Boys charged for attempting to recruit students at Va. high school to join MS-13 gang

MANASSAS, Va. - Three 17-year-old boys who attend Osbourn Park High School were arrested and charged after they attempted to allegedly recruit students at the school to join the MS-13 gang.

A school resource officer found out, called police and gang unit detectives quickly took over the investigation.

Students and staff at the school helped them determine the recruitment was for Mara Salvatrucha, commonly known as MS-13.

Now, police and school administration are urging parents to learn more about recognizing and preventing gang involvement. Parents at the school say this guide to gangs is helpful, but feel they were left in the dark about the reasons why the school decided to put out the parent's guide in the first place.

"That's very good information to have, especially since this incident has occurred," said Jorge Rodriguez, a parent at the school.

Some students told Fox 5 that they had no idea three of their own classmates were arrested on Tuesday, and accused of recruiting members for the notorious ms-13 street gang.

A Prince William County schools spokesperson says Osbourn's principal sent letters home to parents late Thursday morning calling alleged gang involvement a serious nature.

The letter reads:

Dear OP Community Member,

I am writing to share some information about a recent development affecting our school community. Prince William County Police have obtained charges against three OP students for alleged gang participation and attempting to recruit a gang member at school. Police did not release the students' names, and confidentiality rules mean I cannot share them. Alleged gang involvement is serious in nature, and I appreciate the cooperation of Prince William County Police in our effort to keep our school safe. I assure you that school staff, PWCS security, and I will continue to be vigilant and work with the police through the conclusion of this investigation. I also want to reassure you that OP is an outstanding school with dedicated students and a supportive community. The recent development did not negatively impact the learning environment or disrupt the school day. I know that we can work together to ensure that all schools in Prince William County are gang free and great places to learn and work.

If you have any questions or concerns, please share them with me, our School Resource Officer, or Prince William County Police.

Sincerely,

Neil Beech, Principal

Police charged all three teens with gang recruitment and gang participation.