Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 12/05/06

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Christine Cook Chief Deputy District Attorney Diana Gomez

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

GANG MEMBER ADMITS ROLE IN STABBING

Benjamin Moreno pled guilty to attempted murder Friday for his role in a 2003 melee in Santa Rosa. He also admitted to personally causing great bodily injury and committing the crime to benefit a criminal street gang. Moreno is a documented Sureno gang member. The charges stem from the August 25, 2002, stabbing of William Rodriguez and Grame Kanongataa on Hearn Avenue in the City of Santa Rosa.

In December 2003, the grand jury indicted 14 gang members as a result of the attacks. After the indictments and before arrest, Moreno fled the jurisdiction. He was apprehended one year later in December 2004.

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua said, "Gang members who commit violent crimes in our community should know that they will be tracked down and prosecuted."

In addition to the attempted murder plea, Moreno also pled guilty to assault with a deadly weapon and admitted personally causing great bodily injury and committing the crime to benefit a criminal street gang. The two charges account for the two assault victims. Moreno is facing a minimum of 12 years and a maximum of 18 years in state prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 23, 2007.

Seven other gang members are serving prison sentences ranging from 8 years to 24 years and two gang members were placed on probation. An arrest warrant is still outstanding for one other indicted gang member, Jesus Flores.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Diana Gomez is the assigned trial prosecutor. Detective Joe Heath of the Santa Rosa Police Department, District Attorney Investigator Denise Urton and District Attorney Legal Assistant Dava Kohlman assisted in the prosecution.