One Defendant Sentenced, Another Pleads Guilty In Dodge City Racketeering Case

WICHITA, KAN. - One member of a Dodge City street gang was sentenced and another pleaded guilty Monday in a federal racketeering case, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Fabian Neave, 26, Dodge City, Kan., was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy. In his plea, he admitted committing crimes while he was a member of the Diablos Viejos and associated with the Norteno street gang.

Alfredo Beltran-Ruiz, 22, Dodge City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting attempted murder, which was a violent crime in aid of racketeering.

In his plea, Neave admitted being involved in three incidents. He took part in an Aug. 27, 2011, assault at 703 E. 9th Ave. in Dodge City, and he possessed methamphetamine with intent to distribute on Dec. 27, 2011. In the third incident, on July 2, 2008, he and other Nortenos robbed a victim named Bryant Licon. During the robbery, Neave held a knife to Licon. He and two other Nortenos split the money from the robbery.

In his plea, Beltran-Ruiz admitted that on March 15, 2011, he aided and abetted the attempted murder of a victim named Reyes Delira-Padilla by firing shots at the victim’s house at 1705 Ave. D in Dodge City. Delira-Padilla was a member of the rival Sureno gang.

Beltran-Ruiz is set for sentencing Feb. 24. He faces a penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

Both defendants were among 23 Nortenos indicted in May 2012. It was only the second time a federal RICO Act indictment (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) had been filed in Kansas. So far, 21 defendants have been convicted. Defendants Adam Flores and Jayson Vargas are awaiting trial.

        Grissom commended the Dodge City Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Ford County Sheriff?s Office, the Ford County Attorney’s Office, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Assistant Aaron Smith and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch for their work on the case.