WILMINGTON — More than 120 criminal charges against 14 defendants resulted from a monthslong investigation into six murders and several shootings in the Wilmington area, authorities announced Monday.

Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings said an indictment was secured stemming from the defendants’ involvement in the Wilmington-area gang NorthPak.

The investigation included the Department of Justice, the Wilmington Police Department and the New Castle County Police Department, with support from the Delaware State Police, the Department of Correction, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Between Nov. 11, 2018, and April 21, 2021, members of NorthPak are alleged to have committed the murder of at least six victims and the attempted murder of several others.

“Gun violence has devastated families across Wilmington, and gangs play an outsized role in that carnage,” said Ms. Jennings. “Disrupting gang activity is critical to restoring public safety in Wilmington, and that requires complicated, resource-intensive investigations.

“This was not an easy job for law enforcement, but from the beginning, Wilmington and New Castle County were in with both feet. It’s thanks to their tenacity, and to our excellent partners at the state and federal level, that we can announce this indictment and that the DOJ can pursue justice for the terror and bloodshed that NorthPak has caused.”

According to Wilmington Police Chief Robert J. Tracy, “These indictments, and the serious charges they have brought against those responsible for violence in our communities, are the result of intensive, ongoing multijurisdictional partnerships that our agency has with local, state and federal partners.

“Through the implementation of evidence-based, proven crime-reduction strategies, we have had great success identifying those responsible for driving gun violence in our city and throughout Delaware. Indictments like these — the results of tireless investigations — help to prevent future violence and enhance public safety, while sending a clear and powerful message that gun violence and illegal gun possession will not be tolerated.”

Chief Tracy also said that the indictments are the result of enforcement efforts through group violence intervention.

“Through GVI, we blend the provision of social services and sharing of the moral voice of the community in an attempt to direct individuals away from crime and violence driven by senseless conflicts,” he said. “Those who heed those warnings are provided support, while those who continue to engage in violence are held responsible through our enforcement efforts.”

Said New Castle County Police Chief Col. Vaughn Bond Jr., “We are very pleased to partner with our Delaware law enforcement entities to identify and arrest those responsible for an increase in violent crime in our state.

“Through these efforts, violent offenders have been removed from our communities and the devastated families of our victims have the answers they deserve. Our state still has a significant challenge ahead in terms of violent crime. That being said, the New Castle County police ... will continue to work closely with all Delaware law enforcement and our communities to prevent, decrease and solve crimes.”

Rachel Byrd, acting special agent in charge of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office, added, “The NorthPak gang thought they could steal lives and escape unscathed. These indictments should send a clear message to gang members and their associates that this type of violence and senseless murder will not be tolerated.

“The citizens of Delaware have the FBI’s commitment that we will work with our local, state and federal partners to target and dismantle violent street gangs that threaten the safety and stability of our neighborhoods.”