Two young men from Escondido made plea deals in which they admitted assaulting other young men in their community, in San Diego’s North County Courthouse this past week.

Diego Nunez, 18, and Alvaro Rangel, 18, had both faced felony assault charges with gang allegations, after a confrontation near the corner of Maple Street and 15th Avenue the evening of July 9, 2013.

Nunez and Rangel reportedly challenged other young Hispanic males whom they encountered on the street, and then Nunez and Rangel escaped in a vehicle, but soon returned to throw glass bottles at the other men, according to a prosecutor.

“They were putting in work for their gang,” deputy district attorney Jon Oliphant said. The gang-specialist said this was typical street-gangster behavior.

On September 18, Alvaro Rangel pleaded guilty to one felony assault charge with gang allegations. He is expected to get one year custody plus probation when he is sentenced on October 17, 2013.

Diego Nunez admitted misdemeanor assault, and was given credit for time served, and was immediately ordered released from custody. The judge found Nunez’ participation to be less serious.

The Honorable Judge Robert Kearney did speak sharply to Nunez and admonished him to make changes in his life, including with whom he associated. The judge listed six particular persons, alleged to be members and associates of the Diablos street gang, from whom Nunez was required to stay away. The judge advised Nunez to spend his time with the concerned family member who had attended that day's court hearing, instead of the gangsters who had led him into jail.

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