WASHINGTON — The nation’s top cop called a gang that has plagued Charlotte streets one of the gravest threats to American safety.
“MS-13 has become a symbol of this plague that has spread across our country and into our communities,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said.
One of those communities is Charlotte.
Channel 9 has investigated the Latino gang for years. Authorities have tied local members to drugs, robberies and even murders.
[RELATED: 9 Investigates: An inside look at how feds took down MS-13 in Charlotte]
Anchor Allison Latos got an inside look at the five-year-long investigation in Charlotte that sent more than 30 MS-13 gang members to prison.
[IN PHOTOS: Guns seized during MS-13 investigation]
Federal agents shared exclusive video of attacks in broad daylight and gang meetings SouthPark neighborhoods.
The U.S. attorney said MS-13 is still recruiting across Charlotte, mostly targeting Latino neighborhoods and young children.
(Click PLAY to watch Part 2 of Allison Latos' investigation into MS-13)
Sessions said the gang is also growing across the country with more than 10,000 members in at least 40 states. He said the Justice Department is planning a crackdown on the violent group.
“If you are a gang member, we will find you. We will devastate your networks. We will starve your revenue and seize your revenues,” Sessions said
The crackdown will involve tougher law enforcement and border control efforts.
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