Meet Rene Enriquez, a model inmate at Pelican Bay State Prison. He's also a high-level defector of the Mexican Mafia, one of the most notorious and largely mysterious criminal organizations in the United States. A radio documentary about Enriquez, produced by journalist Michael Montgomery for American RadioWorks, aired on KPCC in L.A. months ago, but this being another backlog item, it's worth noting that the entire report, called "Gangster Confidential," remains online.
"I look like a typical gang member," Enriquez says, "but I don't believe I'm a typical gangmember. I believe I'm a cut above the rest. As a mafioso, you have to be an elitist." The entire piece, plus the videos and articles online, offer an unprecedented view inside the Eme, and inside one brilliant criminal mind.
* Previously, "The Mexican Mafia connection," "This week in gangs: Does the Mexican Mafia run Cudahy?" and "This week in gangs: Mexican Mafia sting at Coachella?"