Police say it would be naiive to say there is are no MS-13 members in the upstate, but they have not heard of anyone other than a recent kidnapping suspect, Ielsin Fuentes Lemus claim affiliation. They say they have not seen any violent crimes directly related to that particular gang. Police say the public should not be scared and they do not believe there is a public threat in relation to this gang. In Spartanburg, there are three gangs that use the number 13, so investigators say it is often hard to tell which is which.Fuentes Lemus is the suspect in the kidnapping of a teenager who was held for ransom and then tossed from a car during a chase. He is wanted for kidnapping and armed robbery. The incident happened Tuesday at the El Mariachi Restaurant. The victim says a man put a gun up to him while he was getting into his Escalade.
Gypsy Joker Motorcycle Club compound,Ronald B. Campbell,Andrea G. Reeder,Dylan C. Grose,William C. Casteel.arrested
Four people were arrested on suspected drug charges, including the group's leader.Methamphetamine was found at the Gypsy Joker Motorcycle Club compound at West 19th Avenue and South Gum Street. Benton County Undersheriff Paul Hart said they needed so many officers as a "precautionary" step because the Gypsy Jokers are known to be connected to drugs and other criminal activities."It is an outlaw motorcycle gang with convicted felons who reside there," Hart said. "We gear up to meet that threat."Some stolen property and a couple of weapons also were seized, he said. The Violent Crimes Task Force, made up of federal agents and local police detectives, raided the club house and two homes at 5 a.m.The Benton County Regional SWAT team and the Yakima SWAT team were used to help search all the buildings."Because of the large site ... it makes it difficult to secure and make sure everybody is safe," Hart said. "The Violent Crimes Task Force ... ...
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