Suspected MS-13 Leader Edenilson Velázquez Larin Arrested in Ohio

sandusky townshipOhio (WJW) – Suspected leader of gang MS-13, wanted by federal authorities for a “brutal” murder, was arrested by state troopers during a traffic stop on the Ohio Turnpike last month, the body said. Confirmed on camera video.

Edenilson Velázquez Larin, 33, is the domestic leader of the transnational criminal organization La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and a faction based in Los Angeles, according to federal officials.

Ann Ohio Highway Patrol Police officers stopped the SUV carrying Velázquez Larin from driving near State Route 53 in Sandusky Township on June 7, according to the patrol. After officers identified Velázquez Larin, the SUV driver Gabriel Lopez, 26, and Bianca Garcia, 31, who was in the back seat, they were asked to exit the vehicle. border guard An agent was waiting.

Garcia told officers in state patrol body camera footage that all three suspects were coloradowas traveling from that state to. new york In a rented SUV. Garcia is from New York, but said he moved to Colorado for work.

Garcia admitted having marijuana in the SUV and was summoned by the patrol.

In 46 federal indictments released last month, Velázquez Larin, known to the public as “Agresol,” “Saturno,” and “Paco,” and other suspects accused of being part of a racketeering conspiracy. there is murder Other acts of violence, drug distribution, money laundering, According to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Velázquez Larin issued an order to kill a man at his Queens home in 2018, according to prosecutors. In 2019, he allegedly ordered members of the MS-13 to hunt down and kill members of rival gangs believed to be encroaching on MS-13 faction territory. . Velázquez Larin also ordered the killing of a rival gang member in New York in 2021 in retaliation for a machete attack on an MS-13 member, according to prosecutors. Members of the rival gang survived the attempt.

“The murders and other violent crimes allegedly committed by these defendants were brutal, callous and utterly pointless,” New York State Attorney Breon Peace quoted in a news release. “Authorities and law enforcement partners are working tirelessly to dismantle MS-13 at all levels, and to ensure that this transnational criminal organization, its leaders, members, and associates have committed acts of extreme violence and other forms of violence. We will not forgive them until they are held accountable.” The criminal acts they have committed in our community. ”

Prosecutors also accused Velázquez Larin and several others of selling cocaine and marijuana to finance gangs. He and other alleged gang members were also charged with money laundering in connection with the “flow of tens of thousands of dollars” from an alleged MS-13 member to Velázquez Larin, the statement said. .

“Transnational gangs like MS-13 ravage communities with violent crime and drugs, threatening national security and the safety of neighborhoods,” said New York Special Agent Ivan Alvero, Homeland Security Investigation. said Mr. “Those indicted today are accused of committing a number of senseless acts of violence in the name of gang loyalty, and are a testament to the intense investigative efforts of HSI New York and our partners, the FBI and the NYPD. Thanks to them, they will face federal prosecutors’ for their crimes. This multi-agency coordinated law enforcement effort is the best way to deter MS-13’s illegal gang activity and undermine its ability to reign in terrorism and violence in New York communities and elsewhere. be. ”

Since 2003, authorities have obtained convictions in federal court for the Eastern District of New York against hundreds of MS-13 members, including dozens of faction leaders, many of them for extortion, murder, and attempted murder. , has been indicted on charges including participation in assault. release.

Velasquez Larin was under immigration control in Ohio last month, according to the Justice Department. He was scheduled to appear in federal court for the Northern District of Ohio.