Phoenix, Arizona – Two suspects have been arrested in connection with violent attacks on minors in the East Valley last year, authorities announced. Jacob Pennington, 20, of Gilbert, was arrested for his involvement in a November attack in San Tan Valley, while Christopher Fantastic, 18, was arrested in connection with an August assault in Gilbert. Pennington was identified using video and other evidence in the Nov. 18 attack, which showed multiple people assaulting a 16-year-old boy in a desert area near Wagon Wheel Road and Sun Dance Drive.
Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb stated that the investigation is ongoing and there could potentially be more arrests stemming from this case. He also mentioned that his office has been working closely with other Valley agencies to reduce violent crime amongst juveniles in the area. Fantastic was booked on one count each of assault with intent to injure and aggravated robbery, and his bond was set at $25,000.
It’s not clear if the San Tan Valley case is related to the notorious East Valley gang known as the Gilbert Goons. Lamb said it was the only case in his jurisdiction involving Pennington at this time. However, there have been implications that Fantastic was part of a group involved in multiple attacks, with reports and social media speculation linking the attacks to the Gilbert Goons. The police department is also investigating nine active cases of youth violence, with media reports linking the gang to the fatal assault on Queen Creek high school student Preston Lord.
The Queen Creek Police Department submitted charges to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office against seven suspects on Dec. 28 in connection with Lord’s death. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell mentioned that the Fantastic case isn’t related to the Lord case, stating that it will take some time to sort through the submission, including an 1,800-page report and about 2,000 pieces of evidence, including 600 videos. Pennington’s arrest was mistakenly reported to occur in Queen Creek, but it actually took place in San Tan Valley.