The streets of west Denver may see a decline in violence following the dismantlement of the "Few But Plenty" street gang, whose leader pleaded guilty to serious charges this week. Phillip Baca Sr., the head of the gang, will face 33 years in prison after admitting to one count of conspiracy to commit murder and one count of violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act (COCCA), according to the Denver DA's Office.
The Denver District Attorney’s Office elaborated on the case, explaining Baca was involved in encouraging and conducting "dozens of drive-by shootings" that terrorized the west Denver community, targeting gang rivals and sometimes harming innocent bystanders who had nothing to do with the feuds, as mentioned in a press release covered by KDVR. Baca's direction of the criminal organization not only put lives at risk but also drew his family into the fray, as many of the gang members were his sons and nephews, thus twisting familial bonds into conduits for criminal enterprise.
The collaborative effort between the Denver DA's Organized Crime Unit and the Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement Network (RAVEN) was crucial in bringing down the gang. "Phillip Baca was the leader of a ruthless criminal organization that terrorized west Denver neighborhoods. This guilty plea and sentence – and the sentences of other Few But Plenty gang members – are powerful steps toward fighting organized crime and improving public safety for all Denver residents," Denver District Attorney John Walsh said, as per Denver DA's Office, in a mentality that underscores the importance of collaboration when tackling such embedded criminal operations.
This case represents a significant breakthrough in Denver's ongoing struggle against gang violence. Baca, along with 10 other members who were also indicted in 2022, have all pleaded guilty to related charges, sealing the fate of the Few But Plenty gang and concluding the multi-year investigation. Baca Sr. is set to receive his sentence on June 27, as per settlement details released by authorities in anticipation of a marked reduction in local gang activity and an ensuing relief among the Denver community.
