Crime & Safety

Gang Member Sentenced to 25 years in prison

Prosecutors say he was armed with a gun during a home-invasion robbery in Coronado.

A gang member that pleaded guilty to brandishing a firearm during a violent crime when he took part in a home-invasion robbery in Coronado was sentenced on Friday to 25 years in federal prison.

Phillip McMillen, 40, admitted to participating in a series of violent crimes on behalf of the Mexican Mafia, including attempted murder, robbery, kidnapping, extortion and drug trafficking, Assistant U.S. Attorney John Parmley said.

McMillen also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit racketeering, and Parmley said McMillen was armed with a gun during the Coronado robbery and when he tried to kidnap a man in Chula Vista.

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The defendant, a former member of a National City street gang, was swept up in a yearlong investigation led by the gangs section of the San Diego Violent Crimes Task Force.

McMillen, who entered his guilty plea last August, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Janis Sammartino.

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City News Service contributed to this report.


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