Lindsay brothers convicted in Red Sol case
Both guilty of conspiracy, gang crimes
A Tulare County jury Thursday convicted Lindsay brothers Cervando Avalos, 31, and Emanuel Avalos, 27, of numerous gang crimes including conspiracy to commit murder.
The brothers were arrested as part of Operation Red Sol in October of 2015. The sweep of Norteno gang members became the largest criminal case in Tulare County history.
Cervando Avalos was convicted of conspiracy to commit home invasion robbery, attempted home invasion robbery, two counts of conspiracy to commit grand theft of marijuana, grand theft of marijuana, conspiracy to possess and transport cocaine for sale, and possession of cocaine for sale.
Special allegations were also found true that the crimes were committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang and that a firearm was used. Cervando Avalos faces a possible 42 years to life in prison at sentencing.
Emanuel Avalos was convicted of conspiracy to receive a stolen vehicle, extortion, conspiracy to commit home invasion robbery, attempted home invasion robbery, three counts of conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, possession of methamphetamine for sale, and possession of a stolen vehicle. Special allegations were also found true that the crimes were committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang and that a firearm was used.
Emanuel Avalos faces a possible 156 years to life in prison at sentencing.
The sweep on Oct. 1, 2015 was conducted by more than 300 officers from many difference law enforcement agencies. Arrests were made in Porterville, Lindsay, Terra Bella, Plainview and Strathmore, as well as in Tulare and Visalia. The majority of the gang members apprehended lived in the South County.
In August and September of 2015, local law enforcement and the California Department of Justice were conducting a large scale wiretap operation targeting the Tulare County Norteno criminal street gang. During this time, the Avalos brothers committed the crimes of which they were convicted for the benefit of the gang.
The conspiracies to commit murder were against a Strathmore business owner and rival gang members. Conspiracy to commit murder and the attempted murder of a dropout gang member also occurred during this time. Both brothers were considered high-ranking members at the time of their arrest on Oct. 1, 2015.
“The Office of the District Attorney has been fully committed to seeking justice, and that commitment will not end until those charged in this case have been held accountable for the terror they brought upon our streets and our communities,” said District Attorney Tim Ward. “I commend the work of prosecutors, investigators, legal office staff, advocates, and our justice partners in staying the course.”
Over 50 of 81 charged in the case have been convicted of or have pleaded to a variety of conspiracy, robbery, drug, and weapons charges. Seven defendants were remanded in to federal custody for prosecution.
In December of 2016, a criminal grand jury indicted 11 of the remaining defendants on numerous charges, including multiple murders.
Sentencing for the brothers is scheduled for Aug. 24.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Kirk Davis and Benjamin Taksa of the Major Crimes Division. The case was primarily investigated by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office and the California Department of Justice with assistance from numerous Tulare County law enforcement agencies.