Grimy Times has learned that an MS-13 gang member from El Salvador has been convicted of using physical force to tamper with a witness, being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, and multiple counts of cocaine distribution.
Gerson Serrano-Ramirez, aka “Frijole,” 31, was indicted in August 2017 and convicted today after a three-day jury trial in U.S. District Court in Nashville, Tennessee.
According to evidence and testimony presented at trial, in July 2017, the activities of Serrano-Ramirez and other MS-13 gang members were disrupting the normal operation and business of a local nightclub. An acquaintance approached Serrano-Ramirez and requested that they tone down their behavior, but instead, Serrano-Ramirez invited the individual to his home in the Antioch, Tennessee area, where he subsequently assaulted him.
The assault was captured on an in-home security system and included the use of an assault rifle, strangulation with the rifle strap, bleach in the eyes, and a plastic bag over the head. Serrano-Ramirez also threatened to kill the individual and his mother if he told anyone about the assault.
Evidence introduced during the trial also included videos of Serrano-Ramirez packaging and selling cocaine from his residence. The videos were discovered and seized during the execution of a search warrant, which also uncovered an AK-47 assault rifle, multiple rifle magazines, 582 rounds of ammunition, body armor, and a small amount of cocaine and marijuana.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department Gang Unit. Trial Attorney Matthew Hoff of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ahmed Safeeullah of the Middle District of Tennessee prosecuted the case.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Don Cochran of the Middle District of Tennessee praised the jury’s verdict, stating that it will ensure that another violent criminal alien will be removed from the community for a long period of time.
The case serves as a reminder of the Department’s commitment to combatting MS-13 and other violent gangs in the United States. MS-13 is one of the most violent and dangerous gangs in America, and the Department will continue to seek out and prosecute members of the gang to the fullest extent of the law.
Related Federal Cases
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- Nashville Judge Moreland Accused of Bribery, Witness Tampering · Tennessee
- Nashville Mom Pleads Guilty To Bribery, Witness Tampering in Shooting Case · Texas
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- Flag-Waver Hernandez Sentenced for Jan. 6 Capitol Breach Assault · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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