U.S. Marshals arrested wanted Dominican Trinitarios gang-member Yonaidry Lascano Rosario, 24, on Thursday night in Bethel with assistance from the Maine Violent Offender Task Force (MVOTF) and local police departments.
“This is simply the direct result of multi-agency collaboration between our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners who are dedicated and sharply focused on apprehending dangerous persons in Maine communities in order to safeguard our residents,” said District of Maine Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Josh Taylor.
Rosario allegedly fled to Maine from Massachusetts after a warrant was issued there for his arrest on two counts of assault to murder (armed), accessory after the fact, assault and battery with dangerous weapon, assault with dangerous weapon, and carrying a firearm without a license.
In April, the Massachusetts branch of the Marshals provided evidence suggesting that Rosario was hiding out in Maine, sparking a months-long search and investigation, including assistance from the FBI Maine Safe Streets Task Force, Oxford County Sheriff’s Office, Rumford Police Department, Norway Police Department, and the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section.
Members of a federal task force eventually established Rosario’s location, and surrounded his residence in Bethel, ordering the alleged gang-member to surrender.
Law enforcement took Rosario into custody without incident, and seized a variety of firearms and drugs from the residence in which he was hiding. He was charged as a fugitive from justice, and awaits extradition to Massachusetts.
According to the Marshals, the Trinatarios attempt to dominate American communities by seizing control of neighborhoods and intimidating rival gangs. They are known to use violence and murder to achieve their goals.
Unlike other criminal gangs and cartels, such as MS-13 and the Sinaloa Cartel, the Trinitarios have not yet been designated as a terrorist organization by the Trump Administration.
The Marshals did not provide information on Rosario’s immigration status.
Rumford Police Chief Tony Milligan issued a statement after the arrest, emphasizing the importance of local collaboration with federal authorities even as Democrats in the state legislature work to prevent local collaboration with immigration authorities.
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“This case is a prime example of why Rumford PD is committed to working with our federal partners by assigning officers to joint task forces. These collaborations are essential to dismantling dangerous individuals and organizations that threaten our communities. Investigations like this are often beyond the reach of local resources alone—but with coordination and shared expertise, we can accomplish what none of us could do alone,” said Milligan.
