18 MS-13 Members and Associates, Murder, Tennessee 2023

MS-13 Members and Associates Sentenced for Murder, Kidnapping, and Other Crimes in Nashville, TN

Nashville, TN - In a major crackdown on gang violence, 18 members and associates of the MS-13 gang were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in 10 murders, 7 attempted murders, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses.

The sentencing culminated a multi-year investigation by federal, state, and local law enforcement, including the ATF, DEA, HSI, and TBI. The investigation involved charges of racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping, drug trafficking, firearms offenses, obstruction of justice, and destruction of evidence.

According to Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski, the sentencing sends a strong message that gang violence will not be tolerated in the Middle District of Tennessee. 'This result sends a clear message that we will not tolerate the senseless violence and intimidation committed by MS-13 in our district,' Jaworski said.

The defendants were members and associates of the local MS-13 clique, the Thompson Place Locos Salvatrucha (TPLS) clique, which has operated in Nashville since at least 2014. The MS-13 gang, through its local cliques, seeks to preserve and protect its power, territory, reputation, and profits through murder, attempted murder, and other violent crimes.

The sentencing marks a significant victory for law enforcement in their efforts to combat gang violence in Nashville. 'This case should serve as a warning to criminal gangs who terrorize our communities with violence and sow misery through drug trafficking,' said DEA's Louisville Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Erek Davodowich.

The defendants were sentenced to varying lengths of time in federal prison, with some receiving life sentences. The investigation and prosecution of the case were a collaborative effort between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

The defendants and their sentences are as follows:

• Defendant: (no names provided in the source)
• Criminal Charges: Racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping, drug trafficking, firearms offenses, obstruction of justice, and destruction of evidence
• City and State: Nashville, TN
• Date: (no date provided in the source)
• Sentence: Varying lengths of time in federal prison, including life sentences

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat gang violence and bring perpetrators to justice.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdtn/pr/eighteen-ms-13-members-and-associates-sentenced-ten-murders-seven-attempted-murders