April 10, 2024

Two young men recently pled guilty to charges related to reported gang activity in the Prescott area.

According to the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office, 18-year-old Johnathan Mata was the leader of a gang known as RMS that was trying to establish itself in Prescott. In June of last year, Mata severely beat a homeless man who was sleeping near Granite Creek, posting video of the assault online.

Mata was arrested for Aggravated Assault and Assisting a Criminal Street Gang, and his trial was scheduled for later this summer, before he changed his plea to guilty this past Monday.

Last month, a 17-year-old Prescott resident pled guilty to charges including Aggravated Assault and Endangerment, from an April 2023 incident that started as an argument at the Prescott Rodeo grounds. The teen pulled out a gun and fired several shots, hitting himself in the leg in the process. When contacted by police, he denied being in a gang or having a gun, but eventually admitted to the shooting when confronted with witness statements and other evidence.

Mata faces 10 years in prison; and will be sentenced in mid-May. The younger teen’s sentencing will take place next week, and could result in between five and 38 years of imprisonment.

County Attorney Dennis McGrane created a gang prosecution unit within the Attorney’s Office in 2023.

Josh Freeman | KAZM News Director | josh@mellowmountainradio.com