11 alleged Trinitarios gang members indicted for crimes in New Jersey, the Bronx and Hudson Valley
Eleven people are facing federal charges in a sweeping gang case tied to the Trinitarios street gang, according to prosecutors.
Officials announced Monday the unsealing of a 15-count indictment charging the defendants with racketeering conspiracy.
Prosecutors say the case centers on the “Bad Boys 7” set of the Trinitarios gang.
Cheldrid Sosa, a/k/a “Avipa,” a/k/a “Young Avii”
Erick Placencia, a/k/a “Grefia”
Justin Martita, a/k/a “Mafia”
Michael Mercedes Marte, a/k/a “Sicario,” a/k/a “Sikario,” a/k/a “S30”
Jose Peralta Gomez, a/k/a “JP,” a/k/a “JeyP”
Manuel Abad Rivas, a/k/a “Rubirosa”
Wilfren Carbuccia, a/k/a “Diablon”
Jeilin Portes Guaba, a/k/a “Ganga”
Javier Pena, a/k/a “Lion”
Angel Manon, a/k/a “Jerarka”
Dare Martinez, a/k/a “Mole”
According to the indictment, the organization operated across numerous areas of the tri-state region, including New Jersey, the Bronx and the Hudson Valley.
Federal authorities allege gang members were involved in a range of criminal activities, including murder, assault, robbery, carjacking, narcotics trafficking and wire fraud.
Among the alleged acts detailed in the indictment is the killing of 33-year-old Ariela Mejia-Polanco, who was found dead on the Cross County Parkway in Westchester County. Authorities previously identified Mejia-Polanco, known on social media as Ariela La Langosta, as the victim in the case.
Prosecutors say the crimes were allegedly carried out in furtherance of the gang’s operations throughout the region.
The defendants are accused of participating in or associating with the gang as part of the alleged criminal enterprise.
Officials are expected to release additional details during a news conference Monday.
The full indictment can be read here.