eatin alive) and parents who are no as fortunate as me do not have to travel so far for jobs that pay enough for rent and food on table, then this will happen.

Oh yes, my bad Danielle. No regrets. The first half of my comment was directed to the Anonymous sister. I confused your comments with Karinas'. But you are still guilty for your comment suggesting that drug dealers "just want to make money to feed their families" which disgusted me earlier.

I apologize for my err, but I question your loyalty to condoning drug sales.

20 Guns definatly justifies 15 years and how RICO and the Feds look at is like this. OK We prove you are part of a conspirousy and a ongoing enterprise that commites crimes from theft drug dealing extortion battery arm robbry attempted murder to murder and since the organization commites these crimes as whole and bennifits from it as a whole Then you are guilty of all. See it is a way of them showing that you are responsible of things that you might not had a direct hand in but the outcome bennifitted you in some kind of way be it fear of somenone comming after you, robbing you or trying you in any way in general. Allows you to make more money because people feel that because they deal with you and your product that you can offer them protection. After all this being said they give you RICO with the higher sentencing guidlines. Kind of puts you away for the STUFF YOU THOUGHT YOU GOT AWAY WITH.

THE FEDS ARE THE CLOSEST THING TO GOD ON EARTH "DONT BE CAUGHT IN THEIR WRAFT"

Fobarr,

You do make some valid points on schools needing more funding, however, I respectfully disagree with you on a lot of what you say. Aurora is not "falling apart". It has improved significantly since the late 80s and early 90s. I've lived in Aurora all my life and I don't know where all these troubled high schools are located either.

I disagree with you calling me selfish. I'm glad you are a part of your children's lives. You don't need money to offer them more.

oh wow....this has gotten to be a battle of opinions. Sir (@6) you should not generalize people okay.....second, i do not condone drug selling i simply stated that people i know, including myself, have been through that and came out of it hence the statement DO NOT GENERALIZE now im done with you!

This is in response to @6 your claiming to not be judging anybody but the first thing you say is to the killers sister. What is that it sounds like judgement to me. You also wanted to know what school we went to and that would be East High from 1994 to 1998. I dont claim to think i know for a fact is what i said he is innocent. You also said based on all of the evidence these 12 jurors found them guilty. I never said that i never got into detail, but since your assumming thats what i said i will tell you that per lack of evidence they were still able to find them guilty. So it may appear that they were biased. In federal court hearsay is allowed, and mainly on wittness testimonty no real hardcore evidence was allowed in this case. You also asked if i was in court every single moment and would i have to say out of a two and ahalf month trial i missed two days but my mother was there. You also said that we were in denial i never said he was totally innocent i only said he was innocent of the murders. There is no tolerating any behavior aurora is what it is! Tell me something what do you know about gangs anyways? If you dont mind me asking how old are you? You also claim there were 20 guns well mr @6 three of those guns did not work but the jury was not allowed to know that. I'm not sure if you have followed this case closely? Im sure that if you were you would know that the informent purchesed the majority of those guns from another person, who back in 2003 when the first raid took place was also arrested for selling these guns to the informent. Dont you know he only got 47 months for his role in suppling gangmembers with guns? im not asking you to understand again im not asking for your pitty or to sympathize with me. I just want to state that you should know first hand before you judge someone. I dont belive society owes me or my family anything. To Danielle he only responded to you because you showed no hate for these men.

Look, its pointless for us to go back and forth on these issues. Just because there is not enough evidence to convict somebody does not mean that they did not commit the crime. You guys know where I stand on these issues, and now everyone knows where you stand.

I'm not going to get into details about my history and knowledge of gangs on this blog.

East High is an excellent school and it helped me do great things with my life. Don't blame society (public schools, APD, Beacon News, etc) for your bro's situation. I guess I'll see you at our class reunion in October.

