MS-13 LEADERS FOUND GUILTY OF RACKETEERING

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 

Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Three MS-13 Leaders Found Guilty of Racketeering and Additional Charges for Multiple Murders and Attacks

Twelve Others Have Pleaded Guilty in the Case
Three leaders of MS-13 in Washington, D.C., were found guilty by a federal jury today of conspiring to participate in racketeering activity and other charges stemming from their roles in murders, extortion and other violent crimes in the Washington area.

The verdicts, which followed a month-long trial, were announced by Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. of the District of Columbia; Special Agent in Charge John P. Torres of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Washington; and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

“Today, a jury has found three defendants guilty of committing heinous crimes as part of their membership in a brutal international criminal organization that has terrorized communities throughout the United States and Central America,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Raman.  “As a result of this successful investigation and prosecution, these violent gang members now face substantial prison sentences.”

“After a month-long trial, this jury delivered the message that MS-13 and its brutal brand of violence will not be tolerated in the District of Columbia,” said U.S. Attorney Machen.  “These three killers now face life in prison for their outrageous crimes, including the stabbing death of a 14-year-old boy in Columbia Heights.  I want to thank the prosecutors and our law enforcement partners who have dedicated years to investigating and prosecuting this transnational gang.  The District is safer with these murderers behind bars.”

 “This verdict represents the consequences for the decisions made and the lifestyle choices of the three convicted gang members,” said Special Agent in Charge Torres. “Investigating violent crimes committed by trans-national gang members is a priority for HSI.”

“The convictions of these three violent gang leaders should send a clear message to the members of this ruthless, international criminal organization that gang activity will not be tolerated in our communities,” said Police Chief Lanier.  “I applaud the hard work and dedication by the members of the Metropolitan Police Department and our law enforcement partners who helped make today’s convictions possible.  Our communities will be safer as a result.”

Yester Ayala, 22, aka “Freeway” and “Daddy Yankee,” of Washington; Noe Machado-Erazo, aka “Gallo,” 30, of Wheaton, Md.; and Jose Martinez-Amaya, 26, aka “Crimen,” of Brentwood, Md., were each found guilty in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia.  At sentencing, scheduled for Nov. 4, 2013, each of the defendants faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Ayala was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity, two counts of murder in aid of racketeering, one count of first-degree premeditated murder and one count of second-degree murder. Machado-Erazo was found guilty of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity, murder in aid of racketeering and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.  Martinez-Amaya was found guilty of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity, murder in aid of racketeering and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

The government’s evidence showed that MS-13, a large gang that operates in the United States and Central America, engages in racketeering activity including murder, narcotics distribution, extortion, robberies, obstruction of justice and other crimes. The gang has numerous rules, such as enduring a beating of 13 seconds before becoming a member; killing rival gang members; and staying unfailingly loyal.

According to the government’s evidence, Machado-Erazo was a member and Martinez-Amaya was a leader of the Normandie clique, one of a number of smaller MS-13 groups operating in the Washington area. Ayala was a leader of the Sailors, another clique.  The local cliques often act together, and evidence showed that Machado-Erazo was the leader of a program of cliques that worked together.  According to evidence presented in court, the local MS-13 cliques act in accordance with the international MS-13’s strictures and have frequent contact with MS-13 leadership in El Salvador.  The evidence showed that two of the murders were committed on orders from MS-13 leadership in El Salvador.

The three defendants are among numerous people indicted by a grand jury in 2010 following a federal investigation.  Twelve others have pleaded guilty to charges in the case.

The range of criminal activity alleged in the indictment includes acts committed from 2008 through 2010 in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and other states.

Ayala was convicted of taking part in two murders in 2008, and Machado-Erazo and Martinez-Amaya were convicted of taking part in the murder of another victim.

The government presented evidence that Ayala helped carry out orders to murder Louis Alberto Membreno-Zelaya, a fellow MS-13 member who had removed his gang tattoos.  Membreno-Zelaya, 27, was stabbed at least 20 times, according to evidence presented in court. His body was found on Nov. 6, 2008, in Northwest Washington.

The second murder, according to evidence presented in court, took place in the late afternoon of Dec. 12, 2008.  Ayala joined in on an attack against Giovanni Sanchez, 14, near the Columbia Heights Metro station in Washington.  Giovanni had 11 stab wounds, and witnesses identified Ayala as one of the assailants.

According to evidence presented at trial, Machado-Erazo and Martinez-Amaya took part in the killing of Felipe Enriquez, 25, whose body was found on March 31, 2010, in Montgomery County, Md.  Enriquez, another fellow MS-13 member, was fatally shot.  Evidence presented during trial showed that Machado-Erazao provided the gun and Martinez-Amaya committed the shooting.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nihar Mohanty of the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Laura Gwinn of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.

