Two gang members were arrested for alleged extortion and kidnapping while targeting a local business owner in Pomona, police said.
The suspects were identified as Alexis Hernandez, 24, and Gustavo Maldonado, 36, both Pomona residents.
On Jan. 13, an investigation began when a business owner told Pomona police that gang members had been demanding money from them while threatening harm to their family and their business.
The extortion had reportedly been going on for several months and the suspects would demand hundreds of dollars a month for “protection.”
In one instance, the victim said the suspects forced an employee into a vehicle and demanded they withdraw a large sum of money from an ATM.
On Jan. 31, officers responded to reports of a victim being threatened on the 1000 block of E. Third Street in Pomona. When authorities arrived at the location, they spotted Hernandez and Maldonado attempting to enter the building.
After questioning them, police determined they had allegedly been threatening the victim while also stealing from their business. They were arrested and booked at the Pomona City Jail.
On Feb. 4, the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and 14 counts were filed against Maldonado and Hernandez including criminal street gang conspiracy, kidnapping, and extortion.
