Hendersonville, NC
Deputies Get Federal Grant To Combat Gangs

March 16, 2007 07:12 PM PDT

Did you know that there's a major gang problem in our area? That's what the Henderson county sheriff says and that's why he's doing something about it. The sheriff's office is now creating a unit focused on gangs thanks to some federal money.

The graffiti on this city wall probably doesn't make much sense to me or you but deputies say it signals a frightening change here in Henderson county. Sheriff Rick Davis told Fox Carolina's Lidia St. Mark, "There are gangs here, there are indeed."

Sheriff Rick Davis received 133 thousand dollars of federal money to create a two man unit that will focus on gang activity. The FBI says these tattoos represent the gang MS-13 - one of the most violent gangs in America. This MS-13 gang member is one of many located here in Henderson County, some members are as young as 12. Davis said, "They actively recruit members from middle school or high school and we want to make sure that doesn't occur."

According to the FBI MS-13 is made up of latino illegal aliens. Investigators say the main issues here are not immigration, graffiti and tattoos, its about the meth they bring in. Davis said, "The volume at which that methamphetamine is brought into Henderson county is very disturbing."

The gang member pictured here will spend the rest of his life in prison. Sheriff Davis says with the help of the new task force, many more gang members will follow in his footsteps.

http://www.fox21.com/Global/story.asp?S ... 7&nav=2KPp
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Btw, there is no gang member pictured there.