Although portions of the investigation remain active, the Oakland Police Department can now confirm the existence of a long-term, multi-agency investigation of a violent East Oakland gang. Commonly known as “the Burn Out Family,” the criminal organization was involved in activity such as illegal firearm possession, narcotics trafficking, and fraudulent credit card activities.
“This is another example of making large, coordinated, and meaningful impacts on the sources of violence in Oakland,” said Chief Howard Jordan. “We were successful through the use of our planning, covert intelligence, agency partnerships, and the coordinated assistance of United States Attorney Melinda Haig and District Attorney Nancy O’Malley.”
With Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Secret Service collaboration, the investigation represents one of the largest wire tap operations in the history of Oakland. The law enforcement objectives were to investigate all levels of the criminal enterprise, link known and suspected criminal activity to suspects at all levels, and ultimately dismantle its presence.
During the course of the investigation, approximately 45 individuals were arrested on various state and federal charges, and approximately 22 guns were seized along with fraudulent credit card manufacturing systems. Also, as a direct result of the investigation, officers gathered information leading to arrests for conspiracy to commit murder. Arrested were Wynn Brewer (May 4, 1982), Patrick O. Shields (May 22, 1983), Cyrico Robinson (December 13, 1986), and Willie Howard Pope (March 29, 1980). In a noticeable enforcement push last Thursday and Friday, 20 more suspects were arrested on state and federal drug and fraud violations.
The potential for additional arrests, charges, and indictments remains as the investigation comes to a close. Further information will be released at its conclusion.
For information regarding this release, please contact the Media Relations Office at 510-238-7230 or [email protected].
