A Tradition of Violence

A Tradition of Violence

A Tradition of Violence is a podcast about deputy gangs that operate within the LA County Sheriff’s Department. Host Cerise Castle wrote the history of deputy gangs in LA for Knock LA, exposing their 50-year reign of terror and murder.

Episodes

October 12, 2022 1 min

A Tradition of Violence is a podcast about deputy gangs that operate within the LA County Sheriff’s Department. Host Cerise Castle wrote the history of deputy gangs in LA for Knock LA, exposing their 50-year reign of terror and murder. 



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The Lynwood Vikings terrorized Los Angeles resident's and other deputies who resisted their brutality. One man died trying to bring them down.  

A Tradition of Violence is hosted and executive produced by Cerise Castle. She's an award winning journalist who wrote the first ever history of deputy gangs for Knock LA, available at lasdgangs.com

Music by Yelohill and Steelz.

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October 19, 2022 61 mins

In the 1960's, a group of deputies at the East Los Angeles Sheriff's station formed a gang called the Little Red Devils. It was the beginning of a 50 year history of deputy gangs that has led to brutal beatings, illegal detentions, and even death. 

A Tradition of Violence is hosted and executive produced by Cerise Castle. She's an award winning journalist who wrote the first ever history of deputy gangs.

Music by Yelohill and St...

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October 26, 2022 62 mins

In the early 1990's, the LA County Sheriff's station in Lennox was the birthplace of a new deadly deputy gang: The Grim Reapers. 

A Tradition of Violence is hosted and executive produced by Cerise Castle. She's an award winning journalist who wrote the first ever history of deputy gangs for Knock LA, available at lasdgangs.com

Music by Yelohill and Steelz.

For breaking news a...

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November 2, 2022 61 mins

Currently, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is headed by Alex Villanueva. He’s billed himself as a progressive democrat, but his administration has denied the existence of deputy gangs existence, defied subpoenas and met with right wing extremists. 

A Tradition of Violence is hosted and executive produced by Cerise Castle. She's an award winning journalist who wrote the first ever history of...

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November 9, 2022 61 mins

Today in Los Angeles County, ballots are being counted in one of the most watched races for sheriff in the United States. Former Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna makes the case for why he should replace Alex Villanueva. 

A Tradition of Violence is hosted and executive produced by Cerise Castle. She's an award winning journalist who wrote the first ever history of deputy gangs for Knock LA, available at lasdgang...

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November 16, 2022 42 mins

Deputy gang members have risen to the top of the department. Employees are told to 'work in the grey', and killings become frequent. 

A Tradition of Violence is hosted and executive produced by Cerise Castle. She's an award winning journalist who wrote the first ever history of deputy gangs for Knock LA, available at lasdgangs.com

Music by Yelohill and Steelz.

For breaking news and update...

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November 23, 2022 52 mins

Outside the eyes of the public, violence inside Los Angeles County jails at the hands of the 3000 and 2000 Boys deputy gangs went unchecked. But the efforts of incarcerated people eventually brought down the sheriff himself. 

A Tradition of Violence is hosted and executive produced by Cerise Castle. She's an award winning journalist who wrote the first ever history of deputy gangs for Knock LA, available at lasdga...

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November 30, 2022 59 mins

Deputies are caught lying in court and fired, but get their jobs back through an appeal. Evidence of misconduct is suppressed with the help of local district attorneys.

We want to hear from you. If you have a question about deputy gangs, or the LASD please send an email to lasdgangs@gmail.com 

A Tradition of Violence is hosted and executive produced by Cerise Castle. She's an award winning journalist who wrote the...

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December 7, 2022 62 mins

Most people think of Los Angeles as a progressive county. But the Antelope Valley has a long history of white supremacist violence, sometimes helped along by deputy gangs.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department issued this statement following the swearing in of Robert G. Luna: "In his inauguration speech on Saturday, Sheriff Robert Luna reaffirmed his commitment to eradicating deputy gangs from the Department, and stated...

