Three Los Angeles gang members have admitted their involvement in the robbery and tragic death of off-duty police officer Fernando Arroyos, who was house-hunting with his girlfriend in January 2022. Luis Alfredo de la Rosa Rios, Ernesto Cisneros, and Jesse Contreras pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized the devastating impact of gang violence on the community, highlighting the senseless loss of a young officer dedicated to serving Los Angeles. Arroyos, 27, was targeted for his gold chain while looking at homes with his girlfriend. Cisneros, armed, confronted the officer, stealing his chain and wallet, which contained his LAPD identification. Tragically, Cisneros then opened fire, killing Arroyos.
A fourth individual, Haylee Marie Grisham, Rios' girlfriend and a gang associate, previously pleaded guilty to violent crime in aid of racketeering for her participation in the robbery. Rios and Contreras confessed to committing two other robberies earlier that same day.
The case was initially investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Then-Sheriff Alex Villanueva made the unusual decision to transfer the case to federal authorities, bypassing Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon. Villanueva expressed dissatisfaction with Gascon's proposed charges, believing they did not reflect the severity of the crime, and lacked enhancements for gang activity and firearm use. Villanueva criticized Gascon's policies as being too lenient on criminals.
Upon taking office, Gascon implemented directives that included instructing prosecutors to avoid pursuing sentence enhancements, which can significantly extend prison sentences. While each defendant could potentially face life imprisonment, prosecutors have agreed to pursue sentences of 35 to 50 years for Rios and Cisneros, and 35 years for Contreras.
