JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The FBI says 17 people have been charged in north Mississippi as a part of a major operation targeting suspected gang members called “Operation Bite Back.”

The Clarion-Ledger reports (http://on.thec-l.com/1IRUJ7i) FBI Special Agent in Charge Don Alway announced the indictments on Tuesday.

Federal agents said the operation focuses on Panola County and is a byproduct of the deep investigation that has come through the probe into the death of Jessica Chambers, a 19-year-old woman burned alive on Dec. 6, 2014, in Courtland.

Panola County Sheriff Dennis Darby said Tuesday’s arrests are not directly related to Chambers’ death.

The 17 suspects face on a variety of violations ranging from child endangerment, possession of stolen firearms, narcotics sales and felon in possession of a firearm to possession of counterfeit currency.

• 2026 Bassmaster Elite Series comes to Mississippi

• Meridian’s Top 20 Under 40 honored at reception