Accused of racketeering and conspiracy to commit murder, among other offenses, two Santa Cruz men who are allegedly part of the notorious La Mara Salvatrucha gang, popularly known as MS-13, were given sentences exceeding 20 years in jail.
Erick Escalante-Torres, 29, was sentenced to 27 years and 11 months in prison, while Jose Noe Ramirez-Avelar, 34, was sentenced to 22 years, according to a Monday announcement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California.
In August, Ramirez-Avelar, also known as “Chepito” or “Sparky,” and Escalante-Torres, also known as “Deceptico” or “Problematico,” entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to commit murder in assistance of racketeering in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death and racketeering conspiracy. Escalante-Torres also entered a guilty plea to attempted murder in aid of racketeering and firearm discharge in furtherance of a violent crime, according to the prosecution.
In a statement, Northern California United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey said, “Public safety in Santa Cruz was threatened by their ruthless actions.” “With these sentences, we are sending a strong message to gang members that these crimes will be fully investigated and prosecuted, and justice will be served.”
According to the prosecution, the two were part of a group of MS-13 members who planned to kill a guy in 2016 they thought was connected to the rival 18th Street gang.
The crew decided to assassinate the victim late at night, when he would be walking his fiancé home after a shift at a neighborhood taqueria, after obtaining approval from El Salvadorian gang bosses.
On his way to pick up his fiancée on September 22, 2016, the victim was shot and killed. The victim was not connected to the rival group, according to the prosecution.
The two were reportedly implicated in other gang shootings, such as the destruction of evidence from a July 2016 killing involving rival gang members and a murder carried out by another Northern California MS-13 cell in the spring of 2016.
According to Homeland Security Investigations San Francisco Special Agent Charge Tatum King, “this case demonstrates the direct threat transnational gang activity is to our communities and the indiscriminate and needless devastation it brings to innocent families.”
Ten further members of the Santa Cruz MS-13 gang have been found guilty and sentenced for their involvement in criminal conduct, according to the prosecution.
Escalante-Torres and Ramirez-Avelar have both been sentenced to five years of supervised release upon their release from prison.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.