PHOENIX – Five people have been arrested for their involvement in violent attacks on minors in the East Valley last year. One of the suspects, Jacob Pennington, admitted to being associated with the notorious gang Gilbert Goons, according to authorities. Pennington was arrested for his involvement in a November attack in San Tan Valley, where the victim sustained minor injuries. In a separate case, Christopher Fantastic and three other suspects were arrested in connection with an August assault in Gilbert. Pennington was identified as the main aggressor in the November attack, while Fantastic was accused of participating in the violent attack on a minor in August.
Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb revealed that investigators used video and other evidence to identify Pennington in the November 18 attack. The video shows multiple people assaulting the victim in a desert area, and Pennington was accused of hitting the victim several times, including with a belt. Meanwhile, in Fantastic’s case, prosecutors alleged that he was part of a group that planned and perpetrated the violent attack on a minor in August. Brooke Gaunt, who represented the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, expressed concern about the constant victimization of the community and potential future attacks if high bond was not given to the suspect.
Gilbert Police Chief Michael Soelberg said the department was investigating nine active cases of youth violence, with some media reports and social media speculation linking the attacks to the Gilbert Goons. Furthermore, the fatal assault on Queen Creek high school student Preston Lord has also been linked to this gang. However, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell clarified that the Fantastic case is not related to the Lord case. The investigation into Preston Lord’s death is still ongoing, and charges have been submitted against seven suspects by the Queen Creek Police Department. It will take some time to sort through the submission, which included an 1,800-page report and about 2,000 pieces of evidence, including 600 videos.
The string of violent attacks in the East Valley has prompted authorities to work closely with multiple law enforcement agencies to address the issue and reduce violent crime among juveniles in the area. The suspects involved in these attacks have been booked on various charges, and the investigations into these cases are ongoing.