The Grimy Times has learned that 13 individuals alleged to be members and associates of the notorious MS-13 gang have been arrested in Central Ohio and Indiana. According to federal authorities, the suspects are tied to the Columbus clique of MS-13 and face charges related to extortion and money laundering.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and other law enforcement officials announced the arrests and unsealed a federal indictment that alleges 10 defendants conspired to commit extortion through the use of threatened or actual force, violence, or fear to intimidate victims into paying money.
The indictment, which was returned on July 27, also alleges that the defendants and their co-conspirators used the proceeds to buy items used in MS-13 criminal activity, including cellular phones, narcotics, and weapons. The money was allegedly sent to MS-13 members and associates in El Salvador and elsewhere.
As part of the alleged conspiracy, the defendants and their co-conspirators are accused of providing financial support and information to MS-13 members, including those incarcerated in El Salvador and the United States, as well as those who have been deported. They are also accused of aiding families of deceased MS-13 members.
The 10 defendants charged in the indictment are:
• Jose Martin Neftali Aguilar-Rivera, also known as Momia or Pelon, 32, of Columbus, Ohio/Indianapolis, Ind.
• Pedro Alfonso Osorio-Flores, also known as Smokey, 38, of Columbus, Ohio
• Juan Jose Jiminez-Montufar, also known as Chele Trece, 33, of Columbus, Ohio
• Isaias Alvarado, also known as Cabo, 44, of Columbus, Ohio
• Cruz Alberto-Arbarngas, also known as Cruzito, 30, of Columbus, Ohio
• Jose Manuel Romero-Parada, also known as Russo, 22, of Columbus, Ohio (fugitive)
• Jose Salinas-Enriquez, also known as Martillo, 32, of Dayton, Ohio
• Jorge Cazares, also known as Veneno, 37, of Columbus, Ohio
• Jose Ramiro Aparicio-Olivares, also known as Flaco, 42, of Columbus, Ohio
• *Jose Manuel Romero-Parada, also known as Russo, 22, of Columbus, Ohio (fugitive)
• *Nelson Alexander Flores, also known as Mula, 46, of Columbus, Ohio (fugitive)
The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The FBI, ICE, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and Columbus Police Department were involved in the investigation and arrests.
RELATED: MS-13 Gangbanger Nabbed in New Orleans, Faces Deportation
RELATED: MS-13 Leaders Convicted in Newark Murder-for-Initiation Plot
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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