New charges were put forth Thursday in connection to a list of MS-13-related crimes on Long Island, including three murders.
A 73-count indictment includes charges against eight suspected gang members who were previously uncharged.
Seven of those suspects are already in custody.
The indictment includes charges in connection to the 2016 murders of Oscar Acosta in Brentwood, Javier Castillo in Freeport and Dewann Stacks in Brentwood.
Prosecutors say the three were either stabbed or slashed to death by members of MS-13 using machetes. Investigators say Acosta was beaten with tree limbs and tied up before being killed and then buried in the woods in Brentwood. One of the other victims, they say, was slashed to the point that he was almost unrecognizable.
In a statement released early Thursday, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said “MS-13 is one of the most dangerous groups in America. Today's indictment is our next step toward taking this despicable gang off the streets for good."
U.S. Attorney Richard Donoghue added, "The charges in this indictment further demonstrate the utter brutality of MS-13 on our communities."
Four of the men pleaded not guilty to murder. Attorneys for the other four were not able to be in court. They will be arraigned at a later date.
Each of the defendants range in age from 19-26 years old.