Three men are still at large in connection with an investigation into South LA street gangs allegedly controlled by an imprisoned Mexican Mafia member who delivered orders -- some of which directed gang members to target USC students -- through his daughter and son-in-law.
Eighteen people were arrested early Thursday as part of a two-year probe. The charges stemming from the 60-count indictment unsealed Thursday involved drug trafficking, murder, and robberies targeting students at USC.
Authorities continued to search for Ramon Ramos, 36; Daniel Palacio, 30; and Ricardo Gallegos, 33.
Ramos allegedly supplied methamphetamine to another suspect for distribution among Harpys gang members; Palacio allegedly supplied firearms to Harpys members; and Gallegos allegedly committed an armed carjacking with other Harpys gangmembers, according to federal authorities.
The indictment unsealed in connection with Operation Roman Empire claims Mexican Mafia member Danny Roman -- serving life in prison -- directed criminal activity southwest of downtown Los Angeles and north of the school campus.
The indictment names Roman's daughter and her husband as two of 29 defendants. They are accused of leading Harpys gang activities, which include collecting "taxes" from businesses and other gangs that were delivered to Roman in Pelican Bay State Prison.
Those payments were obtained through threats of violence, including murder, and robberies involving USC students, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Guns and illegal drugs were seized during Thursday's operation, according to prosecutors.
Eight of the individuals named in the indictment were already in custody.
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