Gang Member Convicted For Plotting Violent Robberies of Local Stores

Serfido Trinidad Perez Florian was convicted in federal court Tuesday of helping plot a series of violent armed robberies in a case that involved an of Dale City in March.

“Florian conspired with a group of armed thugs that spread fear and violence through robberies of Latino businesses throughout Prince William and Fairfax counties,” said U.S. Attorney Neil MacBride.

Four other members of the gang had pleaded guilty to their charges after testifying at trial. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said co-defendants Edgar Geovani Zuniga-Perez, Vahelo Alay Escobar and Estanislao Ramos Perez testified in court that they pleaded guilty to two counts of using a firearm during a violent crime and they admitted to participating in multiple robberies and possessing guns during those crimes. Jesus Garcia-Guinea testified that he pleaded guilty to using a firearm during a violent crime.

Law enforcement officials still have not released many details about why they raided several Birchdale homes in March.

The gang was accused of and a Falls Church store, and plotting to rob a Wachovia Bank in Horsham, Pa. In total, Florian helped plan the robberies of eight businesses. The gang stole a total of $238,000 in cash and jewelry from August 2010 through February of this year. In at least two of the robberies, gang members shot at store employees as they fled the scene and threatened others, including at least one child.

“This case is another outstanding example of cooperation between law enforcement agencies across jurisdictional and state lines,” said Chief Charlie Deane of the Prince William County Police Department. “With the use of technology and communication between agencies our ability to apprehend suspects is even greater than before.”

Florian faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison when he is sentenced on March 23, 2012.