Man from Thousand Oaks accused of of giving teens gang tattoos

In a disturbing turn of events, a man identified as Bragin Valencia, 28, from Thousand Oaks, has been arrested for allegedly giving gang tattoos to minors as young as 14. The tattoos were reportedly used as a recruiting tool for a local gang. This shocking incident came to light when law enforcement authorities in Ventura County noticed several teens and juveniles with visible gang tattoos in and around Thousand Oaks.

The Arrest and Investigation

Brahin Valencia, a documented gang member, was taken into custody on Thursday by deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff's Office. The investigation into his activities began in December, as law enforcement officials noticed an alarming trend of minors sporting gang tattoos. Subsequent evidence collected during the investigation implicated Valencia as the individual responsible for giving these tattoos to kids between the ages of 14 and 16, with the intention of recruiting them into the gang.

Previous Offenses and Parole Status

Valencia's criminal history is marred by prior convictions, with his current parole status from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. In light of these circumstances, deputies executed a parole search of his residence, which led to the recovery of additional evidence linking Valencia to the tattoos.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

Following his arrest, Bragin Valencia was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura. He awaits formal charges for street gang solicitation, participation in a street gang, and unlawful tattooing of minors. His court hearing is scheduled for January 22, and he is currently being held on $100,000 bail.

The Ongoing Investigation

While Valencia's arrest is a significant development, the investigation is far from over. Law enforcement authorities are urging anyone with information related to this case to contact Detective Romario Chavez at 805-797-7134. Additionally, anonymous tips regarding gang activity can be reported to Sheriff's Dispatch at 805-654-9511.

Zero-Tolerance Stance on Gang Violence

The Ventura County Sheriff's Office maintains a steadfast zero-tolerance stance against gang violence. It is committed to pursuing and prosecuting individuals involved in any gang-related criminal activities. This recent arrest serves as a testament to their dedication in safeguarding the community from the dangers posed by gangs.

Similar Incidents in the Area

Sadly, this is not an isolated incident in Ventura County. On December 22, another alleged gang member from Fillmore was arrested for giving a 16-year-old a gang tattoo. The Ventura County District Attorney's Office recently filed felony gang solicitation charges against 31-year-old Fabian Garibay in a similar case. These incidents highlight the prevalence of gang-related activities and the need for continued vigilance and enforcement measures.

Conclusion

The arrest of Bragin Valencia for allegedly giving gang tattoos to minors in Thousand Oaks is a deeply concerning event. It underscores the importance of community vigilance and law enforcement efforts in combatting gang-related activities. The Ventura County Sheriff's Office's zero-tolerance stance on gang violence sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.

As the investigation unfolds, the authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, ensuring that justice is served and the safety of the community is upheld. Together, we can work towards creating a safer environment for our youth and future generations.