24 Alleged MS-13 Members Face Indictment for Murder in Maryland

Twenty-four alleged members and associates of the gang  MS-13 were indicted by a federal grand jury in Baltimore Maryland for allegedly murdering five people, drug trafficking, and money laundering revealed Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a recent statement on July 2. The charges in indictment span from 2015 to 2017.

ICE reports that 21 of the defendants are charged with “conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise known as the La Mara Salvatrucha or MS-13.” The indictment says “the defendants allegedly murdered five people in Frederick, Anne Arundel and Montgomery Counties in Maryland.”

“MS-13 is ravaging communities throughout the United States with brutal violence, recruiting children to their murderous ranks, destroying families, and leaving behind countless victims,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan in the statement released by ICE.

United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur warned of the dangers of the gang and emphasized law enforcement commitment to dismantling the organization.

“United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur stated “MS-13 is one of the most violent and ruthless gangs on the streets today. Working with our state and local partners, and using the tools of our Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, we are determined to dismantle this organization to make our communities in Maryland safer,” said Hur.

Special Agent in charge of the FBI’s Baltimore Division praised state, local and federal authorities for their efforts to combat the violent gang.

 “This indictment is a direct result of the hard work and dedication shared by state, local and federal authorities in their efforts to combat violent gangs in our Maryland communities,” said Johnson.