PHOENIX, AZ – Five individuals have been taken into custody in connection with violent attacks on minors in the East Valley last year. One of the suspects admitted to being associated with the notorious gang Gilbert Goons, according to authorities.
Jacob Pennington, 20, of Gilbert, was arrested for his involvement in a November attack in San Tan Valley. Pennington confessed to his association with the Gilbert Goons during a post-arrest interview, according to a probable cause statement.
In a separate case, Christopher Fantastic, 18, along with three other suspects, was arrested in connection with an August assault in Gilbert. The Gilbert Police Department revealed the additional arrests in the August assault just hours after announcing Fantastic’s arrest. Aris Arredondo, 18, and two 16-year-olds were also taken into custody on aggravated robbery and aggravated assault charges.
Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb stated that investigators used video and other evidence to identify Pennington in the November attack on a 16-year-old boy. The video shows multiple people assaulting the victim in a desert area near Wagon Wheel Road and Sun Dance Drive.
Fantastic was booked on one count each of assault with intent to injure and aggravated robbery, according to Maricopa County online jail records. His bond was set at $25,000, and his next court appearance was scheduled for Jan. 17. Maricopa County court records for Fantastic’s arrest have been sealed.
Authorities have implied that Fantastic was part of a group involved in multiple attacks without specifically mentioning the Goons. Gilbert Police Chief Michael Soelberg stated that the department is investigating nine active cases of youth violence, with media reports and social media speculation linking the attacks to the Gilbert Goons.
The Queen Creek Police Department has submitted charges to Maricopa County Attorney’s Office against seven suspects in connection with the fatal assault on 16-year-old Preston Lord. The County Attorney has stated that it will take time to sort through the submission, including an 1,800-page report and about 2,000 pieces of evidence, including 600 videos.
The investigation into the attacks is ongoing, and law enforcement officials are working to ensure that violent crime amongst juveniles is reduced in the area. The cases of Fantastic and the assault on Preston Lord are not related, according to Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell.