In Gilbert, Arizona, parents are expressing worry over a series of violent incidents involving teenagers, leading to concerns about a group known as the “Gilbert Goons.” While law enforcement has not officially identified any members, the Gilbert Police Department is contemplating whether to categorize this group as a criminal street gang.

The Gilbert Police Department’s Street Crime Unit is collaborating with various agencies, including the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Gang Enforcement Task Force, to investigate these cases thoroughly.

Criminality of “Gilbert Goons”

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell emphasizes the severity of the situation, stating that the term “Gilbert Goons” doesn’t fully capture the criminal nature of their actions. She highlights that these acts should be viewed as criminal offenses, expressing a commitment to investigating anyone associated with the group.

Legal Considerations and Investigation Challenges

Retired FBI Special Agent in Charge, Micheal Tabman, cautions that proving gang affiliation requires patience and thorough investigation. Investigating youth involvement in gangs is particularly challenging, as cases need to be meticulously built over time, with witnesses often reluctant to come forward.

Tabman stresses the importance of intelligence gathering, urging law enforcement to take names, notes, and find ways to connect with the community. Encouraging people to report even minor incidents can provide valuable information for building cases against organized criminal groups.

Defining “Criminal Street Gang”

Understanding the legal framework, Gilbert Police provide a definition of a “criminal street gang.” It is described as an ongoing association engaging in felonious activities, with specific criteria indicating gang membership. These criteria include self-proclamation, witness testimony, correspondence, paraphernalia, tattoos, clothing, or any other indicators of street gang affiliation.

Arizona Statutes on Gang-Related Offenses

Arizona Revised Statutes §§ 13-105.9 and 13-2321 outline criteria for identifying criminal street gang members and the offenses associated with participating or assisting such gangs. The statutes classify participation in a criminal street gang as a class 2 felony, while assisting a criminal street gang is classified as a class 3 felony.

The use of a common name or identifying sign is admissible evidence in proving the existence of a criminal street gang or its membership. These legal provisions underscore the seriousness with which the state approaches criminal street gang activities.

Conclusion

Addressing concerns over the “Gilbert Goons” requires a comprehensive approach, combining legal scrutiny, community engagement, and intelligence gathering. Law enforcement faces challenges in proving gang affiliation, but collaboration with various agencies and public cooperation can contribute to a safer community.