68°
Prosecutors announced on Friday, Dec. 20 that they are charging 96 alleged MS-13 gang members and associates following a two year, multi-agency investigation that foiled at least seven attempted murder plots.
In total, approximately 230 alleged members and associates were taken into custody. The 96 members were charged at the Riverhead courthouse on Friday, including nine purported gang leaders.
Officials are calling the bust and subsequent indictments one fo the largest takedowns of a violent street gang in New York State history. The arrests and charges effectively dismantled the gang’s operation in New York, as the El Salvador-based gang attempted to creep its way onto Long Island and up the East Coast.
Members and associates are facing drug trafficking, weapons, conspiracy, attempted murder and gang violence charges, among others.
In recent years, MS-13 has been responsible for a rash of violent crimes throughout Long Island, including multiple murders, assaults and attempted murder. Their targets have included innocent bystanders and those thought to have disrespected the gang.
"As a result of the viable intelligence generated throughout this investigation, law enforcement prevented countless acts of violence over the past 23 months - including seven murder plots right here in Suffolk County," Suffolk County District Attorney Tim Sini stated. “The operation has dealt a significant blow to MS-13 leadership in Long Island.”
Click here to follow Daily Voice Brentwood and receive free news updates.
