8 gang suspects indicted in Texas

DALLAS — Authorities announced Friday that eight MS-13 members in the U.S. illegally have been indicted in Texas on charges tied to alleged gang activities including racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder and assault. U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox announced the charges at a news conference in Dallas. In an 18-count indictment, the men are accused of targeting rival gangs as part of initiations into the gang or dues to stay in the gang, she said. Cox, who described MS13 as “one of the most violent and ruthless gangs on the streets today,” said that seven suspects are in custody. Janet Pearre, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office for the Northern District of Texas, declined to comment on the status of the eighth. A Department of Justice statement said some of those indicted have been tied to violent acts, including machete attacks in Texas last year.