Insane Deuces gang members, I know these punks all to well. The ID
gang thought they could take over our neighborhood and bully those of us who lived there. The day I read that the Police got some of the leaders I jumped for JOY,the flat tires,broken windows and the rest of BS they did to us was laid to rest. WE FOUGHT BACK against these punks and WON. We TOOK back our streets and ran them back out of town( Sorry Aurora). These Leaders(so callled) used kids to do there dirty work,Family my ###. Grown people dont use kids to do there crimes. I have no respect for people like that no matter there race or creed. I will Help any of them get out and turn to
a normal life where they can make something of there lives and pass it down to there kids. The last point I want to make is excuses made about how bad someone had it and turned to a gang for Family
is a crock, plain and simple.
I'd like to see these gangs out cutting grass,shoveling snow, walking Elderly people across the street ect, that would be a sight a legit gang, You never know

A gun dosent have to work to be legal. A gun is a gun regardless of its operability, parts can be replaced. You could still stick up a bank, stores or people. Kids have died for holding fake guns. So dont rationalize BS. How many crimes did they get away with? How many Kilos or Pounds did they sell that noone knows about? I guess noone read what i wrote above about the reason for RICO. Dont they refer to themselves as the mob or organized. So why should they not be in the same category as the mafia?

I went to East High in the early 90's and Dueces had it easy, they could actually learn because there was so many of them. Kings never went to school except maybe the first week and then they got expelled. So dont even say they had it hard in school. So they actually could of taken the opportunity to learn. And East did have alot of opportunities for people back then. They just choose not to take them.

Your absolutly right a gun does not have to work to be illegal, but it does have to work to kill. And your honestly telling me someone is going to take the time to replace parts you gotta be kidding me. Why would any one use a gun to do a crime that did not work? These days you dont know who has a gun. How many crimes have you gotten away with that noone knows about? The real truth of the matter is that there are people that are not gang related or affiliated that have and buy drugs and guns or even sell guns and drugs. Why not make an example out of them? Where else would these gangmembers get there stuff? Well im not sure that you went to school during the early 90's because i know i did and if you dont recall all of the fights and shootings. Your gonna tell me that things were that easy please the only way you would know that is if you were a deuce yourself or affiliated.

Never was I Deuce Never would I be a Deuce. Yes I did go to school with all of them but against them. I tried to learn and do something positive but they would rather gangbang. They wanted to own the school. I do recall the fights and the shootings. I have two holes in me. So dont even try to question where I been. Stop trying to make them sound all angelic. They knew Orlando Rivera had told on people before so thats what they get HAHA. Same thing with Jim B. So why do people act all mad and surprised when they get told on. I cant believe it Boo Hoo. No they want to trust them because they was out there doing so much wrong that that thought that because they had a murder or something on them that they was done telling. And if they had no intentions of repairing the gun why have it. They deserve to go to jail for babysitting a broken gun, why not throw it in the river or something. They could of sold it to one of those gun recyclry things that come into town every year or so. They would of gave them a couple hundred dollars, no jail time or case as long as it came back clean. What I think is funny is that Deuce's and Kings thought that they were so invincible and could do whatever they wanted and no one would be watching or willing to strike a deal when the time came. I dont care about them or their families I hope they cry everyday. I have a cousin who was murdered because someone thought he was in a gang and they decided to murder him for nothing. He was a kid with no gang affiliation at all and died violently. Destroyed his family. So I hope they send them to some federal prison in Alaska where it dosent get any warmer than 20 degrees and their cell will 6X10 with a dull toilet and sink and a celly that baths once a week and has a serious problem with his colon. It leaks bad gas and there is no air circulation. HA HA. I can name alot of families that have been destroyed over this crap.

To Anonymous on April 26, 2008 12:10 PM
"And your honestly telling me someone is going to take the time to replace parts you gotta be kidding me."

Yes. They replace parts on guns to make them semi-automatics. Thats common practice. Don't forget, we are talking about 3 ("non-working guns") out of 20 total guns found.

"The real truth of the matter is that there are people that are not gang related or affiliated that have and buy drugs and guns or even sell guns and drugs. Why not make an example out of them?"

You obviously do not read the Beacon. They had a huge drug bust last week or so with dealers with no gang affiliation.

My enrollment at East is undebatable. I do recall fights. Big whoop! Im sure that happens ALL across America. I DO NOT recall gun shots being fired in school, ever. What you did after school with your friends is your business, not the schools.

And to the two-holed anonymous fella: your description for punishment was impressive. lol.

