Casa Blanca Rifa Gang Member Sentenced In RivCo

RIVERSIDE, CA — An alleged member of the Riverside-based Casa Blanca Rifa street gang was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for his role in trafficking methamphetamine from Mexico to the Inland Empire, prosecutors have announced.

Javier Rodriguez, 57, was sentenced late Monday by United States District Judge Jesus G. Bernal. The Riverside resident is the 16th and final defendant sentenced in the widespread case that focused on criminal activities of the Casa Blanca Rifa gang — namely drug trafficking and associated violence in Riverside and the surrounding community, according to prosecutors.

Rodriguez pleaded guilty on March 18 to eight felonies: one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; one count of conspiracy to import methamphetamine; three counts of possessing methamphetamine for distribution; one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition; and two counts of attempted international promotional money laundering.

Rodriguez has been in federal custody since his guilty plea.

According to prosecutors, from at least April 2020 until August 2020, Rodriguez and others purchased "pound quantities" of methamphetamine from their suppliers in Mexico as well as in Los Angeles and Riverside counties.

Co-conspirators distributed the narcotic in the Inland Empire. Prosecutors allege Rodriguez also trafficked drugs from his mother’s home.

In total, law enforcement seized more than 150 pounds (68 kilograms) of methamphetamine and $31,035 in cash during the investigation, according to prosecutors.

Rodriguez was also found with 150 rounds of ammunition, which he was not legally permitted to possess because of his criminal history, including six felony convictions for crimes ranging from drug dealing to burglary, prosecutors said.

The lead defendant in the case, Timoteo Gomez, 51, of Riverside was sentenced on May 6 to 21 years in federal prison after pleading guilty for his role in the methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy. Other defendants in this case received prison sentences ranging from two to 12 years.