PHOENIX, AZ – In an ongoing investigation, authorities have announced the arrests of five individuals in connection with violent attacks on minors in the East Valley last year. One of the suspects has admitted his association with the notorious gang Gilbert Goons, according to law enforcement officials.
Jacob Pennington, 20, from Gilbert was taken into custody in relation to a November attack in San Tan Valley, the Pinal County Sheriff’s office revealed. Pennington confessed during a post-arrest interview that he was linked to the Gilbert Goons, based on a probable cause statement.
Separately, Christopher Fantastic, 18, was one of four individuals arrested in connection with an August assault in Gilbert. The three other suspects in the August assault, Aris Arredondo, 18, and two 16-year-olds, were also arrested on charges of aggravated robbery and aggravated assault.
Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb stated that video and other evidence led to the identification of Pennington in the Nov. 18 attack on a 16-year-old boy. The same evidence showed multiple individuals assaulting the victim in a desert area near Wagon Wheel Road and Sun Dance Drive at about 9:45 p.m. that evening, according to the probable cause statement.
During Fantastic’s initial court appearance, prosecutors alleged that he was involved in a group that planned and carried out the violent attack on a minor on August 18 outside an In-N-Out Burger. Court records for Fantastic’s arrest have been sealed.
Investigations are ongoing to determine if there is a connection between the recent arrests in Gilbert and the infamous Gilbert Goons gang. Reports and social media speculation have linked the attacks to the gang, which has also been linked to the fatal assault on a Queen Creek high school student. The Queen Creek Police Department has submitted charges to Maricopa County against seven suspects in relation to the student’s death.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell stated that the Fantastic case is not related to the Queen Creek case and that it will take time to review and process the submission, which includes an 1,800-page report and about 2,000 pieces of evidence.