BREAKING: A South Hayward gang member, Humberto Villegas, has been sentenced to 23 years in prison following his conviction for three counts of attempted murder. This sentence concludes an extensive eight-year prosecution linked to Operation Winter Storm, a significant law enforcement operation targeting the East Las Palmas gang, part of the Norteños faction.
Villegas, aged 32, was formally sentenced in late August 2023 and officially transferred to Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga on September 18. He received credit for nearly 10 years already served while awaiting trial. This operation has resulted in the conviction of several gang members, with Villegas being the last to accept a plea deal.
The charges against him stemmed from alleged murder conspiracies that never materialized, including a plot to attack an individual known as “80-Deuce,” who previously shot Villegas in the hand. Another conspiracy involved an attempt on a rival gang member, identified as the rapper Lil’ Slugg.
In total, five co-defendants faced serious charges, with sentences varying from seven years to 25 years to life. Notably, Matthew “Yung Mickey” Munoz, who opted for trial, was sentenced to 25 years to life after being convicted of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. He lost an appeal of his conviction last June.
The ongoing impact of these convictions is profound. One co-defendant, Jeswal Prakash, was released from prison only to be charged with attempted murder in a shooting last May, highlighting the ongoing violence tied to gang affiliations in the area.
This case underscores the persistent challenges law enforcement faces in combating gang-related violence in South Hayward. As authorities continue to address gang activity, the community remains on high alert for potential repercussions from ongoing rivalries.
As the situation develops, community members and local leaders are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities as law enforcement remains focused on curbing gang influence. The next steps for the remaining defendants and potential appeals will be closely monitored in the coming months.
