High-Ranking Nuestra Familia Member Pleads Guilty, Sentenced to 10 Years in State Prison

Pedro Fuentes, a high-ranking member (“Carnal”) of the Nuestra Familia and a shot caller for local in-custody Norteño gang members, pled guilty on December 11, 2025, to multiple felony charges stemming from gang-related violence and drug smuggling into a county jail.

While out of custody, Fuentes was involved in planning a jail “removal” in which the victim was stabbed in the cheek and near the ear. Fuentes told other Norteños that the victim was “good to be removed,” authorizing the attack.

Fuentes also orchestrated and planned several drug drops from the return-to-work facility onto jail property. At the time, he was employed by Advanced Peace. He used that position as a guise to make multiple visits with high-ranking Norteño gang members in custody, including individuals facing murder charges. 

San Joaquin County Sheriff Detectives Matsuoka, Poeun, and Ramirez worked tirelessly to connect Fuentes to the in-custody attack and drug smuggling operation. 

Through the combined efforts of Detectives on both the stabbing and drug investigations, prosecutors developed substantial evidence of Mr. Fuentes' involvement. As a result, Fuentes’ attorney agreed it was in his client’s best interest to resolve the case with a plea.

Fuentes pled guilty to:

• Assault with a deadly weapon (Penal Code §245(a)(1)) with a criminal street gang enhancement (§186.22(b)(1)) for the stabbing; and
• One count of bringing drugs into a jail, also with a criminal street gang enhancement (§186.22(b)(1)).

Fuentes was sentenced to 10 years in state prison. This conviction constitutes two strikes. Combined with a prior strike for attempted murder from 2016, any future strike offense would make him significantly more likely to face a sentence of 25 years to life.

District Attorney Ron Freitas said, “This defendant believed he could orchestrate violence and drug trafficking from behind the scenes without consequences. He was wrong. Our office, working with dedicated detectives, will aggressively pursue those who authorize violence—whether they operate on the streets or from inside our jails. They will be held fully accountable.”

The District Attorney’s Office commends the dedicated work of law enforcement and prosecutors whose persistence dismantled a dangerous gang operation and delivered justice.