The case was investigated by ICE-HSI and the MPD.  Assistance was provided by the Montgomery County and the Prince George’s County, Md. Police Departments, the State’s Attorney’s Office for Montgomery County, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.  Assistance was provided by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).

VERMONT RESIDENT CHARGED WITH OBTAINING U.S. CITIZENSHIP THROUGH FRAUDULENT DISCLOSURES

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 
Friday, July 26, 2013
Vermont Man Charged with Obtaining U.S. Citizenship by Failing to Disclose Violent Crimes Committed During the Bosnian Conflict

Edin Sakoè, 54, of Burlington, Vt., was arrested today on charges that he obtained his naturalized citizenship through fraud by failing to disclose his prior acts of persecution and crimes committed during the Bosnian conflict, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Tristram J. Coffin of the District of Vermont, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge in Boston Bruce M. Foucart and Special Agent in Charge Andrew W. Vale of the FBI’s Albany, N.Y., Field Office.

According to the indictment filed in Burlington, Sakoè committed naturalization fraud by providing false and fraudulent information about his commission of crimes and his participation in the persecution of Bosnian Serbs during the conflict in Bosnia-Herzegovina.  Specifically, the indictment alleges that, in July 1992, Sakoè kidnapped and raped a Bosnian Serb woman and aided and abetted the murder of her elderly mother and aunt.  Sakoè also allegedly aided and abetted the burning of the victims’ family home.  According to the indictment, Sakoè allegedly failed to disclose his participation in these activities during his immigration and naturalization process.
   
Sakoè was charged in a two-count indictment filed yesterday in the U.S. District Court in the District of Vermont.  The charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison as well as automatic revocation of his U.S. citizenship and a fine of up to $250,000.

The case is being investigated jointly by HSI Burlington and the FBI’s Albany Division.  ICE’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center assisted in this investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs and its counterpart at the Prosecutor’s Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina.


The case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Matthew C. Singer of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia Cowles of the District of Vermont.

The charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

TWO BLOODS GANG MEMBERS CONVICTED FOR THREE MURDERS

Friday, March 23, 2012

Two Bloods Gang Members in Tennessee Convicted for Roles in Three Murders, Racketeering Conspiracy and Firearms Offenses

WASHINGTON – A federal jury in Nashville, Tenn., has convicted two Bloods gang members for their roles in the murder of three individuals, a racketeering conspiracy and committing firearms offenses, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Jerry E. Martin for the Middle District of Tennessee and Special Agent in Charge Glenn N. Anderson for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Nashville Field Division.

           

Keairus Wilson, 22, aka “Key-Thang,” of Nashville, and Rondarius Williamson, 21, also of Nashville, were convicted yesterday in U.S. District Court in Nashville.

Wilson was found guilty on eight counts, including the murders of Michael Goins and Alexandra Franklin.   He also was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, using and carrying firearms during and in relation to crimes of violence, and conspiracy to use and carry firearms during and in relation to crimes of violence.  

Williamson was found guilty on seven counts, including the murder of Andreus Taylor.   He also was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, using and carrying firearms during and in relation to crimes of violence, and conspiracy to use and carry firearms during and in relation to crimes of violence.   

“This Nashville jury has convicted two dangerous members of the Bloods gang for acts of murder and other violent crimes,” said Assistant Attorney General Breuer.   “The evidence showed, among other things, that Mr. Wilson shot and killed two people and Mr. Williamson shot and killed another person.   For their terrorizing conduct, they now each face mandatory life prison terms.   To date, 37 individuals have pleaded guilty or been convicted at trial in Nashville for their involvement with the Bloods.   Through coordinated investigations and prosecutions of the Bloods, Crips, Aryan Brotherhood, Latin Kings, MS-13 and other violent gangs across the country, this Justice Department is working hard to make our communities safer.”

“The verdicts in this case demonstrate the unwavering commitment of the law enforcement agencies and the prosecution team to hold those accountable who insist on creating an atmosphere of violence and sustaining fear in our neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney Martin.  “We will continue to vigorously pursue those who engage in such activity and bring them to justice.”

“Jurors in Nashville have sent a loud and clear message with regard to Kearius Wilson and Rondarius Williamson,” said ATF Special Agent In Charge Anderson.   “A lifelong sentence to the Bureau of Prisons could be on the horizon for both of these individuals.  Criminal activity involving senseless acts of murder, gun crimes and other gang-related activity to promote their lifestyle will always be a concern of the law enforcement officers who have worked relentlessly in this long term investigation.   Other gang members in Nashville and across the United States could face similar consequences as cases like these are presented in court.  Today, our neighborhoods are a safer place as this case continues to unfold through the investigative work of all the law enforcement agencies involved.”

According to evidence presented at trial, Wilson and Williamson were both members of the Bloods, a violent street gang that originated in Los Angeles in the 1970s and ultimately migrated to cities throughout the United States, including Nashville.   Specifically, Wilson was a member of the Eastside Skyline Piru set of the Bloods, and Williamson was a member of the Tree Top Piru set of the Bloods.   The Bloods gang has a hierarchal structure and a long-term and often lethal rivalry with the Crips gang.  

