NEWS‎ > ‎

Over 20 MS-13 Gang Members Arrested in California for Assault and Drug Trafficking




http://www.cinfoshare.org/education/aplus-learning-center-tutoring-group-advisory-services

APLUS教学中心 | 一对一辅导服务中心 | 申请咨询顾问中心



Department of Justice
Office of Public Affairs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, August 31, 2018

Over 20 MS-13 Gang Members Arrested in California for Assault and Drug Trafficking

Murder, Kidnapping, and Assault Indictments against MS-13 Members also Unsealed; Seven Firearms, More Than 60 Machetes and Knives, and 270 Rounds of Ammo Seized

As part of a multi-agency operation, more than 20 individuals associated with Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) were arrested in Mendota and Los Angeles, California on federal and state charges in connection with their gang activities, including assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Additionally, two federal indictments were unsealed today: one charging two MS-13 members with kidnapping and murder in aid of racketeering and another charging three MS-13 gang members with conspiracy and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering.

The charges were announced by Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott for the Eastern District of California, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI’s Sacramento Field Office, Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp, Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims, and Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Spradlin of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for northern California and northern Nevada.

The investigation leading to yesterday’s arrests began following reports that MS-13 had established a presence in Fresno County, California.  The investigation centered in and around the City of Mendota, a Central Valley town 35 miles west of Fresno. Investigators found evidence of broad criminal activity, including murder, assault, firearms possession and drug trafficking activity.

“MS-13 is a brutal transnational criminal organization that has wreaked havoc in communities across the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski.  “The gang engages in indiscriminate and senseless acts of violence, as demonstrated by the charges announced today, which allege murder, attempted murder, and drug trafficking in the State of California.  Dismantling MS-13 and other violent gangs that terrorize our streets will remain a top priority of the Department of Justice.  Today’s announcement is the result of comprehensive and coordinated federal, state, and local law enforcement action, and I commend the Eastern District of California and all of our partners for their hard work on this case.  It is precisely this kind of coordinated effort that allows us to most effectively protect our communities and hold MS-13 members accountable for their heinous crimes.”

“The operation leading to today’s arrests reflects the incredible teamwork between our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, and our shared commitment to keeping our communities safe from violent criminal gangs like MS-13, said U.S. Attorney Scott.  “This investigation had a strong impact not only in Fresno County, but across the state and country as we were able to provide information and leads to law enforcement in Los Angeles, Nevada, Texas, New York, and elsewhere to help prevent and solve serious crimes, including murder. Criminal enterprises like MS-13 will not be tolerated in any of our towns, no matter how small.”

“Global criminal organizations like the MS-13 strike fear into our local communities here in the United States by committing violent and often brutal crimes in our backyards; but by all levels of law enforcement working together, their vicious and dangerous acts will not go unpunished,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Spradlin. “While transnational gangs may have tentacles that reach globally, Homeland Security Investigations does as well and is well‑equipped to intercept these threats to our national security.”

“The FBI is committed to aggressively investigating and disrupting gang activity,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Ragan.  “Through the Safe Streets Task Force and the Transnational Anti-Gang Initiative, the FBI leverages resources to target MS-13--the first and only street gang to be designated by the U.S. government as a transnational criminal organization--by focusing on the gang’s structure and leadership.  To ensure success, the FBI it committed to working in close cooperation with federal, state, local and foreign law enforcements partners to coordinate operations and share information.”

The first federal charges filed as a result of the investigation were filed in January but were not unsealed until today.  That indictment alleges that on Dec. 18, 2017, two MS-13 gang members operating out of Mendota – Israel Rivas Gomez and John Doe, aka, “Marcos Castro,” “Seco,” “Calakas,” and “Flaco,” – kidnapped and murdered a man in Fresno County in furtherance of MS-13’s criminal gang enterprise.  Another indictment filed in April and unsealed today alleges that on May 5, 2017, Luis Reynaldo Reyes Castillo, aka “Molesto,” Jose Audon Reyes Barrera, aka “Calacas,” and Nilson Israel Reyes Mendoza, committed an assault with dangerous weapons for the purpose of maintaining MS-13’s presence in the community and to gain status within MS-13.

