http://www.wnep.com/Global/story.asp?S=4549539

Robbery Suspect Tied to Dangerous Gang?



Friday, February 24, 5:28 p.m.
By Julie Sidoni

A third person has been arrested for a robbery in Scranton that involved guns and a machete. Now police are worried about the suspect's connection to a gang.

Three men were involved in the violent armed robbery last summer. One was arrested right after it happened. A second was deported for unrelated reasons. Now the third is in custody in Lackawanna County and police think he's affiliated with an especially nasty gang.

Surveillance video from Garcia's Market in Scranton showed the robbers ordering the owner and two delivery men to the floor. They were tied up and threatened.

Two of the suspects were prosecuted. The third is Marvin Benetiz-Morales, 27. Police in Baltimore, Maryland picked him up in late December but he's now in the Lackawanna County jail awaiting a court date.

According to Scranton Police Chief David Elliott Baltimore police warn Benetiz-Morales has connections to the gang known as MS 13.

"Which is a very well known, national gang, a very violent gang. We take it very seriously anytime we see violent guys like that coming through our area," Chief Elliott said. He was quick to point out he doesn't think MS 13 has a strong-hold in northeast Pennsylvania.

It's unsettling, said state police Trooper Bill Satkowski. He teaches a gang awareness program to community groups. "In law enforcement we've recognized that MS 13 is one of the most ruthless gangs in the country right now. They have ties to South America, some have military backgrounds and they've been very ruthless in the crimes they've committed," Satkowski said.

The workers at Garcia's Market were lucky. Nobody was seriously injured in that incident last summer.

As for Marvin Benetiz-Morales, in addition to charges for the armed robbery, it's possible he'll face deportation to Honduras.