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Compton gang leader pleads guilty to federal drug conspiracy

LOS ANGELES (AP) The leader of one of Compton's oldest street gangs has pleaded guilty to leading a drug conspiracy in which mounds of cocaine were distributed to the Midwest, federal authorities said Wednesday.

Frederick ``Gangster'' Staves, 39, entered his plea Tuesday before U.S. District Judge Stephen V. Wilson, avoiding trial, a U.S. attorney's spokesman said. He is set to be sentenced in January and faces a minimum of 20 years.

Three other men scheduled to go to trial with Staves also pleaded guilty Tuesday. Lawrence Stackhouse, 30, of Hemet; Ronald Hamilton, 44, of Los Angeles; and Kmond Day, 22, of Paramount, each pleaded guilty to narcotics charges and face mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years.

A two-year investigation by the Compton Violent Inner-City Crime Task Force along with other federal agencies seized more than 40 pounds of cocaine, $250,000 cash, several guns and customized low-rider cars.

``The success of this joint effort is best described by the reduction of fear and intimidation that these gang members routinely place upon the community and citizens of Compton,'' said John Fernandes of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.

In recent weeks, nine members or associates of the gang have pleaded guilty. In all, 23 people have been convicted and two remain fugitives. Staves' wife, who was indicted on money laundering charges, died as the case was making its way through the courts.

``I want to congratulate all of the agents, deputies and investigators who worked so hard and did such a tremendous job bringing this gang to its knees,'' said Ron Iden, assistant director of the FBI.

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