Category: Tennessee

Memphis, TN – Mohammed Al-Abadi, 51, of Memphis, has been indicted and arrested for one count of trafficking in counterfeit goods and one count of causing the criminal transportation of hazardous materials by air carrier. United States Attorney Kevin Ritz announced the charges today.

According to United States Attorney Ritz and the information presented in court, from about October 1, 2019, to January 14, 2021, Al-Abadi imported counterfeit motor vehicle airbag parts from China, assembled them and then sold them on eBay to unsuspecting automobile repair shops and individual customers. Federal agents recovered more than 2,000 counterfeit airbags and parts from the defendant’s residence and place of business.

“The alleged actions of the defendant have placed unsuspecting motorists and the general public in harm’s way,” said United States Attorney Kevin Ritz. “Vehicle airbags are subject to strict quality standards which must be followed to ensure passenger safety. The defendant’s alleged actions undermined the efforts of the automobile industry and regulatory bodies to keep the public safe.”

“The diligent and extensive investigative work by our special agents led to the discovery of the sale of fraudulent, counterfeit airbags, sold by bypassing regulatory oversight meant to keep dangerous and ineffective products out of the U.S. market,” said Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud, HSI Nashville. “The defendant will now have to answer for his alleged criminal actions that put consumers lives at risk.”

“Counterfeit air bags are not regulated or tested to ensure they meet federal safety standards, and when transported and used by unsuspecting consumers, they can be unsafe and lead to potentially grave consequences,” said Todd Damiani, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Southern Region. “The indictment and arrest handed down demonstrates the continuous coordination with our federal and prosecutorial partners to curtail the flow of these dangerous and illegal automobile products into the United States.”

If convicted, Al-Abadi faces up to ten years imprisonment and a fine of two million dollars for trafficking in the counterfeit airbags and up to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 for causing the transportation of hazardous materials by air carrier. Both charges also carry a period of up to three years supervision following release from imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.

Members of the public are reminded that an indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Department of Transportation-Office of Inspector General.

Assistant United States Attorney Raney Irwin is prosecuting this case.

NASHVILLE – Rodd Griffin, 42, of  Cunningham, Tennessee, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Mark H. Wildasin for the Middle District of Tennessee.

According to the plea agreement, law enforcement began investigating Griffin in January 2020, after receiving a tip that he was selling heroin from his home in Cunningham, Tenn.  Law enforcement officers then made a series of controlled buys of heroin and methamphetamine from Griffin and also received information that Griffin travelled to Atlanta on a regular basis to pick up large amounts of heroin and methamphetamine.

On January 16, 2020, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Griffin’s home and recovered three handguns and two rifles, one of which was a FN M16A2 with a “burst” selector and a suppressor, and embossed with “Property of the U.S. Government.”  Officers also seized $40,000 in $5,000 bundles; a total of 1300g of methamphetamine; 232.4g of heroin; and 400g of marijuana.

While officers were conducting the search, Griffin arrived home, and a search of his person and vehicle yielded digital scales and other paraphernalia associated with illegal substances, and more than $6,000 cash, which included some of the buy money from a previous controlled buy.

Griffin was also found to have been previously convicted of a felony and was prohibited from possessing firearms.

The plea agreement, if accepted by the Court, calls for Griffin to be sentenced to 23 years in prison.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; the 19^th Judicial District Drug Task Force; and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven T. Brantley is prosecuting the case.

NASHVILLE – Three Santa Rosa, California men were arrested in California yesterday and charged with conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances in middle Tennessee, announced U.S. Attorney Mark H. Wildasin for the Middle District of Tennessee.

Matthew Cox, 26, Marcus Johnson, 24, and Ricardo Molinero-Alcarez, 27, were arraigned before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Northern District of California today and will be transported to the Middle District of Tennessee at a later date.

According to the criminal complaint, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations were investigating the distribution of counterfeit fentanyl-laced Oxycodone tablets with the inscription “M30,” being shipped from the Santa Rosa area to Virginia, and to more than a dozen other states, including Tennessee.  Subsequent investigation, including surveillance and the review of social media sites and mobile payment records, identified the trio charged today.

