Gilbert PD exploring gang classification for 'Gilbert Goons,' investigating 8 teen violence cases

GILBERT, Ariz. — The Gilbert Police Department is now investigating eight incidents related to teen violence. On Monday, the department said it has launched four investigations that came from online tips, in addition to the four cases they've reopened that were previously shelved.

Police have declined 12News' repeated requests for an interview to discuss teen violence, however, in a statement released Monday, police said victims in some of their cases have referenced their assailants as being associated with a group known as the "Gilbert Goons."

Police are now investigating if that group should be classified as a criminal street gang.

RELATED: 'There haven't been any consequences': Gilbert PD reopens 4 teen assault cases as concerns over teen violence in the East Valley continue

Gilbert has partnered with the state's gang task force called the Arizona Gang & Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission (GIITEM). They're also working with Mesa PD's Gang Unit, Queen Creek PD, Chandler PD, and the Pinal County Sheriff's Office.

Last month, 12News asked Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell about criminal street gang charges when working on an unrelated case.

She explained how they work in Arizona.

“There is an actual charge of assisting a criminal street gang. That’s actually a criminal charge. It’s a crime," Mitchell said.

But in many cases, street gang charges are enhancements added on to existing charges. If the suspect is found guilty, it can lead to a harsher sentence.

“What the enhancement does is a higher level felony, such as a class two or class three, it adds five years to the sentence," Mitchell said. "If it’s a lower level offense, such as a four, five or six, which is the lowest level felony, it adds three years.”

Teen violence is expected to be discussed during Tuesday night's Gilbert Town Council meeting.

RELATED: Gilbert town councilmembers recommend teen violence subcommittee in light of assaults linked to 'Gilbert Goons'

Queen Creek PD continues its investigation

Gilbert's investigations come after the horrific death of Preston Lord, the 16-year-old Combs High School student who was killed outside of a Halloween party in October.

RELATED: East Valley school cancels sporting events amidst teen violence investigations

Queen Creek PD submitted charges to the county attorney's office against seven people last month, both juveniles and adults, but have not made any arrests.

In an interview with KTAR, Mitchell said two experienced homicide prosecutor are reviewing the case. She said the police report is 1,800 pages and there are about 2,000 pieces of evidence, including 600 videos.

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