PHOENIX, Arizona – Authorities in Arizona have made five arrests in connection with violent attacks on minors in the East Valley last year. Jacob Pennington, 20, of Gilbert, was arrested for his involvement in a November attack in San Tan Valley, according to the Pinal County Sheriff’s office. Pennington admitted his association with the notorious gang Gilbert Goons during a post-arrest interview.
In a separate case, Christopher Fantastic, 18, was one of four suspects arrested in connection with an August assault in Gilbert. Hours after announcing Fantastic’s arrest, the Gilbert Police Department revealed the arrests of three more 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 said investigators used video and other evidence to identify Pennington in a Nov. 18 attack on a 16-year-old boy. Video shows 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.
Fantastic was booked on one count each of assault with intent to injure and aggravated robbery. Bond was set at $25,000, and his next court appearance was scheduled for Jan. 17. Maricopa County court records for Fantastic’s arrest have been sealed.
Gilbert Police Chief Michael Soelberg told town leaders that the department was investigating nine active cases of youth violence. Media reports and social media speculation have linked the attacks to the Gilbert Goons, who have also been linked to the fatal assault on Queen Creek high school student Preston Lord.
The investigation into Preston Lord’s death is ongoing, with charges submitted against seven suspects. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said it will take time to sort through the submission, which included an 1,800-page report and about 2,000 pieces of evidence, including 600 videos. Mitchell clarified that the Fantastic case isn’t related to the Lord case.
In a correction, an earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that the Pinal County assault occurred in Queen Creek. The location was actually in San Tan Valley.