Virginia MS-13 gang members court date set for assault on officer, death of K-9 dog

A hearing date has been set for the four inmates accused of stabbing and killing a K-9 dog named Rivan in April.

The four men, members of the MS-13 gang, will also face charges for assaulting a corrections officer and stabbing an inmate on April 2 at Sussex I State Prison.

Ronald Sanchez-Ramirez, Nelson Torres Alvarez, Axel Wilfredo Ortiz Garcia and Jose Antonio Sagastume are set for a hearing date on Sept. 11 in Sussex County Circuit Court.

“Violence has no place in our facilities – and we will not stand for attacks on our corrections team or inmate population,” said Chad Dotson, Virginia Department of Corrections director.

The men were arraigned on June 12 on the following charges:

Ronald Sanchez-Ramirez

• Killing or injuring police animal
• Malicious wounding by mob
• Conspiracy to commit malicious wounding by mob
• Gang participation
• Assault and battery of a law-enforcement officer
• Stabbing in the commission of a felony
• Prisoner in possession of a deadly weapon

Nelson Torres Alvarez

• Killing or injuring police animal
• Conspiracy to commit malicious wounding by mob
• Gang participation
• Assault and battery of a law-enforcement officer
• Prisoner in possession of a deadly weapon

Axel Wilfredo Ortiz Garcia

• Malicious wounding by mob
• Conspiracy to commit malicious wounding by mob
• Gang participation
• Prisoner in possession of a deadly weapon
• Stabbing in the commission of a felony

Jose Antonio Sagastume

• Malicious wounding by mob
• Gang participation
• Conspiracy to commit malicious wounding by mob

According to court records, Rivan’s violent killing occurred when the four men attacked another inmate within one of the state prison’s housing units. Corrections Officer Kharmishia Phillip Fields and her assigned K-9 Rivan were on duty and working in the area at the time of the attack. The officer and K-9 responded to stop the attack, protect the inmates and restore order.

Rivan was violently and repeatedly stabbed and kicked by the inmates and later died at the facility while VADOC staff attempted lifesaving measures.

The trained K-9 handler and four-year veteran of the department, Fields survived the attack due to her training and Rivan’s actions.

In June, the Office of the Attorney General was appointed as special prosecutor on the case in conjunction with the Sussex Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

The investigation was conducted by the VADOC in conjunction with the Sussex County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

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K-9 dog, Rivan, dies at Virginia prison after helping save inmate, officer
Published date: April 3, 2024 | 4:43 pm