Sheriff Fights Gang Control of LA County Jail:   Since the 1950s, the Mexican Mafia has established its control over smuggling, drug sales, extortion and other criminal activity inside the Los Angeles County Jail system .  Brian Melley of the Associated Press reports that the criminal organization, made up of the leaders of various Latino gangs, works like an illegal government, collecting taxes on drugs and other illegal items and even on candy and deodorant.  The Mafia also arranges for the murders of people outside of prison.  Recently a federal indictment has charged 83 gang members and associates with numerous federal crimes, moving many to federal prisons. Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell is working with the U.S. Attorney to identify gang leaders who can be charged with federal crimes and moved to federal custody.  Among the gangs affiliated with the Mexican Mafia is MS-13.  According to the indictment, three MS-13 members controlled operations in the LA County Jail between 2012 and 2016.