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December 14, 2022 60 mins

Deputies tied to the 3000 Boys at Men’s Central Jail have made their way to the streets of Compton and formed a new gang. Their brutal tactics have captured the attention of the public.

A Tradition of Violence is hosted and executive produced by Cerise Castle. She's an award winning journalist who wrote the first ever history of deputy gangs for Knock LA, available at lasdgangs.com

Music by Yelohill ...

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December 21, 2022 38 mins

The deputy gang story continues to unfold every day. Cerise is taking a much needed break this week from reporting. For now, a special bonus interview with Locatora Radio highlighting ongoing issues with the LA County Sheriffs department, what went into making this podcast, and how people can support victims. 

A Tradition of Violence is hosted and executive produced by Cerise Castle. She's an award winning journal...

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December 28, 2022 78 mins

The East Los Angeles Sheriff’s station has the most documented history of deputy gangs. Today, the station is dominated Banditos. Member activities allegedly include leaving dead rats for enemies and killing teenagers.

A Tradition of Violence is hosted and executive produced by Cerise Castle. She's an award winning journalist who wrote the first ever history of deputy gangs for Knock LA, available at lasdgangs.co...

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January 4, 2023 48 mins

LA is home to the entertainment industry. Police agencies work closely with writers, producers and executives to create programming that puts them in the best light. These television shows dominate network programming, and influence the beliefs of their viewers.

A Tradition of Violence is hosted and executive produced by Cerise Castle. She's an award winning journalist who wrote the first ever history of deputy gangs f...

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January 11, 2023 72 mins

Deputy gang members aren’t the only ones who are responsible for violence and corruption. Actions of LA County Sheriff’s Department personnel have led to unlawful arrests, devastating injuries, and even deaths.

A Tradition of Violence is hosted and executive produced by Cerise Castle. She's an award winning journalist who wrote the first ever history of deputy gangs for Knock LA, available at lasdgangs.com

...

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January 18, 2023 65 mins

Deputy gangs don’t seem to be going anywhere. In fact, their violence and influence seems to be growing. So, what is there to do to stop them? Doesn’t anyone care? 

A Tradition of Violence is hosted and executive produced by Cerise Castle. She's an award winning journalist who wrote the first ever history of deputy gangs for Knock LA, available at lasdgangs.com

Music by Yelohi...

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A Tradition of Violence is back to cover the 2026 Election for Sheriff of Los Angeles County. Current Sheriff Robert Luna is facing a field of 8 challengers, including some familiar faces.

Cerise attempts to interview former Sheriff Alex Villanueva and his now retired Assistant Sheriff, Brendan Corbett, who are both running. Candidates Karla Carranza and Sonia Montejano share their visions for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Depart...

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May 29, 2026 59 mins

Eric Strong recently retired after 32 years in policing after working at the Compton Police Department, LA Sheriff's Department and the Department of Probation. He is running to the left of Sheriff Robert Luna on a progressive platform. If elected, he promises to investigate deputy gang members and create ICE-free zone across Los Angeles. 

Watch the interviews with the candidates on YouTube.

Send your questions about deputy gang...

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May 30, 2026 41 mins

Host Cerise Castle sits down with Palmdale Lt. Oscar Martinez, candidate for Sheriff of Los Angeles County. Oscar supports the constitutional sheriffs movement and believes there needs to be AI implemented throughout the department. He doesn't believe deputy gangs are real, and wants to see more cooperation with ICE. 

Watch the interviews with the candidates on YouTube.

Send your questions about deputy gangs and the Los Angeles ...

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May 30, 2026 48 mins

Andre White is the youngest candidate in the race for LA County Sheriff. In this interview, he recounts retaliation he faced after reporting a supervisor. He says that current leadership is out of touch, and it is time for the department's younger generation to lead.

Watch the interviews with the candidates on YouTube.

Send your questions about deputy gangs and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department to lasdgangs@gmail.com

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