FBI: Gang Members Charged in 2009 Patchogue Armed Robbery

Two alleged gang members have been charged in the armed robbery of a Patchogue check-cashing and money transfer business in 2009, according to an indictment unsealed at the U.S. Courthouse in Central Islip on Monday. 

Joyser Velasquez, 27, and Francisco Ponce, 29, who according to prosecutors are members of the La Mara Salvatrucha street gang (the MS-13), are each charged with armed robbery and conspiracy stemming from the incident at Wilson Express Corp. on Dec. 19, 2009. 

Three other members of M-13 are also charged with a host of crimes, including murder, assault and other armed robberies, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office. 

“Gangs are like a cancer on our communities, and unless we deal with them directly, effectively and immediately they will continue to grow,” Suffolk County Police Department Acting Commissioner Edward Webber said in the statement. “We will steadfastly work with our local and federal law enforcement partners to put an end to their violent criminal acts.”

On Tuesday, Webber and County Executive Steve Bellone a move to put more cops on the street in the fight against gang violence.

Velasquez and Ponce will be arraigned later this week.