Melgar Diaz, MS-13 Terrorism Charges, Virginia 2020

WASHINGTON - In a shocking turn of events, the US government has charged an MS-13 member with terrorism related offenses, marking the first time in US history that such charges have been brought against a member of the notorious gang.

Melgar Diaz, a high-ranking member of MS-13, has been charged in the Eastern District of Virginia with conspiring to provide material support to terrorists, conspiring to kill or maim persons overseas, conspiring to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries, conspiring to finance terrorism, and conspiring to engage in narco-terrorism, in addition to racketeering conspiracy and drug trafficking.

The charges were unsealed yesterday, and if convicted, Diaz could face up to life in prison. The indictment alleges that Diaz was involved in a conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries.

Melgar Diaz, 31, of El Salvador, is a member of the MS-13 gang and was living in the United States illegally at the time of his arrest. He was taken into custody on January 2020 and is currently being held without bail.

The case is being prosecuted by the US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, with assistance from the FBI and the US Department of Homeland Security.

This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edtx/pr/department-justice-announces-takedown-key-ms-13-criminal-leadership