Rafael LOPEZ: Double Homicide In Merced PD Case

Your Petitioner is part of an ongoing investigation of Rafael LOPEZ who is suspect of double homicide in Merced PD case 13-24686. During the course of the investigation LOPEZ was identified by confidential witnesses as being present at the time that two SURENO gang members were shot and killed on 12th St. Also during the course of this investigation your Petitioner is aware that a Pen register was written for LOPEZ’S telephone. The Pen register shows that LOPEZ is in contact with Joseph SIALAS, a NORTENO gang member incarcerated in the Merced County Jail. SIALAS was arrested in Operation Red Right Hand in May 2015. During this operation Red Right Hand agents utilized unmarked surveillance vehicles as a way in which to monitor the criminal activities of gang members including SILAS. Furthermore LOPEZ has already been incarcerated in the California State Prison and therefore I believe he is thoroughly familiar with the manner in which Law Enforcement criminal street gang investigations are conducted. His familiarity with law enforcement investigative techniques includes a heightened awareness of surveillance practices and identification law enforcement vehicles. LOPEZ is thoroughly familiar with the areas in which he conducts NORTENO criminal street gang activities.

Your Petitioner believes that if Agents were to conduct traditional routine surveillance in that area NORTENO criminal street gang members would identify surveillance units as law enforcement thus confirming his suspicion that LOPEZ and/or NORTENO criminal street gang members are the subject of a law enforcement investigation; subsequently causing LOPEZ and his co-conspirators to cease and/or minimize their criminal activities to disrupt the current