Source: US Marshals Service
Winston-Salem, NC – On Wednesday March 5, 2025, at approximately 11:45am, a high ranking MS-13 member, Josue Zepeda-Padilla, was apprehended by members of the U.S. Marshals Service Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force and NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force with assistance from the Winston-Salem Police Department and ICE ERO, on the 3000 block of Gilmer Avenue in Winston-Salem, NC.
Zepeda-Padilla who has eluded law enforcement officials for over a year and in the United States illegally was one of seven alleged members of the MS-13 street gang indicted for a violent gang assault and kidnapping of a fifteen-year-old. The defendants allegedly robbed, kidnapped, assaulted and left the victim unconscious in an abandoned building. On January 24, 2024, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office charged Zepeda-Padilla with Assault, Kidnapping, and Gang Assault.
The U.S. Marshals would like to thank the incredible partnership of Winston-Salem PD and assistance from ICE/ERO in this fugitive investigation.
Catrina Thompson U.S. Marshals, Middle District of North Carolina; “The United States Marshals Service (USMS) is committed to locating and apprehending violent fugitives across our nation. In this case, the USMS Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force (CRFTF) with our law enforcement partners from the Winston-Salem Police Department, North Carolina and Immigrations, Customs and Enforcement (ICE) apprehend Josue Zepeda Padilla. Padilla had been traveling between various cities in North Carolina and was in Winston-Salem at the time of his apprehension.”
Vincent F. DeMarco, U.S. Marshal, Eastern District of New York; “This arrest is a critical victory in our ongoing effort to bring violent fugitives to justice. The United States Marshals Service is committed to relentlessly pursuing violent criminals who pose a threat to our communities, especially those who enter the United States illegally and ensuring they face the consequences of their actions.”
The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) encourages the community to continue to collaborate with our deputies on tips that help find the whereabouts of a fugitive by contacting our local office at (787) 766-6297, calling the U.S. Marshals Service Communication Center at 1 (800) 336-0102, or submitting tips using the USMS Tips App.