Symphany is for Victims not Criminals. I feel bad for the Criminals children. not the rest of the family. Parents do to much enabling out of symphany. Pay for their lawyers because of how it hurts to see their baby in jail so they dig their own grave. The girlfriends too, they jumped on board because of the excitement or the money. Funny how some of these women are so beutiful and get involved with these guys. The only ones innocent are the poor children because they cant choose their parents and they probally dont see the evil in any of it. And now they are going to go through life hating all in this world that is suppose to be right.

I think your both idiots. The real truth is that you were probably bullied by some big fat kid that took your lunch money everyday starting from grade school into high school. I highly dout you were innocent. You have been shot before what was that about? You seem to know alot about prision, either you have been there or you watch entirely to much tv. As for @6 you can't have it both ways either these guys were idiots or brilliant. To replace parts on a gun get over your self. Why do that when you can buy another one? Like i said there are entirely way to many guns in aurora. There every where and you have idiots out there who make it easy. They sell them to anybody what is the main reason guns were invented? These people sell them for money they dont think about what there going to be used for!

I never said I was innocent and yes I was shot and was in prison. Now I got my stuff together. I turned my back and never looked back. I did not tell or anything like that but my saw who my real friends were while I was gone and I realized I was truely on my own and didnt need them and they needed me. All the money they owed me would never be returned. When I look back now at it all now if I would of put that effort towards a real company or a career in the military I would of made a lot more out of myself than I did. Not to mention all of the time lost and wasted that I can never get back. When I came home I had my opportunity to go back to all that anger and I choose that that it would be better not only for myself but for my children as well. I feel that I am a better man today then I could of ever of become as one of them.

By the way you must be in some kind of denial or something about these guns. Why even have them if they didnt intend on fixing them. Their the idiots for getting caught and having to do time for broken guns. And why did they need so many ilegal guns for? KILLING OPPOSITION or COMPETION. That is the real reasons so you are the idiot. Why didnt they have the guns more spread out? Obviously they had alot more.

Anyways I hope your family or friends get LIFE without the possibility of Parole. I think that would be a great reward for their outstanding service, bravery and not to mention sacrifice for this great country AMERICA. You know making it a better place and I also hope you go broke paying for all of those collect calls and comissary donations. Or will the caja handle that.

AMOR

I've been reading all the blogs that people have been writing and it's like sparring back and forth back and forth. It's been fun and it's been sad. I just wanted to point out here that there are people hurt, people damaged, families torn apart on both sides of the fence. Victims and alleged offenders. Unless you were there there is no way to know what really happened. These men have been condemned on hearsay and that's wrong. People were murdered and that's wrong too. @6, you should just quit talkin' becuase you don't even know what you are talking about. You spew a bunch of self rightousness, act like you are better than everyone in Aurora , keep talking about some fantasy east high school you went to , it isn't the same one we all went to that's for sure. Maby you should get some knowledge before you open up your big, loud, obnoxious, judgemental mouth one more time. Seems like you sit at home all day watching the soaps and have no idea of reality in it's truest form and it aint pretty. Shutup. To the sister of one of the seven guys, i feel you . I know it was not easy to sit in the courtroom and to listen to these half stories and half truths about these men.Some of what was said was true but alot was so very and blatantly not true! I know it was not easy to sit there and watch them being convicted based on the testimony of someone who has been a proven murderer and spineless , lying piece of crap time and time again. For all you non-believers out there not all those men are guilty of killing. That's why I write here with my name , becuase I believe that and I stand behind my brother always, he has never been charged with a violent crime before this in his life , not because he didn't get caught , becuase he is not a violent man. It's so easy to talk crap when you don't now the person or the true facts. Not everything the federal government or murdering snitches say is true!! Danielle , thank you for being one of the few people that sees boths sides. nobody wins in this. The families of the victims lost loved ones forever. Nothing can bring them back. I do know that convicting these men will bring some peace of mind tp these people. Do I believe that all these men are guilty of murder? I do not. I also do not as I am sure @6 would like to accuse me of, condone gangs, violence, or anything like that. My brothers and sisters all came from a pretty rough background but we are not alcoholics , or drug addicts, or violent criminals. We are all good, hard-working citizens and functioning members of society. My brother , unfortunately was a young victim of the gang and once you are in it's not so easy to get out as people think. He never committed a violent act against anyone. Like I said nobady wins in this, everybody loses. I do regret not being there more when he was a kid maby things would have been different. My whole family right now is strong and we know that he stands to spend the rest of his life in prison. We will still be behind him no matter what, he is a very positive person and his faith is unwavering. That helps the rest of us get through this hard time. I do hope that what has happened with these men does send a clear message to all parents ,sisters , brothers, every person in Aurora. Take care of your children, your brothers, your sisters, be there for them , be active in thier lives, know who they hang out with , what they are involved in, listen to them, support them, so that gangs will no longer be able to take root in our community as they did for so long, so that they cannot feed on your kids and grow again to be as strong as they once were. It does take a community to make a difference and as a person in your community we all have responsibility and it starts at home. How we raise our kids does affect society in the future and that responsibility never ends.

