Two brothers convicted in largest criminal case in Tulare County history

As part of the largest criminal case in Tulare County history, two brothers were convicted Thursday of numerous gang crimes including conspiracy to commit murder, said the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office.

Cervando Avalos, 31, and Emanuel Avalos, 27, both of Lindsay, were arrested Oct. 1, 2015 as part of Operation Red Sol, a gang sweep in Tulare County. The two were high-ranking gang members who were arrested as a result of the large-scale wiretap investigation that charged 81 people with gang crimes, according to the district attorney’s office.

The men conspired to murder a Strathmore business owner and rival gang members, and attempted to murder a dropout gang member, the district attorney’s office said.

A jury convicted Cervando Avalos of conspiracy to commit home invasion and attempted home invasion robbery, two counts of conspiracy to commit grand theft of marijuana, grand theft of marijuana, conspiracy to possess and transport cocaine for sale and possession of cocaine for sale.

Emanuel Avalos was convicted of conspiracy to receive a stolen vehicle, extortion, conspiracy to commit home invasion and attempted home invasion robbery, three counts of conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, possession of meth for sale and possession of a stolen vehicle.

Special allegations for both men say the crimes were committed for the benefit of a street criminal gang and that a firearm was used, the district attorney’s office said.

Cervando Avalos faces 42 years to life in prison and Emanuel Avalos faces 156 years to life in prison at their sentencing on Aug. 24 in Tulare County Superior Court.

Over 50 of the 81 people charged in the case have been convicted or have pleaded to charges of conspiracy, robbery, drug and weapons charges. In December 2016, a criminal grand jury indicted 11 defendants on numerous charges, including murder.

“The Office of the District Attorney has been fully committed to seeking justice,” said District Attorney Tim Ward, “and that commitment will not end until those charged in this case have been held accountable for the terror they brought upon our streets and communities.”

This story was originally published July 28, 2017 at 2:01 PM with the headline "Two brothers convicted in largest criminal case in Tulare County history."