Law enforcement agencies in the East Valley announced on Thursday the results of their probe into teen gang violence, confirming the existence of a criminal street gang known as the "Gilbert Goons." The task force, comprising Gilbert PD, Chandler PD, Queen Creek PD, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Mesa PD, and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, has been relentlessly working to address the surge of teen violence that has plagued their communities, an issue brought to the forefront by the tragic death of teen Preston Lord.
The collective effort to review criminal activity among youth in various jurisdictions led to findings that, while the "Gilbert Goons" fit the criteria to be deemed a criminal street gang under Arizona Revised Statute (13-105.8), there currently isn't enough evidence to directly charge any members with "Participating in or assisting a criminal street gang." The definition of a criminal street gang in Arizona law requires an association of individuals committing felony crimes, with at least one being a recognized gang member. Even though the gang has been identified, lacking is sufficient proof to further pursue legal action against its constituents at this time.
According to information released on the Gilbert police department's website, the "Gilbert Goons" are designated as a hybrid gang, highlighting their presence across East Valley cities and their evolution from an informal fight club to engaging in more serious criminal activities. Parameters for defining a gang member, as per Arizona law, include self-proclamation, witness testimony, electronic correspondence, and other visual indicators such as tattoos, clothing, or colors, but simply being a gang member is not in itself a crime.
The extensive investigations spanned more than 100 interviews and meticulous evaluation of videos and social media, revealing the complex nature of hybrid gang behavior, including mixed races, loose codes of conduct, and affiliations with multiple or rival gangs. However, the evidence collected failed to conclusively prove that any felony committed by members was in furtherance of gang-related objectives. "At this point, individual criminal charges will stand on their own merit without the heightened consequence of gang affiliation," the forces said in their statement.
Officials stress that community cooperation remains crucial in combatting group teen violence and encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward. As the investigations wrap up, the involved law enforcement agencies underscore their continued commitment to ensuring community safety and addressing gang activity throughout the East Valley.
