MBNel Arrested With 33 Others in Gang Investigation

UPDATE (Oct. 17):

MBNel's manager, Matt Llewellyn, has released a statement to XXL on the rapper's recent arrest.

"Nel is currently with his family and doing well," Llewellyn shares. "He was released on bail earlier this week. His focus remains on his music and upcoming album. He appreciates the love and support from fans. We have no further comments at this time."

ORIGINAL STORY:

MBNel has been arrested, along with 33 other people, as the result of a gang investigation in Stockton, Calif.

On Thursday (Oct. 15), the Stockton Police Department announced the results of a four-month sting operation called Operation Criptonyte Takedown, which was an investigation by the Stockton Police Department Gang Violence Suppression Unit and the California Department of Justice (CA DOJ)/California Highway Patrol (CHP) Special Operations Unit (SOU) along with the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office into the illegal activities of the Asian Boyz, Muddy Boyz Crips, Lil Ruthless Criminals Comstocc Crips, Loctown Crips and Asian Crip criminal street gangs in the area.

The investigation resulted in 34 arrests including MBNel, born Jhonel Dongon, who was taken into custody on charges of false compartment activity and possession of a controlled substance.

According to the Stockton Police, the entire investigation yielded "38 firearms, seized approximately $40,000 in U.S. Currency, confiscated approximately 1 lb. of suspected cocaine, 5 lbs. of suspected methamphetamines, approximately 1,300 pills of suspected ecstasy and an abundance of marijuana."

“Families in Stockton can breathe a little easier tonight,” said California Attorney General Xavier Becerra in a statement. “This investigation and resulting arrests and seizures are an example of what happens when California law enforcement agencies work together to combat violent crime in our communities. At the Department of Justice, we are proud to use the latest technology and advanced investigative techniques to assist with the investigation.”

MBNel is a rising artist out of Stockton whose name has been buzzing as of late. In 2020, he's released three projects including Child of the Trenches, Child of the Trenches 2 and Yellow Tape with Stupid Young.

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