PHOENIX, ARIZONA – Five individuals have been arrested in connection with violent attacks on minors in the East Valley last year, with one suspect admitting his association with the notorious gang Gilbert Goons, according to authorities.
Jacob Pennington, 20, of Gilbert, was arrested Wednesday morning for his involvement in a November attack in San Tan Valley, the Pinal County Sheriff’s office announced. Pennington said in a post-arrest interview that he was associated with the Gilbert Goons, according to a probable cause statement.
In a separate case, Christopher Fantastic, 18, was one of four suspects arrested in connection with an August assault in Gilbert. Following Fantastic’s arrest, the Gilbert Police Department revealed the arrests of three additional suspects in the August assault. Aris Arredondo, 18, and two 16-year-olds were also arrested on aggravated robbery and aggravated assault charges.
Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb told investigators used video and other evidence to identify Pennington in the Nov. 18 attack on a 16-year-old boy. Video footage showed multiple people 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.
Pennington was identified as the main aggressor in the altercation and was accused of hitting the victim several times, including with a belt, according to the court documents. Pennington claimed he was defending a female friend who he said was struck by the victim. Lamb also stated that his office has been working closely with other Valley agencies, including Queen Creek and Gilbert police, “to ensure that we can reduce violent crime amongst juveniles everywhere in this area.”
Fantastic was booked on one count each of assault with intent to injure and aggravated robbery, with a bond set at $25,000. The next court appearance for him was scheduled for Jan. 17. Maricopa County court records for Fantastic’s arrest have been sealed.
Brooke Gaunt, who represented the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office during Fantastic’s initial court appearance, said the victim was fortunate he wasn’t injured more seriously. Reports have also linked the gang to the fatal assault on Queen Creek high school student Preston Lord. Lord, 16, was attacked outside a Halloween party on Oct. 28 and died of his injuries in a hospital two days later.
The Queen Creek Police Department submitted charges to MCAO against seven suspects on Dec. 28. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said it will take some time to sort through the submission, which included an 1,800-page report and about 2,000 pieces of evidence, including 600 videos.
An earlier version of this story incorrectly said the Pinal County assault occurred in Queen Creek. The location was actually in San Tan Valley.