Thirteen Orange County jail inmates have pleaded not guilty to charges they beat a drunken-driving suspect in an attack that left the 44-year-old victim comatose.
Prosecutor filed charges of conspiracy, attempted murder, torture, kidnapping and participation in gang activity, all felonies, with sentencing enhancements for gang activity and causing great bodily injury.
The defendants range in age from 20 to 50.
The 13 inmates are accused of beating the man on Jan. 11, according to the criminal complaint, which alleges the attack was carried out on behalf of the Mexican Mafia.
The victim was jailed for allegedly driving drunk in Anaheim earlier this month, according to court records. He was arrested by the California Highway Patrol, and, according to the criminal complaint, has three prior DUIs in San Bernardino County. He is accused of driving with a 0.20 blood-alcohol content.
The victim had been charged with DUI and pleaded not guilty.
Orange County sheriff’s officials referred calls for information to prosecutors, who declined to comment and referred a reporter to sheriff’s officials.
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