Two suspected gang members have been charged with kidnapping following an incident in Andover, Massachusetts, last year. As reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Isiah Medina, known as "Ice," and Rodderith Peralta, also known as "Mago," are believed to be part of the Trinitarios gang's Lawrence chapter. Both men, aged 25 and 26 respectively, currently face one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and will soon appear in U.S. District Court.
In May 2024, wearing jackets that were boldly emblazoned with the word "police," the suspects are alleged to have stormed into the victim's home, forcing the individual into an SUV as neighbors dialed 911, described by U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley. Over the next several days, the victim was detained before being left in Lowell, Massachusetts. The investigation, supported by witness reports and physical evidence, paints a consistent picture of the alarming events.
Medina's arrest on unrelated charges in April led to the discovery of incriminating content on his cell phone. Investigators found videos and photographs that showed the victim handcuffed in a basement, which included a visible tattoo on Peralta's hand while interacting with the victim's face, according to charging documents. If convicted of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, both suspects could face a life sentence, up to a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release. These penalties hinge on the determination of a federal district court judge based on sentencing guidelines and statutes.
The Department of Justice's OCDETF program, whose goal is to break apart high-level criminal organizations, played a key role in this case, with the efforts of federal and local law enforcement being highlighted in the official announcement. This collaboration underscores the department's prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, and multi-agency approach to dismantling these threatening entities. However, the allegations in the charging documents are not proof of guilt, and the defendants are considered innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
