Gang Leader from Illegal Gambling Ring Sentenced to 9 Years for Kidnapping

An Organized Crime Boss Continues Operations from Prison

Luis Ramirez, notorious for leading the Westside Riva gang (WSR) in Southern California, has received an additional nine-year prison sentence for orchestrating a kidnapping. Despite already serving a life sentence for attempted murder, Ramirez maintained control over his gang and illegal operations from behind bars.

Background on Luis Ramirez and the Westside Riva Gang

Ramirez was originally sentenced to life imprisonment for orchestrating an attack on three individuals in 1995. Since his incarceration, he has remained active within criminal circles, directing WSR activities which include extorting local businesses and other illicit enterprises.

The Incident Leading to the New Sentence

The new sentence stems from Ramirez’s role in the kidnapping of a woman tied to the gang. Although her identity has not been made public, prosecutors revealed she was responsible for managing extortion funds on behalf of the gang and lost $7,000 after a police traffic stop confiscated the money.

The Kidnapping and Coercion

Enraged by the loss, Ramirez used a contraband phone to command two associates, Jose Jonathan Rubalcaba Alarcon and Gilbert Rey Martinez, to abduct the woman. Ramirez instructed them to force her to repay the lost money by working on an adult content platform.

The victim was held captive for nearly five days inside a bathroom of a Riverside clothing store owned by the gang. During this time, her access to food was limited. Fortunately, she escaped when left unsupervised at the store.

Legal Consequences for All Parties Involved

Ramirez accepted guilt for masterminding the kidnapping and has now been handed a nine-year federal sentence, to be served alongside his life term. Martinez received a 41-month sentence for his involvement, while Alarcon, who claims to have released the woman out of sympathy and described Ramirez as “evil,” was sentenced to 46 months in prison.