Leah B. Foley United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts | Department of Justice
Two individuals, allegedly members of the Trinitarios gang, have been charged with a kidnapping incident that occurred in May 2024 in Andover, Massachusetts. The suspects reportedly wore law enforcement jackets and detained 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, face charges of conspiracy to commit kidnapping. They are currently held on unrelated state charges and are believed 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 forcibly entered the victim's apartment in Andover and took him into a vehicle. Witnesses called 911 reporting that men dressed in law enforcement raid jackets were forcing the victim into an SUV while he was screaming for help. The victim was reportedly held captive until being released in Lowell, Massachusetts. He provided statements to police which corroborated witness accounts and physical evidence.
In April 2025, Medina was arrested on an unrelated case. A search of his phone revealed videos and photographs allegedly taken during the captivity showing the victim handcuffed in a basement. One video purportedly shows Peralta’s tattooed hand interacting with the victim’s face.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, up to five years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge according to 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 New England; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble from Massachusetts State Police; and Andover Police Chief Patrick Keefe. Assistance came from Lowell Police Department with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard from the Organized Crime and Gang Unit.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations through a coordinated multi-agency approach.
The defendants remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
