FBI-Led Roundup Nabs 28 Violent Gang Members; 2 at Large

33-year-old Erik A. Ynnocencio (left) and 30-year-old Fabian J. Melendez. (FBI Milwaukee)

SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN - Officials with the FBI Milwaukee Division announced Thursday that 28 members and associates of the Maniac Latin Disciples (MLD) gang were arrested on federal and state armed robbery and drug trafficking charges.

According to information released by the FBI Thursday, members of the Maniac Latin Disciples operated a criminal enterprise that profited from trafficking drugs in bulk, armed robberies, and employing violence against their community through multiple shootings.

According to the report, officers seized vehicles, weapons, body armor, ammunition, more than 40 pounds of marijuana and cocaine; over $80,000 in cash from over 20 different locations throughout southeast Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

The FBI is still seeking information for two fugitives who are suspected to have strong ties to the Maniac Latin Disciples. 33-year-old Erik A. Ynnocencio of Racine and 30-year-old Fabian J. Melendez of Waukegan, Illinois, remain at-large and are considered armed and dangerous.

If you have any information about these two men, you're asked to contact the FBI Milwaukee Division at (414) 276-4684.

Thursday Morning

Did you see an abundance of law enforcement officers in your area early Thursday morning?

A major roundup of violent gang members was conducted by area law enforcement with help from the Drug Enforcement Agency and U.S. Marshals in the Racine, Kenosha and Waukesha areas, as well as some parts of Northern Illinois.

According to reports, various law enforcement agencies rounded up gang members at as many as 50 different locations, related to a large drug operation involving marijuana, meth and cocaine. It has been called one of the largest roundups in many years.

The FBI stated that the operation posed no threat to the public.

Arrested Parties

• Gregory D. Tirado, Jr., age 28
• Melissa Rios, age 34
• Juan Paul Guajardo, age 41
• Jose Perez, age 42
• Juan C. Ramirez, age 32
• Frederick A. Evans, age 54
• Martin L. Lazcon, age 24
• Brian Johnson, age 22
• Gregory D. Tirado, Sr., age 46
• Janet Serrano, age 20
• Tyler M. Christman, age 26
• Ashley B. Craddock, age 20
• Jason R. Lopez, age 39
• Bradley R. Sorenson, age 25
• Marelo Ortiz-Cartagena, age 68
• Ernesto N. Perez, age 41
• Marco A. Munoz, age 25
• Marcello Tirado, age 19
• Angel H. Reyes, age 45
• Eric J. Minkey, age 38
• Trevian Dumas, age 22
• Pedro Juarez, age 36

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