South L.A. Business Owner and Gang Member Receives 12-Year Sentence for Drug Trafficking

On April 30, 2024, the U.S. District Court sentenced Andrew Tate, a prominent member of the Hoover Criminals Gang, to 12 years in federal prison. Tate, 56, known as “Batman,” ran a major drug trafficking operation from his South Los Angeles business, TNN Market. His operation primarily distributed methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and powder cocaine.

Federal authorities arrested Andrew Tate in November 2020, following a thorough investigation by the FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department, named “Operation Hoover Dam.” This operation targeted the drug trafficking activities of the Hoover Criminals Gang, leading to multiple indictments.

Charges Against Tate:

• Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances: This federal charge addresses Tate’s role in distributing significant quantities of controlled substances, specifically methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and powder cocaine. His guilty plea in August 2022 led to his recent sentencing.

Details of the Crime

Andrew Tate, known as “Batman,” masterminded a drug trafficking operation through his storefront, TNN Market, in South Los Angeles. From June 2017 to May 2018, this market served as the primary location for selling large quantities of methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and powder cocaine. Tate’s role extended beyond sales; he orchestrated the overall distribution strategy and managed the logistics of the narcotics supply chain.

In collaboration with Bobby Lorenzo Reed, owner of the nearby H&E Smoke and Snack Shop, Tate refined a system where they would refer customers to each other’s stores, exchange drug supplies, and direct their employees in managing sales and customer referrals. This partnership enabled a seamless operation, enhancing their drug distribution efficiency across South Los Angeles.

Evidence and Investigation

The evidence against Andrew Tate was comprehensive, involving detailed documentation of drug transactions conducted at TNN Market and the associated network. Key aspects of the evidence included:

• Digital Surveillance: Authorities employed advanced surveillance techniques to monitor the interactions at both TNN Market and H&E Smoke and Snack Shop. This surveillance captured crucial transactions and verified the flow of narcotics between the two locations.
• Witness Testimonies: Informants and other witnesses provided critical insights into the operations, offering direct observations of the drug sales and the operational tactics used by Tate and Reed.
• Undercover Operations: Undercover agents successfully infiltrated the trafficking network, conducting transactions that allowed them to gather firsthand evidence of the drug sales activities.

The investigation, part of “Operation Hoover Dam,” led to three indictments, encompassing a total of 15 defendants linked to the Hoover Criminals Gang. These efforts culminated in the arrest of 14 individuals and significantly disrupted the gang’s narcotics distribution network in the region.

Sentencing and Legal Implications

Tate’s leadership position in orchestrating the drug trafficking ring significantly influenced his sentencing. As the primary organizer and leader, Tate was responsible for the operation’s strategy and its execution, which involved large-scale distribution of methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and powder cocaine. His control over the drug supply and distribution channels markedly increased the severity of his criminal activities, thereby warranting a sterner sentence under federal law.

The 12-year sentence aligns with federal sentencing guidelines for drug trafficking offenses, particularly those involving substantial amounts of narcotics. These guidelines stipulate harsher penalties for defendants who play leadership roles in drug trafficking operations, reflecting the serious nature of these crimes and their impact on community safety and health.