It may not seem the place, and their behavior is different, but police say the Magic Valley is home to growing gang activity.
Gerry Gallegos has scars on his arms from being sliced with a knife and one on his left eyebrow caused by a blow from brass knuckles.
Once a teenage gang member, Gallegos is now a family man who produces and records his own rap music, and holds down a full-time job.
“I got one good chance,” he said of his exit from gang life.
Gallegos joined a gang when he was 13. At 16 he and some friends got busted, and he used it as a chance to escape.
“When I was a kid I sold drugs to anyone. I didn’t care where they were from, or what gang they’re in,” he said. “It was just about the money.”
Eventually Gallegos, born and raised in Burley, decided it was wiser not to pick a side and he began sporting neutral colors.
For some, the gang life is hard to get away from, but Gallegos didn’t find it difficult.
“You just let them know you’re done with it,” he said.
[…]
