Residents in Hemet, California, a town east of Los Angeles, are living in fear after discovering that a leader of the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) owns a property in their community. Juan Carlos Valencia Gonzalez, 41, who is on the lam with a $25 million bounty on his head, became a boss of the U.S. Department of State-designated "terrorist" organization earlier this year. The CJNG is described by the DEA as "one of the most prolific and dangerous drug cartels in Mexico."
Valencia Gonzalez inherited his leadership role from his stepfather, Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera, who reportedly died in a firefight in February. Valencia Gonzalez, also known by aliases such as "El Pelon" and "Bimbo," is a dual U.S.-Mexican citizen who grew up in Orange County, California. His mother was married to El Mencho and was part of the "Cuinis" gang, the financial arm of the cartel. His biological father founded the Milenio Cartel in the 1970s. Valencia Gonzalez rose through the cartel ranks to become a leader of its armed wing, "Grupo Elite."
Federal authorities are seeking to seize the nearly five-acre ranch, which Valencia Gonzalez purchased for $250,000 in 2011 and has since tripled in value. A local horse trainer, who rented the property for approximately three years, paid $1,500 per month in cash to Valencia Gonzalez's uncle. The trainer stated he was left alone during his tenancy but was recently told to leave the property.
"It's scary," a local resident named Christian told The Post. "We were shocked when we heard. This is a very quiet area. Everyone minds their own business. It’s hard to believe that anyone from the cartels would be here." Another neighbor expressed concern about security, stating, "We'll be paying more notice to strangers in the area and keeping our doors locked. How are these bad people allowed to own property here?"
The Department of State is offering a $25 million reward for information leading to Valencia Gonzalez's capture or conviction. The CJNG is known for trafficking illicit fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine into American communities.