Two alleged members of the Trinitarios gang have been charged in connection with a kidnapping incident that occurred in Andover, Massachusetts, in May 2024. The suspects reportedly wore law enforcement jackets and held the victim for several days.
Isiah Medina, also known as “Ice,” aged 25, and Rodderith Peralta, also known as “Mago,” aged 26, both from Lawrence, have been charged with conspiracy to commit kidnapping. They are currently detained on unrelated state charges and are said to be part of the Lawrence Chapter of the Trinitarios gang. Their court appearance is scheduled for next week at the U.S. District Court.
The charging documents allege that on May 5, 2024, Medina and Peralta entered the victim’s apartment in Andover and forced him into a vehicle. Witnesses called 911 after observing men wearing law enforcement raid jackets placing a screaming victim into an SUV. The victim was allegedly held captive until he was released in Lowell, Massachusetts. His statements to police matched witness reports and physical evidence.
Medina was arrested on an unrelated charge in April 2025. A search warrant led investigators to find videos and photographs on his phone showing the victim handcuffed in a basement. In one video, Peralta’s tattooed hand can be seen interacting with the victim’s face.
The charge carries a potential maximum penalty of life imprisonment, up to five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker; Michael J. Krol from Homeland Security Investigations; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble from the Massachusetts State Police; and Andover Police Chief Patrick Keefe. The Lowell Police Department provided valuable assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard is prosecuting this case under an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations through coordinated efforts across agencies.
It is important to note that these allegations remain unproven until guilt is established beyond reasonable doubt in court proceedings.
