West Coast Gangs Are Making Inroads

"The Crips and Bloods are also now into crimes that are not normally associated with African American street gangs, such as identify theft, Social Security fraud, credit card fraud and mortgage fraud," Avendorph said. "They're also into bank robbery and prostitution. They are bringing girls from California here."

Law enforcement officials said local crews are associating with the bigger gangs to attain power and recognition. "These are largely militaristic, bureaucratic organizations, and they get backing from the larger gang . . . so they are not out there by themselves," said Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler (D), who launched a statewide gang task force. "There's also a little bit of a status thing as well."

A former member of the Bloods in Prince George's said his neighborhood crew affiliated with the gang about four years ago. "It meant power and numbers," said the young man, who spoke anonymously for fear of retribution. "The more people you got, the more established you'll be. And fewer people will try to beef with you."

He described a life of drug dealing, money and guns. He also said he was arrested eight times and went to jail for gun and drug crimes. His longest stint was three months. "Jail goes with the territory," he said.

In response to the growing gang problem, the Prince George's police gang unit has been expanded from five to 15 members. County State's Attorney Glenn F. Ivey (D) has recruited a former federal gang prosecutor who obtained an indictment in a case involving Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, under a new Maryland law that increases sentences for gang-related crimes. Gansler has offered his team of designated gang prosecutors to assist Ivey's office.

Meanwhile, the gangs keep staking out turf, leaving behind their blue and red graffiti, police said.

"What they are saying is, 'This is our territory,' " Lynn said. "They are marking it, much like dogs do when they go outside. They are saying, 'We are here.' "

Staff writers Clarence Williams, Robert E. Pierre and Dan Morse contributed to this story.