Several other MS-13 gang members were arrested yesterday based on a complaint filed this week and unsealed today.  The complaint charges 16 individuals affiliated with MS-13 in Fresno County with various crimes, including two separate, gang-related assaults and drug trafficking activity to support the gang’s activity.  Those documents allege that on Aug. 12, Lorenzo Amador, aka Catracho, along with two others, stabbed a rival gang member in the back at an intersection in Mendota.  The victim was transported to the hospital, underwent surgery, and survived.  Court documents also allege that on May 14, Denis Barrera-Palma, aka Gunner, Ever Membreno, aka Canecho, and Edgar Torres-Amador, participated in a gang-related assault of a man walking near an elementary school, which ended after school employees arrived on the scene while one gang member beat the victim with a metal pipe. 

Additionally, the complaint alleges that between May 2017 and August 2018, 16 members of the MS-13 enterprise participated in a drug trafficking conspiracy in both Fresno County and Los Angeles.  These defendants allegedly obtained, sold, and profited from street level drug dealing, and used the proceeds to further MS-13’s criminal objectives.

As part of this operation, 19 federal and four state search warrants were served in Mendota, Kerman, and Los Angeles. Additionally, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation conducted searches of 37 cells in 11 state prisons in California on individuals related to this investigation. Among the items seized were cellphones, drugs and weapons.

Amongst the 21 charged federally include:

  • Henry Castro aka “Marcos,” 20, of Mendota, is charged with kidnapping and murder;
  • Israel Rivas Gomez, aka “Pirra,” 23, of Mendota, is charged with kidnapping and murder;
  • Ever Membreno, aka, “Canecho,” 18, of Mendota, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon – a pipe and drug conspiracy;
  • Edgar Torres-Amador, 21, of Mendota, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon – a pipe;
  • Lorenzo Amador, aka, “Catracho,” 20, of Mendota, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon – a stabbing instrument and drug conspiracy;
  • Denis Barrera-Palma, aka “Gunner,” 24, of Mendota, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon – a pipe and drug conspiracy;
  • Luis Reyes, aka Molesto, 24, of Mendota, is charged with conspiracy to commit and commission of assault with a dangerous weapon;
  • Jose Audon Reyes-Barrera, 21, of Mendota, is charged with conspiracy to commit and commission of assault with a dangerous weapon;
  • Nelson Hernandez, 20, of Mendota, is charged with conspiracy to commit and commission of assault with a dangerous weapon;
  • Mario Garcia-Villanueva, aka “Ton,” 31, of Mendota, is charged with drug conspiracy;
  • Francisco Lizano, aka, “Javi,” and “Activo,” 24, of Mendota, is charged with drug conspiracy;
  • Jefferson Guevara, aka “Chino,” 19, of Los Angeles, is charged with drug conspiracy;
  • Jose Wilson Navarette-Mendez, aka “Wilson,” 21, of Mendota, is charged with drug conspiracy;
  • Denis Alfaro-Torres, aka Payin, 22, of Mendota, is charged with drug conspiracy;
  • Santos Bonilla, aka Cuervo, 26, of Mendota, is charged with drug conspiracy;
  • Henry Bonilla, aka “Repollo” and “Repollin,” 18, of Mendota, is charged with drug conspiracy;
  • Marvin Villegas-Segovia, aka, “Chaparro,” 21, of Mendota, is charged with drug conspiracy;
  • Christian Hidalgo, aka “Guero,” “Hero,” “Werito,” and “White Boy, “21, of Mendota, is charged with drug conspiracy;
  • Brenda Yajaira Morales, aka “Yari,” 25, of Mendota, is charged with drug conspiracy;
  • Claudia Lizaola, aka “Maniaka,” 39, of San Bernardino, is charged with drug conspiracy; and
  • Oscar Reyes, aka “Tamagas,” 29, of Mendota, is charged with drug conspiracy.

Six additional MS-13 members were charged with state crimes.

The investigation was conducted by the California Department of Justice and California Highway Patrol Special Operations Unit, the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC), the FBI, HSI, the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Special Services Unit (SSU). The CHP Special Operations Unit is a collaborative investigative effort between the California Department of Justice and California Highway Patrol that provides statewide enforcement to combat violent career criminals, gangs, and organized crime groups, along with intrastate drug traffickers.

Assisting in the arrests were the U.S. Marshals Service; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Clovis Police Department.

Trial Attorney Marianne Shelvey of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section of the Justice Department, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly A. Sanchez, Kathleen A. Servatius, Ross Pearson and Angela Scott of the Eastern District of California  and Senior Deputy District Attorney Dennis Lewis are handling the prosecutions.

The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.