You are right about the back and forth it is not helping nor solving anything. I is not getting to the issues. My suggestion is get some kids, say the Urban League or from the school and discuss these issues because they are going to be us 10 years from affected by the crap that we started. Might help the cycle slow down. That is all I ask. None of what is being discussed means anything if they are not involved. My wifes brother is doing 50 years for a gang murder and for the first six years he claimed his innocense to finnaly come clean only after his family and friends had no more money to give and a spiritual awakening of some BS to come clean. That was worse for her hearing than any of it. Why because she wasted her presious time and money she needed to raise her family on his Guilty Lies. Noone in a gang is innocent. Noone joins a gang like the Dueces or LKs without proving themselves. They are not the Get Along Gang. They are serious and mean Buisness. They play for keeps. One day he will come clean and you will regret making a nieve statement such as he is not a violent person. There is a darker side to gangmembers that the families do not see or know about. They are your family and I expect you to love them unconditionally and have faith that they are not as ugly as the prosecutor says they are.

Good Luck Believing.

To the anonymous man who stated that karina will regret making
such a naive statement such as her brother is not a violent man,
1st OFF DONT SPEAK ON WHAT YOU DONT KNOW! YOUR BROTHER IN LAW IS
NOT HER BROTHER, AND HER BROTHER IS NOT YOUR BROTHER IN LAW, SO
UNLESS YOU KNOW HER BROTHER PERSONALLY, I SUGGEST YOU KEEP YOUR
COMMENTS TO YOURSELF AND THAT GOES FOR EVERYBODY ELSE PUTTING THEIR
TWO CENTS ON THIS BLOG. I suggest you keep your opinion to yourself,
and I can speak on it because Karina i knew your brother and I
know he is NOT A VIOLENT MAN AND HE IS NOT A MURDERER.
and karina its pointless to go back and forth with these people
because they dont understand and thats because they dont
know, but karina i do understand and i do know.
Thats all i wanted to say.

dont have people start asking questions and put dudes dirt out there just to prove someone wrong. I remember hearing his name. How did Dueces allow him to become a Duece then? He obviously was one. Mr. Delatorre was Dirty and was a player in the dope game. He was out there handling dirt. He wasnt innocent and if he was why was he around so many killers. Like Orlando Rivera. You guys are mad or Orlock for doing what he did when your so called not violent Fernando was friends with him. And what enforcer is not violent?

Definition of Enforcer: A criminal who uses physical force or the threat of physical force to intimidate, injure or even murder those who do not follow the dictates of an organized crime group; a thug.

I am not trying to get on her back or get to her emotionally. But dont try to Justify or Manipulate facts. I can name to many innocent people who died from Dueces and LKs crap. Funny He is a member of the most notorious street gang not only in Aurora but Elgin too. LOL

this is for Mr. or Ms. LOL, in case you didnt finish reading the meaning of enforcer, I thought I may enlighten, enforcer: an official who enforces laws or regulations on behalf of a govt. agency. Like for example the Police enforcers, whom shot and killed a groom before his wedding day. Sometimes, I believe the law, can be unfair or biased. We are not worthy to judge. This is no laughing matter.