During the investigation, agents determined that the drug distribution network was tied to other individuals in Columbia, Tennessee, and that fentanyl laced tablets were being shipped to middle Tennessee.   During a recent search in Columbia, law enforcement recovered a loaded firearm and blue tablets inscribed “M30.”

On July 25, 2022, HSI agents seized a package from a UPS Store in Sebastopol, California, which was destined for Nashville.  This package contained thousands of counterfeit fentanyl-laced Oxycodone “M30” tablets weighing approximately 2.4 kilograms.  The package also contained more than eight pounds of methamphetamine.

On August 9, 2022, agents intercepted two packages from the Santa Rosa area which were destined for residences in Nashville.  One package contained 472 grams of the Oxycodone “M30” tablets and the other package contained approximately four pounds of methamphetamine.

If convicted, each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison.

This case is being investigated by the DEA; Homeland Security Investigations; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the FBI; and the Columbia Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ahmed Safeeullah is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

NEW ORLEANS – On Wednesday, August 17, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port of Memphis, TN intercepted an ancient Egyptian artifact shipped from Europe. The shipment was manifested as an antique stone sculpture over 100 years old, and sent from a dealer to a private buyer in the U.S.

CBP worked with subject matter experts at the University of Memphis Institute of Egyptian Art and Archaeology to determine that the artifact was authentic. It is an Egyptian canopic jar lid of the funeral deity named Imsety. Canopic jars were used to hold the internal organs of mummies and Imsety specifically protected the deceased’s liver. The lid is likely from the Egyptian Third Intermediate Period, 1069 BC to 653 BC, making it potentially 3,000 years old.

The artifact is on a list of items protected by bilateral treaties and falls under the CPIA 19 USC 2609; designated archaeological materials of cultural property imported into the U.S. subject to seizure and forfeiture. CPIA is the congressionally passed Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act of 1983, and restricts importing some archaeological and ethnological materials into the country. The shipper also made contradictory statements regarding the declared value of the item, and CBP seized it. It was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for further examination and to determine it’s provenance.

The New Orleans Field Office covers ports of entry throughout the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Tennessee.

Gov. Bill Lee (R-TN) joins USA-IT partners for the United to Safeguard Tennessee from Illegal Trade summit.

“Tuesday morning, Governor Bill Lee addressed the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce about the consequences of illicit drug and counterfeit goods sales on the state’s economy. ‘It not only impacts the victims of illegal trade. It impacts trade in general. It impacts the business community in general’ Governor Lee said.”

“Larry Combs is the Senior Vice President of the Jack Daniels global supply chain. ‘We’ve now been in Tennessee for 155 years. One of the most valuable trademarks in the world. One of the most trusted brands. So it’s really really important that we protect that brand, our reputation for quality, and protect our consumers … We invest a lot in fighting this counterfeit product and illegal trade because the last thing we want to happen is to have one of our consumers have a bad experience or a consequence from buying counterfeit or illegal product,’ Combs said.”

“Kristin Reif, Director of Illicit Trade Prevention with Philip Morris International, says about $2.2 trillion is lost globally per year due to illegal trading. ‘The quantity of illegal trade, it’s enormous. The issue in itself is overwhelming,’ Reif said.”

“Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director, David Rausch, says the TBI investigates thousands of illegal trade cases a year. Most of the cases involve drug and sex trafficking, or the sale of counterfeit products like fake Tennessee Titans merchandise.”

“The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce also calls Tennessee a key transportation hub for the southern United States based on its geographic location. Criminals transport contraband through the state in tractor- trailers, private vehicles, and package delivery services.”

Read and watch more here.

Nashville, Tennessee ⎯ The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue and the Metro Nashville Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the indictment and arrest of Mohammad Ghaleb Amer for tax evasion, theft, money laundering, and selling counterfeit merchandise. Revenue agents and officers from the Mt. Juliet Police Department arrested Amer, age 48, at his home. Bond was set at $50,000.

