WISE, Va. — Six inmates accused of carrying out a brutal, gang-related assault on Virginia Department of Corrections officers at Wallens Ridge State Prison earlier in 2025 have been formally indicted.
A Wise County Grand Jury returned a total of 66 felony charges against the inmates, Attorney General Jason Miyares and Commonwealth’s Attorney Brett Hall announced.
The attack happened on May 2 when six gang-affiliated inmates attacked three correctional officers — five of whom are confirmed MS-13 members originally from El Salvador. The sixth is a U.S. citizen affiliated with the Sureño 13 gang. Two officers were stabbed multiple times, while a third was assaulted during the incident. All six inmates were already serving lengthy sentences for violent crimes, including murder and rape.
Seeking justice for injured corrections officers
Hall said the indictments mark an important step toward accountability.
“Our corrections officers have an incredibly difficult job,” Hall said. “I commend those who heroically intervened to save the lives of their fellow officers, who rushed to aid their fellow officers in the face of personal danger. Today’s indictments begin the process to seek justice on behalf of the Department of Corrections officers injured in the line of duty and all those affected by this incident.”
Miyares emphasized the daily risks faced by corrections and law enforcement officers.
“[The] indictments are an important reminder that service by our law enforcement and corrections officers across the Commonwealth is not without daily risk,” Miyares said. “As my office supports the prosecution in this case to seek justice, we are proud of our partners involved in supporting the corrections officers injured in this incident and are thankful for their continued recovery.”
VADOC Director Chad Dotson echoed his support for the officers and those pursuing justice.
“Corrections officers face dangers in the line of duty on a daily basis,” Dotson said. “Despite these risks, they courageously serve our communities. We are thankful that these officers are recovering and thank them for their dedicated service.”
Charges filed
The six inmates face a wide range of charges, including attempted aggravated murder, aggravated malicious wounding, conspiracy and gang participation. Several also face counts of possessing an illegal weapon while incarcerated.
- Melvin Edgardo Molina-Ramos, 28: Attempted aggravated murder (2), malicious wounding by mob (2), gang participation, bodily injury by prisoner (2), aggravated malicious wounding (2), conspiracy to commit aggravated malicious wounding (3), possession of illegal weapon by prisoner.
- Jeremiah Larenz Mouzon, 26: Attempted aggravated murder (3), malicious wounding by mob (3), gang participation, bodily injury by prisoner (3), aggravated malicious wounding (3), conspiracy to commit aggravated malicious wounding (3), possession of illegal weapon by prisoner.
- Moises Alejandro Alfaro Olivia, 41: Gang participation, malicious wounding by mob, bodily injury by prisoner (2), aggravated malicious wounding, conspiracy to commit aggravated malicious wounding (3).
- Armando Dagobert Reyes Reyes, 33: Gang participation, malicious wounding by mob, bodily injury by prisoner, aggravated malicious wounding, conspiracy to commit aggravated malicious wounding (3).
- Christian Rene Reyes-Coreas, 30: Gang participation, malicious wounding by mob (2), bodily injury by prisoner (2), conspiracy to commit aggravated malicious wounding (3).
- Kevin Josue Soto-Bonilla, 28: Attempted aggravated murder (2), malicious wounding by mob (2), gang participation, bodily injury by prisoner (2), aggravated malicious wounding (2), conspiracy to commit aggravated malicious wounding (3), possession of illegal weapon by prisoner.
The case remains under prosecution, with the Attorney General’s office assisting Wise County prosecutors.
How can a corrections officer overcome multiple attackers? The video below discusses 12 recommendations COs can take in the event of an attack.