4/05/2018

警方查獲墨西哥包裝糖果為運毒掩護

(World Journal) 記者顏伶如/綜合報導

示意圖。圖:pixabay示意圖。圖:pixabay

阿拉巴馬州傑弗遜郡(Jefferson County)警長辦公室指出,公路巡警上周在交通盤查時,從一名田納西州男子的車上,起出大批墨西哥包裝糖果,但糖果包裝其實只是掩護,裡面總共裝著重達82磅的安非他命,黑市價格約150萬美元。

傑弗遜郡警方指出,56歲田州男子費爾茲(James Robert Fields)以涉嫌運送毒品罪名遭到逮捕並移送法辦。

警方表示,公路巡警3月29日在岩山湖(Rock Mountain Lakes)附近將一輛異常駕駛的車輛攔下,駕駛人費爾茲同意接受員警搜查,結果警方在後車箱發現大批墨西哥包裝糖果,這批糖果都是大包裝的量販包,裡面再以小包裝分裝,如同市面上常見的糖果包裝。

員警調查發現,這些包裝糖果內含的顆粒狀物品,根本不是糖果,而是安非他命。警方指出,這批總共重量為82磅的安非他命,在黑市價格估計約150萬美元。

傑弗遜郡警長霍爾(Mike Hale)指出,這批數量可觀的毒品,幸好沒有流入街頭,阻止了因為毒品而衍生的各種犯罪,「我們經常看到安非他命吸食者兩、三天都不睡覺,拼命犯下多起入室竊盜、順手牽羊以及搶劫等案件,只為了為下一次買毒品籌錢。」





02/02/2018

黑帮吸收无证少年滥杀无辜 川普誓扫荡MS-13




长岛纳苏郡(Nassau County)警方今年6月公布对多名MS-13帮派成员控罪。(取自推特)



在长岛被捕的MS-13帮派成员,因涉及多起谋杀案被押到法院出庭。(美联社)

川普总统30日发表国情咨文演说时,直指“无证移民造成许多无辜者丧生”,并特别提到MS-13帮派成员利用美国“法律明显漏洞”,以“无人陪伴的外来未成年人”身分入境,最终杀害美国公民。

川普的这番话,背后有很多故事舖陈。他谈到了两名在2016年于纽约市近郊的长岛遭MS-13成员杀害的16岁少女,他们的父母就受邀在发表国情咨文现场,垂泪聆听。

纽约时报报导,MS-13帮派是由1980年代在洛杉矶的萨尔瓦多难民组成,之后迅速壮大扩散,政府估计,现有约1万名成员散布在全美各地。

打击MS-13已是川普政府的首要任务。川普过去曾多次强调MS-13帮派在美国问题严重。

川普在演说中,将MS-13与无证移民连结时提到的“明显法律漏洞”,主要是指移民当局对“无人陪伴的外国儿童”特别保护,如果证明他们在原居国遭受父母虐待、忽视或遗弃,将有资格获得合法居留资格。

而MS-13吸收新成员的主要目标,就是生活在移民社区的中学生。他们使用威吓手段招募新成员,要求他们杀人。据说,只要有人想离开,就可能面临暴力报复。政府估计,该组织在中美洲和美国多个州拥有数万名成员。

2016年在长岛布伦特伍德(Brentwood)遭MS-13杀害的两名少女,只是因为在学校和社群媒体上与MS-13成员争执,走在街头上遭人用球棒和砍刀杀害。七个月后,长岛又发生了四名拉丁裔青年在足球场后的树林里被人杀死的凶残案件,当局为此案逮捕了超过15名MS-13成员。17个月内,长岛发生了17起凶杀案。

川普已颁发行政命令,指示优先起诉MS-13成员。他去年也特别和司法部长塞辛斯造访布伦特伍德,誓言摧毁此帮派。他指派国土安全调查特勤人员马丁内斯(Celestino Martinez)带头消灭帮派暴力。目前,该团队已逮捕了近400人,其中包括来自MS-13的220多人。



全身纹身的拉丁裔帮派MS-13成员。(Getty Images)



被MS-13帮派杀害青少年的父母亲应白宫之邀,出席川普总统的国情咨文演讲。(美联社)



纹身的MS-13帮派成员被关押在萨尔瓦多监狱里。(路透)



在维州被捕的拉丁裔帮犯MS-13成员。(北维州区联邦检察官办公室)



被MS-13帮派杀害青少年的父母亲应白宫之邀,出席川普总统的国情咨文演讲。












Comments