Federal prosecutors are seeking to seize a California ranch in Riverside County that they allege is connected to Juan Carlos Valencia Gonzalez, a leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The U.S. Justice Department filed a legal action last month to take control of the property, which is located in Hemet.
Valencia Gonzalez, 41, who is also known by aliases such as “Baldy,” “Bimbo,” “Pelón,” and “R-3,” is considered one of the world's most-wanted drug traffickers. A reward of up to $25 million has been offered for information leading to his arrest. The cartel leader, a U.S. citizen, allegedly took control of the cartel following the death of his stepfather, Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, in a Mexican military operation. Valencia Gonzalez's biological father founded the Milenio cartel, and his mother was part of the financial wing of the Jalisco Cartel.
The property in Hemet, valued at nearly $700,000, was purchased by Valencia Gonzalez when he was 26 years old for $250,000. It is situated in a rural community characterized by farmland and residential areas. According to a federal enforcement source, the ranch is still managed by Valencia Gonzalez's uncle. Signs indicating "security cameras and audio recorder in use" and "beware of dogs" were observed on the property, which also housed various farm animals.
Federal documents state that Valencia Gonzalez has been involved in numerous violent acts and the large-scale manufacturing and distribution of narcotics. He rose through the cartel's ranks to become a leader of its armed wing, known as “Grupo Elite.”
The ranch, which spans approximately 209,000 square feet, has seen its land value increase significantly in California's housing market. For the past three years, a horse trainer reportedly rented the property, paying $1,500 per month in cash. However, the trainer was recently instructed to vacate the premises. The tenant, who identified himself only as someone who knows nothing about the owners, stated he met Valencia Gonzalez through mutual acquaintances.
The legal effort to seize the ranch is ongoing, and Valencia Gonzalez remains at large. Earlier this month, the federal government announced new charges and increased rewards for information concerning Valencia Gonzalez and other cartel members.