Obviously you dont know the role of an enforcer of a street gang. Dueces back in the day made a reputation for themselves for violating their "Brother" with bats 4 on 1 for 3 minutes and putting a fresh 4 on for an additional 3 minutes. Or for them to get out of the violation they would have to go down in LK Neighborhood and shoot a King. Maybe you are new to this thead and that topic has not been discussed we ripped APD on the following thread

http://blogs.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconblog/2008/04/a-historical-view-of-auroras-f.html

We started Discussing Rico and then people changed the topic to make little of peoples involvement in their families Rico trial. We all know of APD's corruption. and you are exactly right about them being an enforcer, but if them and the FBI wasnt there imagine the crime rate. No imagine the 90's multipied by 3. They are the dumb a**'s for thinking they were invincable. They thought that what happen to the Kings with Orko couldnt happen to them and if they kept their mouths shut like the Kings didnt they would be fine and a Judge or Jury of their Peers would not find them guilty.

So Brenda do you want these guys teaching your kids how to smoke weed or snort coke and send your kids out to world to make headlines of themselves. Me once being on that side would much rather my children become a Law Enforcer of some kind and make a difference with them and possibly help both sides, get a pension, 401K, Health Insurance, Salary and most of all get the reward of sending someone who has no regard for human life and the laws of a civilized society to prison for a very long time.

also to mr. lol, since when does being friends with someone make you just like that person? and who were you hanging out with when you were 16,17,18yrs old? and to the hipocrite who served prision
time, how old were you when you decided to turn your life around?
how old were you when you opened your eyes?
let me guess, it was probably after you served your time right?
so arent you the perfect example of how someone can turn their
life around? since these days youre walking that strait
line, right.

Sorry to say this but it is true Guilt by association. You dont know how many neutron friends held drugs and guns for me because i felt the heat and they felt sorry for me. I was 20 by the way. Yes I did serve my time. I did an extra 12 months for something I didnt do, just kept my mouth shut. Was they there, no. Yes I am walking straight because I made myself aware of Federal Sentencing Guidlines. You should make yourself aware if you have urges to break the law. I am no exception to the rule, I just choose not be further be blinded by stupidity. Stop trying to justify someones greed and ignorance. I hope kids are not reading this with all of these people downplaying their role in gangs and murder. Why dont people see that if you are in a gang and sell drugs you pay a higher tax which in place pays for guns and leads to violence. No they are an exception to the rule because they are a nice guy. You got to be screwing with me. Maybe they have you brainwashed in to believing just like the 12 year old boy.

How did Mr. DelTorre go for over 10 years in one of Aurora's most violent street gangs, back in the 90's and not have some kind of violence in his background?

Answer that truthfully if you can. Remember there are people checking in just to prove you wrong.

how about we all just let GOD do the judging...not one sin is greater than another so that makes us all hypocrites (lightbulb)

karina...unfortunatly once you are in a gang you are stereotyped and that stereotype follows you forever and you can talk until your blue in the face, but truth is noone knows your brother better than you no matter what the outcome is and like i said above let go and let GOD handle it for you. keep ya head up:)

So who does the disiplining on Earth? If noone was here to do it we would be living in Mid Evil Times and you would probally be someones victim. It is still hard for me because I am still labled a punk hood and a thief. Yes we are all sinners. But asking god for forgivness is kind of worthless when there are so many victims who are not getting their peace on Earth.

and you will always be labled that....unfortunatly....and im not on here to question my faith in GOD so your comment ^^^^^^ is null and void to me.

yes you are right unfortunately I still havent made those relatives that think they are better than other feel differently. But I dont care. I live my life for my immediate family first and self later. nothing else matters. I have survived my judgment here and I hope that with faith and continuing to do right while I am here Judgement wont be so bad later. But proving things to people only sets you up for being continuously used by people.

I WAS A GANG MEMBER, SOCIETY DID NOT MAKE ME ONE, I, AND I ALONG CHOSE THAT PATH. MY PARENTS WERE THERE FOR ME AS WELL AS MY SIBLINGS. IT WAS COOL TO BE IN A GANG, MONEY, DRUGS AND THE PARTIES. THE PUBLIC EYE DID NOT JUDGE ME FOR WHAT I WORE. THEY JUDGED ME BY MY ACTIONS AND WHAT I SAID. I PERSONALLY KNOW GANG MEMBERS THAT WERE KILLED, THEY CANNOT BE REPLACED. THE RICO STATUS IS A TOOL USED BY THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM TO CONTROL CRIME ON A WIDER LEVEL, THAN JUST THE INDIVIDUAL(S) WHO DID THEM. I BELIEVE IN RICO, IF ONE BOWLING PIN FALLS, WHY NOT THE REST? I LEFT THE GANG LIFE MANY YEARS AGO, I AM A PRODUCTIVE FATHER, CONSTANTLY INVOLVED IN MY CHILDREN'S LIVES. BE IT FOOTBALL, CUB SCOUT'S OR A FAMILY OUTING. MY CHILDREN HAVE BEEN TO AURORA, BUT WILL NEVER LIVE THERE. UNTIL THIS HOPELESS SITUATION WITH ALL THIS GANG ACTIVITY IS RESOLVED, AURORA IS NOT SAFE.

