A federal superseding indictment has been issued against three individuals allegedly associated with a Chicago street gang, charging them with conspiracy to commit multiple murders and carjackings. The accused, Edson Resendez, Maverick Cela, and Prezila Apreza, are purported members or associates of the Spanish Gangster Disciples street gang. According to the indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Chicago, these acts of violence were part of their gang activities.
The indictment claims that Resendez, Cela, Apreza, and other gang members committed three murders, two attempted murders, four carjackings, an attempted carjacking, and an act of arson over a two-week period in 2020. Cela is identified as one of the leaders within the gang.
All three defendants are currently in law enforcement custody. Arraignment dates for the new charges have not yet been set.
The announcement was made by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, alongside Douglas S. DePodesta from the FBI's Chicago Field Office. Support was provided by local police departments from Skokie, Chicago, Morton Grove, and Berwyn. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cornelius A. Vandenberg and Simar Khera represent the government in this case.
U.S. Attorney Boutros stated: “Combating the unacceptable level of gang violence in the Chicago area has been and will continue to be a top priority in our Office.” He emphasized his commitment to using federal resources to hold violent offenders accountable.
FBI Special Agent-in-Charge DePodesta remarked: "The FBI is committed to eradicating neighborhood street gangs and the violence unleashed in our communities." He highlighted ongoing efforts by FBI Chicago’s Violent Crime Task Force along with local law enforcement partners.
This case forms part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
It is important to note that an indictment does not equate to guilt; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.