FBI Seeks Fugitive Wanted for Gang-Related Crimes in Northern California
Federal Charges Include Racketeering Conspiracy, Attempted Murder, and Robbery, as Well as Using Firearms in Furtherance of Crimes of Violence
| FBI San Francisco December 20, 2013 |
The FBI is seeking information leading to the arrest and prosecution of a fugitive wanted for racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder, and robbery, as well as using firearms in furtherance of crimes of violence.
According to an indictment, Samuel Fessemaye Tewolde, 30, of Santa Rosa, California, has been charged with racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, and conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, as well as using firearms in furtherance of crimes of violence arising from his participation in the Varrio South Park (VSP) gang. Tewolde was also charged for attempted murder in the aid of racketeering.
On September 5, 2013, Tewolde was involved in a gang-related shooting in Santa Rosa, California.
Tewolde, pictured below, is described to be a black male, 6’2” tall, 210 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He is believed to have ties in California and Arizona.
Tewolde should be considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of the suspect is urged to contact their nearest FBI office or dial 911. The FBI can be reached 24 hours a day at 415-553-7400 in the San Francisco area. All calls are confidential. Tips can also be submitted at tips.fbi.gov.
According to the same indictment, VSP is a racketeering enterprise, and its members and associates agree to conduct the affairs of the enterprise through, among other crimes, narcotics trafficking, witness intimidation, robbery, and murder.
The investigation into the alleged activities of Tewolde is the result of a joint effort by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s North Bay Regional Gang Task Force, the California Highway Patrol, the Santa Rosa Police Department, the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
An indictment contains only allegations against an individual, and, as with all defendants, the defendant in this case must be presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.