ChoppaBoyz Members, Robbery and Gun Charges, Indiana 2020

SOUTH BEND – A violent crime spree that left one homeowner shot and another beaten has landed five members of a local gang in hot water. Marco Fernandez, 24, Jose Trigo, 20, Juantio Gould, 24, Carlos Reyes, 20, and Emmanuel Martinez-Guevara, 20, were each charged with robbery affecting interstate commerce and using, carrying, and discharging a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence.

According to documents in the case, on June 9, 2020, the ChoppaBoyz gang targeted a homeowner in Elkhart, Indiana, shooting the homeowner in the leg and beating them repeatedly with handguns. The robbers stole a safe, drugs, money, a handgun, and jewelry from the home.

After the police arrived, they obtained a search warrant for the residence and discovered a stash of cocaine, marijuana, and prescription pills that the robbers had overlooked. The statements the robbers made during the robbery, including asking for an AR-15 pistol that was recently traded, gave the victims an idea of who the robbers were.

The ChoppaBoyz gang members were each indicted on two counts: robbery affecting interstate commerce and using, carrying, and discharging a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence. If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, South Bend Police Department, Elkhart County Intelligence and Covert Enforcement Unit, and Cedar City Utah Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse is prosecuting the case.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.

This case is a stark reminder of the violent crimes that plague our communities and the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies to bring these crimes to justice. The FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force will continue to work with its partners to pursue those who commit these violent crimes and take them off our streets.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndin/pr/five-individuals-charged