EXCLUSIVE: Long Island vs. MS-13 Gang

NOVEMBER 03, 2016 AT 6:29 PM Metro Focus

Long Island’s gang violence epidemic continues to rage on in Brentwood as another name is added to the growing list of casualties. The skeletal remains of 18-year-old Jose Pena-Hernandez, a known gang member, were recently discovered in the woods behind the abandoned Pilgrim State Psychiatric Center. Many are beginning to worry that there are still more bodies to be found, and authorities remain on high alert as they investigate each murder and their possible connections to the notorious MS-13 gang. Tonight, in an exclusive MetroFocus interview, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Tim Sini gives us an update on the investigations.

Homies Unidos was invited by Council of Thought and Action(COTA) to Hempstead, Long Island in an effort to be proactive to the issues affecting their neighborhood. We cannot be reactive to the violence in our communities, we cannot rely that law enforcement will solved the problem.

Long Island Vv/s MS 13

On Monday December 17, I was notified by my attorney Amy Jacks of the intention of the government to dismiss the R.I.C.O (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) case. I immediately called my family and told my wife Delia, between sobs of relief. I then called the people who have been at the forefront in my defense through the We Are Alex campaign. I have not slept well this couple of days but soon I will. I applaud the government for making the right decision to dismiss the case. I am innocent of these charges and told the government they had made mistakes since I was indicted 3 and half years ago. I feel confident that the government will make the right decision as to re-filing the case.
On behalf of my family, community and close friends I extend the gratitude to all the people who have stood next to me and believed from the beginning that this case was a distraction from the work that has been the focus of Homies Unidos. We have not stopped the work, which is greatly needed in our community, but our funding has suffered since my indictment. We expect that we will get more support for the programs which have been reduced significantly since the indictment.
I will look back at this day and will be forever grateful of all who stood firmly next to me in this extremely difficult time and provided support to my family when they most needed it. I have taken my work seriously and with integrity and will continue to do so in the years ahead.

Judge Dale Fischer may sign the order dismissing my case any day or wait until January 16 at 2:30 when we had schedule the hearing of the motions.

You may contact 213-383-7484 for more information.
Peace,
Alex Sanchez

Articles on the government decision:

Sojourner Truth with Margaret Prescod

For Alex Sanchez, justice delayed or justice denied?

WHY GANG CHARGES WERE DROPPED AGAINST ALEX SANCHEZ