How a Mexican Mafia killer became a law enforcement darling

The L.A. Times reports:

Enriquez was once a key figure within the Mexican Mafia. But since agreeing in 2002 to tell authorities about the prison gang's activities, the inmate once considered so dangerous that he was isolated from other prisoners has become a valuable law enforcement asset — providing expert testimony and other help in scores of cases.


The transformation of Enriquez has been held up as evidence that even the worst offenders can find redemption. His cooperation has uncovered a murder-for-hire plot, helped secure lengthy prison time for gang members and provided vital information about the inner workings of one of the state's most notorious prison gangs.

The near-celebrity status Enriquez has carved out for himself in law enforcement circles is unusual for an inmate.

He has been given a laptop and, from behind bars, has co-written or collaborated on books that provide financial support to his family. He has lectured college students and helped teach a course on gangs at UC Irvine. Last month, the Los Angeles Police Department escorted him to a downtown building, where he was the guest lecturer at an event primarily attended by business executives hoping to learn about a transnational criminal enterprise.

A new career.