Gangbanger’s Extreme Makeover: From Criminal to Portrait of Respectability

By Alex in Crime & Law on Jul 25, 2009 at 2:04 pm

Photo: Law Offices of Nick Pacheco

Gang member Richard Rodriguez fled on foot after a car chase, surrendered and subsequently got himself kicked in the head by an El Monte police officer (Don't remember this? LAist blog has the video clip). And now, he's suing for $5 million.

To better his chances in court, Richard's lawyer Nick Pacheco will perform what we'll call a "Gangbanger's Extreme Makeover":

... the attorney said his heavily tattooed client will be getting an extreme makeover in time for a trial, complete with a thick Tom Selleck mustache -- think "Magnum P.I." -- to cover the name of his street gang, which is inked on his upper lip. Richard Rodriguez will also grow hair to cover the tattoos on his shaved head. And he'll wear a nice, conservative suit. [...]

In the booking photo, Rodriguez's head is shaved, and the name of his gang hangs over his lip. Tattoos climb his neck. In the "after" rendition, he's wearing a black suit with a metallic gray tie, neatly combed hair and a lush mustache.

"People get past looks when you put on a suit and your hair is grown," Pacheco said.

Tags: face tattoo, gangbanger, Nick Pacheco, Photoshop, police brutality, Richard Rodriguez

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Geekazoid
Jul 25th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
What’s that mark on his forehead??
Ralph
Jul 25th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
“‘People get past looks when you put on a suit and your hair is grown,’ Pacheco said.”

Just let that one sink in for a while.
Paula
Jul 25th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
It looks like tattooed lipstick kiss marks… either that or sores from some kind of std.
average joe
Jul 25th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
I wouldn´t buy a car from either one of them.
ted
Jul 25th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
I read the article, Geekazoid, and assumed that’s the bruise where he got kicked in the head.

People get past looks when you change your looks? Lawyer by day, Captain Obvious by night.

I assume it’s on his upper lip so whoever he’s doing in prison won’t look down and think he’s got some other gang member fellating him.
JMM
Jul 25th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
I think it is wonderful that since President Obama has taken office we have learned to look past the outside appearances and see the goodness that lies within each of us, as these two photos show clearly. In the Old Days this young man would have been looked down upon but now he is able to demonstrate that he is the same as we are. I wish we had learned this lesson earlier; we would have avoided much sorrow.
Vonskippy
Jul 25th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
That’s the problem with cops today – they kick like a girl. If the cop actually knew how to kick, there wouldn’t be a plaintiff.
Gene
Jul 25th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
I just want to say that you don’t “get yourself kicked in the head.” Somebody kicks you.
Jakey
Jul 25th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
JMM, are you some retarded hippy or something? Go tend to your little prairie kids.
smak
Jul 25th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
@ Jakey – Worse; probably a retarded neocon attempting extended sarcasm.
Geekazoid
Jul 25th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
That’s what I thought Ted but I thought he was kicked in the right side of his head?
Morgan
Jul 25th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Vonskippy That made me laugh…. thanks!
emmiline valentine
Jul 26th, 2009 at 12:01 am
JMM- yeah, because this is a totally new tactic among cutthroat strip mall lawyers. it has eeeeverything to do with Obama and liberals. all liberals must looooove gang violence and must loooove cuddling fluffy bunnies and serving everyone cookies with tea.
believe it or not, most liberals (most PEOPLE actually) know the difference between right and wrong, and recognize the need to punish criminals. i hardly think that this case has anything to do with political sway, and a lot more to do with frivolous lawsuits that a lot of people (regardless of party affliation) are guilty of.
ted
Jul 26th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Geekazoid – looks like he has a bruise on the right cheek (of his face). I assume if he’s suing for five million, he’s got more than one bruise. I make a lot of assumptions, though.

JMM’s a troll. He’s posted weird stuff about Obama before just to get a reaction – something about Obama abolishing the Catholic Church.
Kalel
Jul 26th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
I can feel sorry for someone and still lock them away without remorse.
Noelegy
Jul 26th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
I just read the backstory again. He’s suing for $5 million. After he ran from police. I am sadly unsurprised.
J
Jul 26th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
He ran from police, endangering so many people along the chase, and is a gang member who does not respect the norms of society.

He should have been shot and killed right there on the spot rather that allowed to let the liberal-inspired U.S. justice system suck one ounce of resources from the American taxpayers to pay for ANY judicial logistics regarding this “man.”

He was proven guilty when he ran from police and by having such tattoos. Someone could have been killed in the vehicle pursuit. He is a gang member and will Never contribute to society in any way. I don’t mind when gang members kill Other fellow gang members, but when someone who has such utter disrespect for society puts well-to-do non-gang civilians at risk, that person deserves no such privileged treatment.

A country is only as strong as its justice system. When that system fails, the country may go under.
Peeves
Jul 26th, 2009 at 11:54 pm
LOL @ all the rabid and random librul remarks on internet forums now that Barry Hussein Soetoro is President..the best result of his win, besides the SOCIALISM.
Christophe
Jul 27th, 2009 at 6:29 am
So now I’m wondering what’s under my banker’s moustache and suit…

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