SAN JOSE, California. – San Jose city leaders said Thursday that a recent city ordinance prohibiting the promotion, observation or participation in shows had paid dividends.

“The masterminds of this illegal activity can no longer hide behind their Instagram accounts without fearing consequences,” said the ministry’s Chief Paul Joseph.

The new leader displayed those consequences on a large video screen during a news conference Thursday afternoon. It showed seven of the nine suspects San Jose, Salinas, SunnyvaleAnd Oaklandwho were accused of violating the city’s 2022 law prohibiting the promotion or staging of performances.

Two suspects are still being sought as part of what police have dubbed “Operation Penalty Box”. This name comes from the fact that the nine-member crew called themselves “the hockey team”.

“Protests that have damaged and dispersed police resources do not mean longer 911 response times,” said Mayor Matt Mahan.

Investigators said the “hockey team” used social media to organize and promote 22 shows since 2020. During these illegal events, six pedestrians were injured, two police officers were attackedand eight police vehicles were vandalized.

“San Jose is truly a model and leading the way in how communities can respond to the entertainment epidemic,” said SJPD’s Joseph.

The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office said a grand jury last month indicted all nine on conspiracy charges, paving the way for their arrest.

“These nine individuals created a culture of lawlessness that encouraged these shows to turn into events that lasted all night, and sometimes even during the day,” said Jay Boyarsky, Santa Clara County chief deputy prosecutor.

Officials said the arrests would put a damper on the desire to promote the shows. They also warned that constant surveillance and vigilance would sooner or later land anyone organizing or participating in shows behind bars.

“San Jose is truly a model and leading the way in how communities can respond to the entertainment epidemic,” Joseph said.

The seven suspects arrested so far are accused of various crimes, including violating the city’s ordinance prohibiting the promotion or viewing of performances. Officials with the district attorney’s office said there was no need to hold a preliminary hearing because they were all indicted by a grand jury.

The next step will be for all seven people arrested to plead guilty, with the prosecutor’s office indicating they will eventually handle this case as one case, not nine separate cases.

If you have any information on the two men still at large, call San Jose police.

Jesse Gary is a reporter based in the station’s South Bay bureau. Follow him on Instagram, @jessegontv and on Facebook, @JesseKTVU