Providence Police, along with other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies conduct long-term investigation leading to the arrest of members and associates of the violent street gang MS-13

Providence Police, along with other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies conduct long-term investigation leading to the arrest of members and associates of the violent street gang MS-13

PROVIDENCE, RI- After a nearly two year, multi-pronged Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCEDTF) investigation, the Providence Police and other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies conducted a series of raids this morning which focused on criminal activity by members and associates of a violent street gang known as Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13). The MS-13 gang originated in Los Angeles and has spread to other parts of the US. Their criminal activity includes shootings, arson, street level drug activity, and illegal firearm possession and sales. This operation also led to two immigration deportations. The investigation focused on subjects who are the sources of drugs and firearms for members and associates of the gangs.

Today's roundup was a result of a long-term proactive investigation that began due to the rise in gang violence in Providence. Agencies involved included the Providence Police Gang Unit, the Safe Streets Task Force, the Attorney General's Office, the US Attorney's Office, FBI, RISP, ATF, DEA, ICE and other local law enforcement agencies.

Arrest teams were assembled at a roll call this morning at 4:45am, with 75 law enforcement officers participating. Teams then reported to their target location and 11 of the 14 individuals were arrested on various gang related charges including the gang's leader, Francisco Bonilla aka "Cisco," age 33. This operation also led to two immigration deportations, numerous seized firearms, and the seizure of $400,000. Today's sweep was a step forward in making the streets of Providence safer.

"This investigation is a message as to how we leverage our partnerships and combine our efforts to dismantle organized gang activity. Operations like today's are what makes the community safer and also sends a strong message to those involved in the gun, gang, and drug trade," said Colonel Hugh Clements.

"Today's sweeping criminal roundup and the long investigation that led up to it sends a strong message that violence and illegal activity will not be tolerated in Providence. I commend the Providence Police Department for their successful and ongoing efforts to make our city safe, and I thank the offices of the Attorney General, the United States Attorney and every one of the federal and state law enforcement agencies that partnered on this effort," said Mayor Angel Taveras.

As a result of the investigation, state and federal grand juries were convened to indict various known members and associates of MS-13. On October 5, 2012, the Providence County Grand Jury returned several indictments. Arrest warrants were issued and arrests were made on October 10, 2012.

Francisco Bonilla, AKA "Cisco"
Age 33
A Providence County Grand Jury reported out a secret indictment on October 5, 2012 charging Francisco Bonilla, AKA "Cisco," with four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, one count of conspiracy of assault with a dangerous weapon, one count of carrying a firearm without a license and one count of use of a firearm while committing a crime of violence. Bonilla was arraigned before Providence County Superior Court this afternoon. Bail was set at $100,000 with surety. A pre-trial conference is scheduled before Superior Court Justice Robert D. Krause on October 17, 2012.

Richard Ibanez, AKA "Chinoz"
Age 22
A Providence County Grand Jury reported out a secret indictment on October 5, 2012 charging Richard Ibanez, AKA "Chinoz," with two counts of first degree arson and two counts of conspiracy to commit first degree arson. Ibanez was arraigned before Providence County Superior Court this afternoon and is being held without bail

David Galdemez, AKA "Guanaco"
Age 22
A Providence County Grand Jury reported out a secret indictment on October 5, 2012 charging David Galdemez, AKA Guanaco," with two counts of first degree arson and two counts of conspiracy to commit first degree arson. Galdemez was apprehended by Providence Police over the weekend, arraigned in Superior Court on Monday is currently held without bail.

Anthony Berardis, AKA "White Boy"
Age 35
Providence Police apprehended Anthony Berardi, AKA "White Boy" this morning and charged him with conspiracy, carrying a firearm without a license, and sale of a concealable weapon. He will be arraigned in Providence County District Court.

Jose Reyes, AKA "Scrappy"
Age 25
Providence Police apprehended Jose Reyes, AKA "Scrappy," this morning and charged him with carrying a firearm without a license and sale of a concealable weapon. He will be arraigned in Providence County District Court

The US Attorney's Office has released the following information on the defendants who were federally charged today in federal court. There is no further information at this time on the other federally charged defendant.

ADALBERTO PAGAN,
Age 27
Felon in possession, Possession of a firearm, Unlawful transfer or a firearm. Ordered detained in federal custody

CHRISTIAN FERRER
Age 27
ALEXANDER RAMOS
Age 42
Conspiracy to distribute and possess to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine, Distribution of 28 grams of more of cocaine
Both defendants ordered detained in federal custody