PDL in Baltimore

Apple Valley man named in federal indictment targeting gang



An Apple Valley man, who allegedly leads a Baltimore street gang, was arrested today under a federal indictment on suspicion of racketeering and conspiracy to distribute drugs.

Federal agents arrested James McCuin, also known as "Looney Reds," at a residence in the 21000 block of Nisqualli Road and seized documents there, according to the U.S. Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

McCuin, 31, is an alleged leader of the Pasadena Denver Lanes street gang, also known as PDL Bloods, which was named in the grand jury indictment. Agents arrested 42 people, which included 23 members of the gang, nationwide as part of Operation Tourniquet.

"The indictment alleges that the PDL Bloods gang operates in Maryland as an organized criminal enterprise with leaders and followers who commit violent crimes, sell illegal drugs and pay dues to gang leaders in California," U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein said, in a statement.

McCuin faces federal charges of racketeering conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute drugs from January 2008 through May 2009, according to the indictment. If convicted, he could face a maximum of life in federal prison, federal officials said.

A Lancaster man, 33-year-old Marcus "MB" Brooks, was also arrested and is alleged to be a leader of the gang. A shotgun was seized at the Lancaster location.

Documents were also seized at an Upland residence in the 1000 block of West Seventh Street.

Both McCuin and Brooks will be extradited to Baltimore to face there charges there, an ATF spokesman said.