By Joe Anuta
Eight alleged members of the international organized crime syndicate MS-13 were charged Thursday with racketeering in connection with several violent crimes carried out in Flushing.
None of the men named in the indictment were over the age of 27, and all were listed with nicknames like “Doofy,” “Casper” and “Sonic,” according to documents from Brooklyn federal court.
Their alleged crimes, many of which were carried out in the borough, included racketeering, murder conspiracy, attempted murder, assault, assault conspiracy and illegal use of firearms. If convicted, some could face up to life in prison.
MS-13, La Mara Salvatrucha, is an organized crime outfit based in El Salvador, but with enclaves all over the world, including bases in Queens and Long Island, according to the U.S. attorney.
The Flushing clique committed two attempted murders in 2009 and 2010, one involving a machete and the other a baseball bat.
Police Commissioner Ray Kelly condemned members of the street gang who terrorized an NYPD police officer in one incident.
“The only people who should be wielding baseball bats in Flushing are Mets, not MS-13,” he said. “A gang member who threatened an NYPD detective with a bat over an illegal gun possession, and his cohorts, are in custody.”
Reach reporter Joe Anuta by e-mail at januta@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4566.
