A federal grand jury in Baltimore indicted 24 alleged MS-13 gang members on violent racketeering, money laundering conspiracy and murder from 2015 to 2017, according to a June 26 indictment that was unsealed on Monday.
The defendants are accused of murdering five people, conspiring to murder eight people, a maiming attack with a machete, shooting an individual in the head and threatening harm with a gun to extract money.
In announcing the indictments, Acting Assistant Attorney General John Cronan said MS-13 is “ravaging communities” with brutal violence, recruiting children, destroying families and leaving behind “countless victims.”
“This indictment — which charges two dozen alleged MS-13 members with senseless acts of violence — is the latest example of the Department of Justice’s unwavering commitment to combating violent gangs that prey on communities, whether in Maryland or elsewhere in our country,” Cronan said.
Gordon Johnson, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Baltimore Division, said the indictment resulted from the collaboration between federal, state and local authorities.
“We are committed to combating this epidemic of violence that often takes young lives and creates fear in our communities, Johnson said. “The FBI and our partners will aggressively pursue gangs wherever they surface and are steadfast to making Maryland a safe place for our citizens.”
Additionally, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the apprehension of a suspected MS-13 gang member attempting to cross the border near the Eagle Pass Station in Del Rio, Texas, on June 25. Carlton David Pineda-Mejia, a 21-year-old Honduran national, was apprehended after illegally crossing the Rio Grande River.
“Protecting American citizens and our communities from dangerous criminals is one of the Border Patrol’s top priorities,” Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez said. “Here in Del Rio Sector, our agents will continue to serve with honor and professionalism while holding the line against all threats to this great nation.”