A man suspected of having ties to a Venezuelan gang was arrested in Wisconsin on charges of assault and abuse. Alejandro Jose Coronel Zarate, 26, was taken into custody by police in Prairie du Chien after allegedly sexually and physically attacking a woman. He faces multiple charges, including second-degree sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic battery.
Zarate, believed to be affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang, was arrested after police responded to reports of violence. Prairie du Chien police confirmed that a juvenile was also injured during the altercation. Chief of Police Kyle Teynor stated, “The victims knew Mr. Coronel Zarate, this was not a random event,” stressing the need to remain vigilant about the dangers posed by criminal gangs.
Tren de Aragua, a violent transnational organization, has been linked to crimes like drug trafficking, human smuggling, and weapons trafficking. The gang’s activities have spread to multiple U.S. cities, including Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, and Miami. According to U.S. law enforcement, the gang has even sanctioned attacks on American law enforcement personnel.
Zarate had additional outstanding warrants in Dane County for offenses including strangulation and false imprisonment. His arrest in Wisconsin underscores the growing influence of foreign criminal organizations in the U.S.
Local police are working with federal authorities to investigate Zarate’s connections to Tren de Aragua. He remains in custody as authorities continue their investigation into the extent of his criminal activities.
