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JSO: Violent South American gang not in Jacksonville
Last Update: 11/17/2005 5:01:19 PM


One of the most violent and feared gangs in the world may have an open invitation to come to the First Coast.

The CBS 47 Troubleshooters have uncovered information that the dangerous MS-13 gang may have been called in to help protect illegal immigrants living in town because they say they can't count on police.

According to authorities, the MS-13 gang is one of the most feared and fastest growing gangs in the U.S. With ties to El Salvador, members have been know to leave calling cards, not with bullets, but machetes. An MS-13 execution can mean decapitation, and initiation means getting beaten almost to death.

Last year, during several home invasion robberies of undocumented Hispanic day laborers in Jacksonville, it was feared that MS-13 might come to Jacksonville.

Roy Henderson is the Chief of Organized Crime and Narcotics investigations with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. He says police wanted to make it clear that victims should not fear deportation if they reported a crime.

According to JSO, the local Mexican community had threatened to seek out MS-13 for protection. Thankfully, victims did come forward, and MS-13 and its brutal brand of justice never surfaced in the River City.

According to JSO, this is still true today. In fact, it says there is no real gang activity in Jacksonville at all.