On June 8, 2022, the Davidson County Grand Jury indicted Amer on one count of tax evasion, one count of theft over $60,000, one count of filing false returns, one count of money laundering, and one count of selling counterfeit merchandise over $250,000.

“The Department of Revenue promotes voluntary taxpayer compliance by educating taxpayers, aggressively pursuing criminal sanctions and demanding accountability when taxpayers engage in fraudulent activity,” Revenue Commissioner David Gerregano said. “This indictment underscores the department’s ongoing efforts to enforce Tennessee’s tax laws.”

If convicted, Amer could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $3,000 for each count of tax evasion, 12 years and $25,000 for money laundering and theft, and 25 years and $50,000 for the sale of counterfeit goods.

The department is pursuing this criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney Glenn Funk’s Office. Citizens who suspect violations of Tennessee’s revenue laws should call the toll-free tax fraud hot line at (800) FRAUDTX (372-8389).

The Department of Revenue is responsible for the administration of state tax laws and motor vehicle title and registration laws and the collection of taxes and fees associated with those laws. The department collects about 87 percent of total state revenue. During the 2021 fiscal year, it collected $18.4 billion in state taxes and fees and more than $3.7 billion in taxes and fees for local governments. To learn more about the department, visit www.tn.gov/revenue.

FRANKLIN, June 21, 2022 – Today, United to Safeguard America from Illegal Trade (USA-IT)—a coalition of more than 75 national and state brand enforcement experts, law enforcement agencies, academics, and leading business organizations—joined the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry in hosting a summit examining the recent surge of illegal trade in Tennessee; including counterfeiting, smuggling, organized retail theft, and drug and human trafficking.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee (R) spoke at the summit, highlighting Tennessee’s efforts to prevent illegal activity and keep communities across the state safe.

“We’ve made strong investments in proven crime prevention to protect every community and ensure no criminals profit at the expense of Tennesseans,” said Lee. “I commend law enforcement and local leaders for their continued partnership to curb illegal trade and keep Tennessee safe.”

Tennessee is a key transportation hub for the American South, attracting criminals who wish to profit from smuggling contraband within and beyond its borders. The increase in accessibility and volume of illicit substances wreaks havoc on Tennessee communities, with 80 percent of crimes in the state having an underlying drug-related cause. The proliferation of methamphetamine and fentanyl is unprecedented in Tennessee, and many of the criminals that move these and related drugs, such as fake prescription medications that are pure fentanyl and other deadly synthetic chemicals, traffic other contraband like counterfeit goods, weapons, and even people.

Launched in 2021, USA-IT is working across 15 states including Tennessee to empower local officials, law enforcement, and other leaders with new information and training programs and raise public awareness of the depth and severity of illegal trade in our communities.

Those in attendance also heard from Tennessee Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long, who spoke on links between illegal trade-related cases in the state and transnational crime. “When crimes such as counterfeiting and smuggling are reported, it can open the door to larger, more sinister cases involving some of the most dangerous criminal networks in the world,” Long said. “Money is what drives these organizations, and when there are avenues leading to profit, these groups will engage.”

The summit also included a panel consisting of prominent industry leaders and representatives of Tennessee law enforcement. Discussions centered around strategies to reduce the surge of counterfeit drugs, steps taken by law enforcement to dismantle crime syndicates operating in the state, and pathways to enhance information-sharing between the public sector and industry. Panelists and speakers included:

• Matthew Albence, USA-IT Spokesman and former Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) (Panelist Moderator)
• Adolpho Birch III, Senior Vice President of Business Affairs & Chief Legal Officer for the Tennessee Titans
•  Bradley Jackson, President & CEO of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce &  Industry
• David Rausch, Director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
• Kristin Reif, Director of Illicit Trade Prevention for Philip Morris International
• Larry Combs, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Jack Daniel & Global Supply Chain Lieutenant Wayne Dunkleman, Interdiction Plus Unit of the Tennessee Highway Patrol

