Government Announces Gang Charges with Local Tie

The government has announced new charges against alleged members and associates of the MS-13 Gang in Ohio. One case included a murder in Perry County.

Prosecutor’s say a federal grand jury charged 23 individuals in a racketeering conspiracy that includes five killings, as well as attempted murder, extortion, money laundering, drug trafficking, assault and other charges.

The indictment brings to 29 the number of alleged MS-13 gang members charged in central Ohio in recent months.

The government says El Salvador-based MS-13 consists chiefly of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.

Authorities say the gang has more than 10,000 members and associates operating in at least 40 states, including Ohio.