Now I can agree with all of that. That is basicaly what I have been saying. Call it a phase whatever. I was starting feel like I was the only Hipocrate that decided to get out of such a good thing and walk away from so many opportunities.

I guess I would say that if you belong to a street gang that has as its purpose dealing drugs and violence, you are in fact guilty by association. That is what racketeering is about. Gangs depend on membership for their profit, and if a gang is organized for crime, we should stomp it out.

Sorry that your brother went down this road, but society can't stop that. We spend more money on education now than we ever have. If east siders want more money for education, then they should vote for a property tax increase (which they refuse to do). There's no way for the government to force gang bangers out of their environment (do you really want that? Take a young person away from his parents at the first sign of danger? Of course you don't).

Gangs create more sadness for poor people than they do rich people (they just move kids out of public schools and get house alarms or move out of this place). God bless Patrick Fitzgerald for trying to crush these fools who terrorize my home town.

Also, to those who worry that they might be targeted because they wear gang clothing, try dressing respectably. You'll probably get more breaks that way.

This RICO is exactly what the police should be using to clean up communities from the scourge of these mini terrorists. These low-lifes terrorize towns, sell drugs, and shoot it out in broad daylight, often killing innocent bystanders or small chilren by accident.

Anyone who is against this conviction is either a family member of the accused, who enabled this little monsters for years, or they are completely blind to the havoc these sawed off gang banging punks reaked in neighborhoods all over Chicagoland for the past 40 plus years.

Bravo to the ATF, the Aurora police and the U.S. attorney, and hopefully many more to come.

Maybe this will serve notice to the other terrorist gang bangers murdering in our streets. Although udging from the comments from the family members on this blog, I doubt it. They would rather embrace victim status, and blame someone else, then change the evil in their own hearts.

Who in the hell gives any of you the right to judge any body? Where were you 20 years ago? Just like Karina stated nobody wins. All of you sit in front of your computers and judge these men. Yes i am a sister of one of the accused. I dont belive that the problems are just from these gang members, it also comes from the APD and the community. What have any of you done to make this a safe place? Nothing you sit here and make your comments as if they mean anything. To the families of the accused we need to allways keep our heads up. It is not over we will take it to the appelet courts. The Rico Act was intended to strip anybody from a fair trial. I stated above how i sat in court for countless hours and endless days. None of you were there you have no idea what lies were spoken of. You claim the city is safe now that these men are there. well my brother has been there for 5 years and you tell me have the murders,shootings and drug deals stopped? No they have not. The government let this man walk free he has admmited to over 45 shootig not to mention what he has'nt admitted to. This is the same man that will be standing in the store with you at the checkouts and most of you will never know it do you still feel safe?

I dont agree with the deal the prosecutor made with Orlando at all. He should also be spending an eternity in prison. But Naperville had a murder before us this year, that in itself must stand for something. Unless your brothers freedom to do as he did is more important to other peoples freedom. Ghost was their Chief for how many years and he has been to prision for attempted murder all the way back in 1991. So I have been around for the last 20 years. Longer than some of the ones no facing life. How do you know they were lies being spoken? I wasnt there for the trial to hear the so called lies being spoken but how many hours of conversation at meetings, hiding murder weapons, shootings and didnt orlock even give them some guns that where in relation to the shootings. It was their voices right or was it Spanky from the little rascales. Can anyone please post the murders from the last 20 years and lets do this mark what gang is accused or responsible for what murder and what the victims affiliation was or thought to be and whether it was solved or not. Hey lets do this, also post a face with those pictures and lets go a step further and state how many kids they left behind. After all is said and done lets compare the last 5 years that your Killer of a Brother was locked away to any 5 years of the 90s and I bet Aurora is safer in the last 5 yea