David Rausch noted during the panel that, “Criminals seize opportunities and show no concern for the lives they take or families they destroy in the process. The distribution of deadly illicit drugs and counterfeit medicines continues to climb around the country, but its impactful coalitions like USA-IT that can help push that trend downwards.” Lieutenant Wayne Dunkleman further cautioned that, “The methods used to traffic illicit narcotics and counterfeit drugs in our state are constantly changing. Those profiting from these criminal markets facilitate other tentacles of crime such as human trafficking that impact states well beyond our borders. “

Accentuating industry’s role in fostering alliances against black-market criminals, Larry Combs statedthat, “Every industry is subject to counterfeiting, which is why we have a responsibility to create information- sharing channels with other companies and sectors. Brown-Forman remains committed to offering our perspective to this growing conversation, and are encouraged by the resolve our friends in the public and private sectors have shown in fighting back.” Adolpho Birch III agreed, adding, “Just as referees work together to uphold the rules and regulations that keep players safe on the field, we must work together to uphold rules and regulations that keep consumers safe. It takes a team, and cohesiveness between all the players is key in succeeding.”

For more information about USA-IT’s efforts to combat illegal trade and to get involved, visit USAIT.org or email us at [email protected].

For media requests, please email [email protected]

About USA-IT
United to Safeguard America from Illegal Trade (USA-IT) is a public- and private-sector partnership designed to help protect American security and prosperity from black-market criminals.

Contact:
Sam Dashiell
U.S. Communications, Philip Morris International
T. +1 (202) 480 1617
E. [email protected]

Memphis, TN – A Memphis woman was charged for her role in a fraudulent scheme to obtain thousands of dollars in federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for herself and others.  Joseph C. Murphy Jr., United States Attorney, announced the indictment today.

On May 19, 2022, a federal grand jury charged Kenyatta Danielle Hooper, 34, in a six-count indictment with wire fraud.  Hooper was arrested on Friday, May 27, 2022.

According to the indictment, the Coronavirus Aid Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The law authorized up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the PPP.  In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.

Hooper engaged in a scheme to illegally obtain thousands of dollars in PPP money for herself and others through numerous misrepresentations to financial institutions. Hooper both personally submitted and directed others to submit fraudulent PPP loan applications.  She also submitted fake and false documents in support of these applications.  Hooper also took kickbacks from the persons she assisted in filing fraudulent PPP loan applications.  She further falsely certified that she would only use PPP loan proceeds for permissible expenses – payroll, rent or mortgage payments, and utilities – and instead spent loan money on a Maserati automobile, personal travel, concerts, and gambling.

“Congress funded the PPP program to provide a financial lifeline to struggling small businesses in West Tennessee and across the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic”, said United States Attorney Joseph C. Murphy.  “Bad actors unfortunately have targeted this critical assistance program and fraudulently diverted much needed resources.  Our office and our law enforcement partners will investigate all allegations of unlawful use of these funds and are committed to ensuring federal tax dollars are used for their intended purposes.”

“The FBI takes particular interest in cases where individuals scheme for their own personal benefit, lining their pockets at the public’s expense,” said Douglas M. Korneski, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Memphis Field Office. “The honest and law-abiding small business owners in this country should be assured by this indictment that the FBI is committed to working closely with its law enforcement partners to vigorously pursue anyone who would scheme to use critical assistance loans for their own avaricious desires.”

“Scheming to fraudulently use SBA program funds is unacceptable,” said SBA OIG’s Special Agent-in-Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite. “OIG remains committed to rooting out bad actors and protecting the integrity of SBA programs. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and pursuit of justice.”

“The Memphis Field Office of the United States Secret Service assisted the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the arrest of suspect Kenyatta Hooper for COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program Fraud.  This investigation and subsequent arrest once again demonstrate the continued collaboration between the FBI and Secret Service to combat financial crime,” said Carl B. Hagins, Special Agent in Charge (Memphis Field Office), United States Secret Service.

Hooper faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each wire fraud count.  There is no parole in the federal system.

The charges and allegations contained in indictment are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.

The case was investigated by the FBI, the United States Small Business Administration, and the United States Secret Service.

