Seventeen Arrested in Los Angeles Linked to Puente-13 Gang Tied to Mexican Mafia

Federal Authorities Arrest 17 Members of La Puente Gang Linked to Mexican Mafia

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. — In a significant law enforcement operation, federal authorities apprehended 17 members and associates of the La Puente-based Puente-13 gang on Wednesday. The arrests were part of a major investigation into serious criminal activities, including kidnapping, shootings, and large-scale drug trafficking.

The indictment charges a total of 20 defendants, outlining various offenses that highlight the gang’s alleged involvement in distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, and the illegal sale of firearms, including machine guns. Among those charged, 17 were arrested during Wednesday’s operation, one is already in state custody, and two are still evading capture.

The arrested individuals include:

• Victor Sanchez, 24, known as "Pollo" and "Chicken," from San Bernardino.
• Isaiah Castro, 24, a.k.a. "Boy," from Azusa.
• Isaac Estrada-Frost, 21, also known as "Ghost," from Rosemead.
• Heather Covarrubias, 40, a.k.a. "Snowbella," from Diamond Bar.
• Dominic Ornelas, 23, known as "Dom" and "Lil Speedy," from Rancho Cucamonga.
• Adrian Lopez, 25, a.k.a. "Tapped In" and "Monkey," from La Puente.
• Bryan Gordian-Padilla, 24, a.k.a. "Goon," from West Covina.

The investigation revealed that Puente-13 allegedly used violence to control its territory while supporting the Mexican Mafia. During the probe, law enforcement officials seized 71 firearms, ten pounds of methamphetamine, and thousands of pills containing fentanyl and carfentanil, a synthetic opioid substantially stronger than fentanyl.

Timeline of Violent Incidents

Court documents detail a series of violent incidents involving gang members over the past several years:

• December 2022: Alleged shootings occurred in Covina, with Dominic Ornelas linked to the scene after leaving behind a shoe during his escape.
• July 2023: Adrian Lopez and Heather Covarrubias participated in the kidnapping of two individuals, one of whom was severely beaten before escaping.
• May 2025: Isaac Estrada-Frost was reported to have yelled racial slurs and fired at a victim’s car outside a La Puente liquor store, mistaking the driver for a rival gang member.
• Wednesday: Federal authorities conducted a coordinated sweep, leading to the arrests of 16 suspects, who began making their initial court appearances in Los Angeles.

Fugitives Still at Large

Two fugitives remain on the run:

• Larry Castillo, 42, known as "Lil Dee," from Victorville.
• Soo Kang, 31, also known as "Easy," from Los Angeles.

Heather Johnson, 38, from Victorville, is currently in state custody. Initial court appearances for nine of the arrested defendants were held Wednesday afternoon. The remaining seven are expected to appear before a judge on Thursday.

If convicted, nine defendants face potential life sentences in federal prison.