PIMA COUNTY - Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced the sentencing of 5 defendants involved in a dangerous Tucson home invasion “rip” crew that would commit home invasions to steal drugs from rival drug traffickers.
- Ringleader, Santos Jesus Rodriguez, 26, was sentenced to 12 years in prison and 5 years of probation.
- James Joe Johnson, 30, was sentenced to 11 years in prison and 5 years of probation.
- Gabriel Abran Lopez, 28, was sentenced to 10.5 years in prison and 5 years of probation
- Luis Angel Coronado, 34, was sentenced to 6.5 years in prison and 5 years of probation.
- Lonnie J. Rodriguez, 26, was sentenced to 40 days in jail followed by 2 years of probation.
"Rip crews are incredibly violent and dangerous and we need to get them off of our streets," said Attorney General Mark Brnovich. "Home invasion crews typically target rival drug traffickers, but there is always a chance they will get the wrong house and hurt an innocent family."
All five defendants pleaded guilty to various charges, including attempted sale of narcotic drugs, armed robbery, weapons misconduct, money laundering, conspiracy and illegally conducting an enterprise.
The Tucson Police Department Counter Narcotics Alliance dismantled the rip crew in an undercover sting with the Arizona Attorney General's Office. During the sting, the Defendants admitted being a home invasion crew and negotiated with undercover officers to commit a home invasion in exchange for two kilograms of cocaine and $45,000.
Assistant Attorney General Nanette Morrow prosecuted this case.
Santos Jesus Rodriguez Mugshot (pictured below)
James Joe Johnson Mugshot (pictured below)
Gabriel Abran Lopez Mugshot (pictured below)
Luis Angel Coronado Mugshot (pictured below)
Lonnie J. Rodriguez Mugshot (pictured below)