Assistant United States Attorney Tony Arvin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

USA-IT partner and Michigan Chamber of Commerce’s director of tax policy and regulatory affairs, Dan Papineau, writes:

“As criminal enterprises continue to devise new strategies and practices to evade law enforcement, we must bring more tools to the table to keep pace with black market ingenuity. This involves sharing knowledge of illegal trade with the public so they are aware of what happens in the shadows, while also working with law enforcement and local governments to target these operations, and empowering lawmakers, organizations and our communities with the tools needed to act.”

“Through the work of partnerships like USA-IT, we can work toward holding the perpetrators of illegal trade accountable and ensure a more secure and prosperous Michigan.”

Read more here.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell handed down sentences of up to 15 years in prison to five defendants for their involvement in a methamphetamine trafficking ring, announced William T. Stetzer, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

Judge Bell sentenced the defendants as follows:

• William Jay Allen, Jr., 29, of Vilas, N.C. was sentenced to 180 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Allen pleaded guilty to drug trafficking conspiracy and distribution methamphetamine.
• Justin Kevin Anderson, 31, of Boone, N.C. was sentenced to 135 months in prison, followed by six years of supervised release. Anderson pleaded guilty to drug trafficking conspiracy and distribution methamphetamine.
• Thomas Burns Shelley, III, 37, of Blowing Rock, N.C., was sentenced to 132 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Shelley pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
• Jeffrey David Miller, of Sugar Grove, N.C., was sentenced to 36 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Miller pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine.
• Danielle Denise Dieters Ward, 42, of Morganton, N.C., was sentenced to 36 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Ward pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

A sixth co-defendant, Timothy Wilson Critcher, 47, of Boone, N.C., is scheduled to be sentenced on December 7, 2021.

According to court documents and the sentencing hearing, from 2018 to 2020, Allen and his co-conspirators trafficked more than 12 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine in Ashe and Watauga Counties, and elsewhere. Court documents show that Allen was the source of supply for the methamphetamine, and his co-defendants operated as couriers and sellers in the conspiracy.

All of the defendants are in currently custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and will be transferred to the custody of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

This case is supported by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) as part of an ongoing investigation focusing on drug organizations trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine in Western North Carolina. To date, more than 200 individuals have been prosecuted, and law enforcement have seized more than 20 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, $500,000 in U.S. currency and other assets, and dozens of firearms.

OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

In making today’s announcement, Acting U.S. Attorney Stetzer recognized the following federal, state and local agencies which partnered in this investigation, and thanked them for their continued cooperation and support:  the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NC SBI); the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office; the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office; the Boone Police Department; and the Johnson County Tennessee Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee.

The prosecutions are being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven R. Kaufman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte.

MEMPHIS, Tennessee — On Thursday, September 30, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers (CBPOs) at the port of Memphis, TN selected for inspection a shipment from The United Arab Emirates en route to an apartment on the east side of Little Rock, Arkansas listed as “LADIES JEWELRY.” Inside the shipment CBPOs found 500 pairs of earrings that had the recorded trademarks of Chanel. This was the same shipper and consignee of a previous, nearly identical shipment just days before. The earrings were identified as counterfeit based on the low value claimed, incorrect appearance and low-quality construction, and shoddy packaging method. If these had been authentic, and sold for the manufacturers’ suggested retail price (MSRP), the value would have been $1,900,000.

Counterfeit jewelry seized by CBP officers

Illicit manufacturers continue to exploit the rapid growth of e-commerce to sell counterfeit goods to unsuspecting consumers in the United States. In Fiscal Year 2020, CBP seized more than 26,500 shipments containing counterfeit goods that would have been worth nearly $1.3 billion had they been genuine.

CBP data indicates that handbags, wallets, apparel, footwear, watches, jewelry, and consumer electronics are at higher risk of being counterfeited. Counterfeit watches and jewelry make up almost half of the total MSRP of seized goods. Counterfeit versions of popular brands are regularly sold in online marketplaces and flea markets. Counterfeit goods hurt the U.S. economy, cost Americans their jobs, threaten consumer health and safety, and fund criminal activity. Visit the National IPR Coordination Center for more information about IPR including counterfeiting and piracy.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A federal grand jury in Nashville returned a 60-count, second superseding indictment, charging nine MS-13 gang members with a racketeering conspiracy.

