Another Imperial Gangster pleads guilty
By Teresa Auch Schultz tauch@post-trib.com October 19, 2012 4:48PM
Updated: November 21, 2012 6:11AM
A Hammond man has pleaded guilty to taking part in the criminal conspiracy of the Imperial Gangsters, which allegedly included killings and dealing drugs.
A plea agreement filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Hammond would force a federal judge to sentence David Almaraz to 20 years in prison if he accepts the agreement.
In return, Almaraz pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to racketeer and conspiracy to distribute marijuana.
Almaraz was arrested a year ago along with 13 others for their roles in the Imperial Gangsters street gang in East Chicago.
Although he was not charged with murder, the indictment claims he served as the getaway driver for co-defendant Juan Briseno in 2007 after Briseno shot and killed Luis Ortiz.
Almaraz says in his plea agreement that he is responsible for the murder of one person. He was set to plead guilty Friday afternoon.
