SCRANTON, Pa. — Federal law enforcement officers were in Scranton on Thursday to warn students about the dangers of gangs.
This presentation comes just weeks after two investigations in the city involving gang activity.
Inside the auditorium at West Scranton High School, members of the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's office spoke about the dangers of gang activity.
FBI agents shared some of the gang-related cases they've worked on involving teens and how being in a gang can lead you down a path to prison or death.
"I spoke with the victim of that one less than two weeks before he was killed. I warned him. I said, 'Hey, you need to get out of this. You need to stay away from this. Less than two weeks later, I get a call from the state police that he'd been killed," said Agent Chris Orosco, FBI Scranton Federal Task Force.
This presentation comes on the heels of gang-related crimes in Scranton, some involving teens.
On January 11, Scranton Police Detective Kyle Gilmartin was shot while investigating gunfire in the city related to gang activity.
Two weeks later, Scranton police and school safety officers were able to prevent a possible school shooting at Scranton High School when they took a 17 year old with an assault-style rifle into custody near the school.
Scranton Police Chief Tom Carroll says this is a joint partnership with law enforcement and prosecutors to stop kids from joining gangs.
"We need to send that message that if you're thinking about it, don't. That we are united, and we're here to stop you," Chief Carroll said.
Police say gangs are nothing new in our area, and they are recruiting younger members. Students say they are aware of it too.
"Sometimes I hear kids talking about in the hallways," said West Scranton junior Jose Restrepo. "It is a little scary, but I know that everybody works here to keep us safe. They do all their jobs, all the resource officers, all the principals."
Students say hearing the reality of how gangs can change their lives made an impact.
"I think it was really inspiring, and it's good to let kids know that they're safe and there's always a trusted adult that they can talk to," said junior Gianna Fratzola.
"My mom and my dad and my grandparents, you know, they're all looking down on me and like, you want to do good. You want to make other people proud, not just do it for yourself," Restrepo added.
The U.S. Attorney's office also talked about prosecuting cases involving minors who are charged with gang-related crimes. They told students you may not be an adult, but that doesn't mean you won't face adult time or even federal charges.