The announcement was made by the assistant attorney general of the Department of Justice criminal division and the acting U.S. attorney for the middle district of Tennessee.

Charges in the indictment include seven murder allegations, kidnappings, numerous assaults, robberies and large-scale drug distribution.

“This ongoing investigation has already led to multiple arrests and indictments of confirmed MS-13 gang members, including the nine charged in this most recent indictment,” said Jerry C Templet, Jr, special agent in charge, Homeland Security Investigations, Nashville. “HSI Nashville is proud to have worked with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to see the continued results of this multi-year RICO investigation involving the presence and activities of MS-13 gang members in Nashville, Tennessee.”

This ongoing Organized Crime & Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Marshals Service; Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; and Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.

Those charged in the indictment include: Carlos Ochoa-Martinez, 31, aka “El Serio,” Jason Sandoval, 35, aka “Bin Laden,” Jorge Flores, 29, aka “Peluche,” Kevin Tidwell, 28, aka “Miklo,” all of Nashville; Jose Pineda-Caceres, 22, aka “Demente,” Franklin Hernandez, 22, aka “Happy,” and Luis Colindres, 24, aka “Listo,” all of Honduras; Gerson Serrano-Ramirez, 34, aka “Frijole,” of El Salvador and Juan Melendez,” aka “Shaggy,” of Lebanon, Tennessee.

The indictment describes the organizational structure of MS-13 and the gang’s sub-unit, the Thompson Place Los Salvatrucha clique, operating in Nashville since at least 2014. The purpose of the MS-13 enterprise includes preserving and protecting the power, territory, reputation and profits of the enterprise through the use of intimidation and violence, including murder and promoting the enterprise through acts of murder, extortion, drug trafficking and other criminal activities.

To generate income, MS-13 gang members engage in illegal activities under the protection of the enterprise, including drug trafficking, robbery, extortion and other crimes. They often steal and used stolen vehicles to carry out these illegal activities. Funds generated by the illegal activity provide financial support to gang leaders, members and associates, including individuals incarcerated in the United States and El Salvador.

Cooperation with law enforcement is strictly prohibited under MS-13’s rules. It is well understood within the gang that anyone who assists authorities will be punished with death and the gang honors those who have killed police informants.

In addition to numerous acts of drug distribution and firearms offenses, the indictment alleges that one or more MS-13 gang members conspired with other MS-13 gang members and committed the following acts of violence:

• On April 6, 2016, murdered J.A. in Nashville by shooting him.
• On July 31, 2016, murdered L.R. in Nashville while attempting to murder R.R.
• On Jan.18, 2017, attempted to murder R.V. in Nashville by shooting him and attempted to murder H.V., L.A., and H.S. by shooting at them.
• On Feb.25, 2017, attempted to murder H.S. in Nashville by shooting at him.
• On May 21, 2017, murdered A.G. in Nashville by shooting him.
• On May 27, 2017, attempted to murder L.R.L in Nashville by shooting at him and murdered J.F. by shooting him.
• On June 1, 2017, an MS-13 gang member assaulted a deputized federal officer in Brentwood, Tennessee, while possessing a firearm and attempting to evade arrest.
• On June 17, 2017, brandished and discharged a firearm in Nashville during the kidnapping and assault of C.R.
• On July 25, 2017, kidnapped and assaulted X.A. in Nashville to prevent X.A. from cooperating with law enforcement.
• On Sept. 24, 2017, murdered H.Z. in Nashville by shooting him and murdered Y.H. by shooting him to prevent him from becoming a witness to H.Z.’s murder.
• On Sept. 24, 2017, lured A.L. to a meeting in Nashville and murdered him by shooting him and burned a car with his body in the trunk.

All defendants are in federal custody. If convicted, they each face decades of incarceration, including up to life in prison.

An indictment is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

HSI is a directorate of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance move.

HSI’s workforce of over 10,400 employees consists of more than 7,100 special agents assigned to 220 cities throughout the United States, and 80 overseas locations in 53 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’s largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.