Jury Trial Begins In Dodge City Racketeering Case

Several Dodge City residents are on trial in federal court in Wichita for their alleged involvement in a street gang that’s accused of drug trafficking, robbery and murder.

The jury trial, which began this week, is expected to last several weeks.

The defendants are charged in a 38-count indictment unsealed last year. The indictment says 23 members of the Nortenos gang promoted its drug trafficking with violence and threats. The defendants are charged under the federal Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

Four of the suspects are also charged with taking part in the 2009 murder of Israel Peralta, who was shot to death when he was sitting outside on the south side of Dodge City.