Federal Indictment Targets Brown Brotherhood Gang Members for Drug, Firearms Trafficking

In a significant crackdown on organized crime, four members of the Vallejo-based Brown Brotherhood gang have been federally indicted on charges related to drug and firearms trafficking. The indictments, unsealed on March 13, 2025 at U.S. District Court in Sacramento, follow a comprehensive investigation led by federal and local law enforcement agencies.

Details of the Indictments

The individuals charged include:

• Leo Alphonzo Alonso-Medina, 32, of Vallejo: Accused of distributing cocaine and methamphetamine, unlawful dealing in firearms, and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, Alonso-Medina faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a $10 million fine.
• Jeremiah I’amafana Salanoa, 22, of Vallejo: Charged with three counts of distributing fentanyl, one count of distributing methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. A conviction could result in life imprisonment and a $10 million fine.
• Doroteo Suastegui, 47, of Vallejo: Faces charges for distributing methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as unlawful dealing in firearms. He also faces up to life imprisonment and a $10 million fine if convicted.
• Carlos Osvaldo Higuera-Aldana, 22, of Vallejo: Indicted on three counts of distributing methamphetamine and two counts related to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. His potential sentence mirrors those of his co-defendants: life imprisonment and a $10 million fine upon conviction.

The Brown Brotherhood Gang

The Brown Brotherhood gang is identified as a subset of the Sureño gang and has been under investigation by the Vallejo Police Department and the Solano County Violent Crime Task Force. Their criminal activities reportedly include murder, robbery, extortion, drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, burglary, and dealing in stolen vehicles.

Enforcement Actions

The investigation, which began in February 2024, culminated in searches and arrests on February 27, 2025. During these operations, authorities seized significant quantities of narcotics, firearms, and cash.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI Violent Crime Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fairfield Police Department, the Vacaville Police Department, the Vallejo Police Department, the Solano County District Attorney’s Office, and the Solano County Sheriff’s Office.

The defendants are in custody at the Sacramento County Jail awaiting trial in federal court.