Guns, drugs seized in stereo shop raid

DOWNEY - A week-long investigation by law enforcement officials netted four arrests and more than a dozen firearms at a Downey car stereo shop on May 6.

Jorge Valencia, 36, of Downey, is accused of selling narcotics from First Class Audio, 8556 Rosecrans Ave. An alleged gang member, he was arrested in front of the store for being in possession of a loaded gun.

Also arrested were Gilmer Ake, 42, of Paramount; Carlos Rodriguez, 35, of Alta Loma; and Luis Orozco, 30. Orozco, also a gang member, was arrested after he drove past the store and sheriff's deputies recognized his vehicle as described in the search warrant.

Deputies allegedly found a loaded handgun inside a hidden dashboard compartment. Law enforcement officials searched the shop and found 12 rifles, five handguns, an undisclosed amount of marijuana, and three baggies of cocaine.

Additionally, 14 "railroad torpedo" explosives were recovered by detectives.

All suspects were booked at the Sheriff's Department's Lakewood station. Heading the investigation was the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

********** Published: May 22, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 5