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MS-13 Gang Members Indicted for Assault and Drug Trafficking
Fresno, California – In a major crackdown on gang violence, 16 members and associates of La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) have been indicted for assault and drug trafficking charges.
A federal grand jury in Fresno returned a five-count indictment yesterday against the defendants, including Denis Barrera-Palma, who is accused of assault with a dangerous weapon (a pipe) and drug conspiracy. The indictment also charges Mario Alexander Garcia, Francisco Lizano, and Brenda Yajaria Morales with drug conspiracy and being an alien in possession of a firearm.
The defendants allegedly assaulted individuals with dangerous weapons in furtherance of MS-13, including a pipe attack in front of an elementary school in Mendota and a stabbing in Mendota. They also allegedly engaged in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana.
According to the indictment, the defendants were allegedly members of MS-13 operating in Mendota and Los Angeles. MS-13 is a violent criminal street gang that engages in racketeering activity, including murder, kidnapping, extortion, and drug trafficking.
The charges follow initial complaints filed in August 2018, after which most of the defendants were arrested on August 30. The defendants are accused of using drug sales to fund the gang’s various criminal activities, including trips to obtain drugs or commit acts of violence.
The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana, and that they engaged in street-level drug sales to fund the gang’s activities.
The defendants are currently being held in federal custody, pending further proceedings. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California and the Criminal Division of the Justice Department.
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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