Witness Files Sealed in Gang Injunction Case

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge on Tuesday gave prosecutors seeking an injunction against members of the 18th Street gang permission to seal declarations from civilians about the actions of the sprawling gang.

Judge William Beverly took the action at the request of prosecutors who said that keeping secret the declarations of seven civilians who have witnessed criminal acts by gang members would help protect them from retaliation.

Beverly also gave prosecutors permission to serve court papers to one or more gang members on behalf of the entire gang, and agreed to seal court documents detailing the criminal actions committed by gang members who are juveniles, said deputy district attorneys.

A full hearing on the request for a preliminary injunction, which would prohibit at least 50 gang members from associating and gathering in the Pico-Union area, is scheduled for Aug. 29.