Dozens of people including 3 locals were arrested today during a statewide gang sweep. The arrests, which were made after a 4-month long investigation, was part of operation Street Sweeper, which targeted high-ranking members of the Nuestra Familia gang. Officers arrested 33-year old Phillip Sparks from his Hollister home today, along with uncovering thousands of dollars in cash. Sparks, besides being a high ranking gang member, is also the owner of the Market Street “Forbidden XTC” adult novelty shop in Salinas. 36-year old Armando Valle from Watsonville, was also arrested, along with Martin Martinez from Salinas. Salinas police chief Louis Fetheroulf, said that the city is a major hub for the Nuestra Famila Gang Network.