From approximately 2006 until December 2011, Bloods gang members committed and conspired to commit acts of murder, attempted murder, robbery and drug trafficking.  Evidence at trial showed that the Bloods gang members met regularly to plan and agree upon the crimes to commit, including murder; maintained and circulated a collection of firearms for use in criminal activity by Bloods members; distributed cocaine, cocaine base, marijuana and hydromorphone; and used the proceeds of those drug transactions to help finance the gang’s illegal activities.   Bloods gang members committed murder and other acts of violence against rival gang members and others during the course of the conspiracy.  

           

According to evidence presented at trial, Wilson and Williamson committed or conspired to commit numerous racketeering acts, including shooting at three different individuals and possessing and selling drugs.   In addition, evidence specifically showed that Wilson shot and killed Goins on June 14, 2008, and shot and killed Franklin on July 19, 2008.   Evidence also showed that Williamson shot and killed Taylor on May 18, 2009, and robbed and carjacked an individual on Oct. 31, 2009.

        

Wilson and Williamson face mandatory penalties of life in prison. U.S. District Judge Aleta Trauger scheduled sentencing for July 5, 2012.  

Thirty-five individuals have pleaded guilty in the Middle District of Tennessee to various crimes related to their involvement in the Bloods gang.   Kenneth Gaddie, aka “K.G.,” remains a fugitive. 

Lonnie Greenlee, co-founder of the Galaxy Star Drug Awareness and Gang Prevention Center in Nashville and father of lead defendant Lonnie Newsome, allowed Bloods gang members to use the facility to conduct gang meetings.   According to evidence presented at trial, Greenlee provided numerous Bloods gang members with fraudulent documentation of court-ordered community service hours in exchange for money.   Greenlee pleaded guilty in May 2011 to one count of racketeering conspiracy.   His sentencing is scheduled for April 2, 2012.   

The investigation was a joint operation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department; U.S. Marshals Service; the LaVergne, Tenn., Police Department; and the Davidson County, Tenn., Sheriff’s Office.   The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Cody L. Skipper of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scarlett M. Singleton for the Middle District of Tennessee.   

ONE OF NORTHERN OHIO VIOLENT FUGITIVE TASK FORCE’S “DANGEROUS DOZEN” ARRESTED

The following excerpt is from the U.S. Marshals Service website:

“Cleveland, OH – Yesterday evening at approximately 6:15 p.m., members of the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF), along with the Cleveland Police S.W.A.T., arrested fugitive Julius Webster, age 25, at a residence located on the 3500 block of E. 135th Street in Cleveland. Webster was wanted since October 2011 by the Ohio Adult Parole Authority for escape. Webster has a violent criminal history and is one of the leaders of the Heartless Felons gang. Webster was released from state prison on parole in August 2011 and failed to report upon his release.

The Ohio Adult Parole Authority referred the investigation to the NOVFTF in November 2011. The NOVFTF worked diligently on the search for Webster. The NOVFTF were not able to pin Webster down but continued to develop information that he was in the Cleveland area and was known to carry a firearm. In December, the NOVFTF added Webster to their most wanted “Dangerous Dozen”.

Yesterday, members of the NOVFTF were able to track Webster to the residence on E. 135th Street in Cleveland. Task Force members surrounded the residence and attempted to call out Webster. Webster refused to answer and remained in the residence. The NOVFTF requested assistance from the Cleveland Police S.W.A.T., who immediately responded. After approximately 2 hours of no contact, Webster exited the residence and surrendered. Webster was transported to the Cuyahoga County Jail.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “This was a dangerous fugitive with a history of violent crimes. We are thankful that this situation ended peacefully and that is a credit to our task force personnel and the Cleveland Police S.W.A.T.”

U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE AND OTHER AGENCIES WORK TOGETHER

The following excerpt is from the U.S. Marshals Service website:

“During the week of November 4-10, 2011, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in Northern California, the USMS Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force (PSWRFTF), U.S. Marshals Sex Offender Investigations Branch (SOIB), the USMS Tactical Operations Group (TOG) Air Branch, the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), USMS Special Operations Group (SOG), the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the Oakland Police Department (OPD) partnered with the California Department of Corrections, California Highway Patrol, ATF, DEA/HIDTA, Secret Service, and OIG/HUD to conduct a multi-stage warrant sweep and “hot-spot” saturation operation.

As of October 16, 2011, the city of Oakland has reported a 36% increase in homicides, 27% increase in ADW (firearms), and a 5% increase in robberies. Weapons related arrests are down 16% year to date. As a result, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Northern California, Melinda Haag, and the U.S. Marshal for Northern California, Donald O’Keefe, began planning the multi-agency operation in conjunction with the Chief of OPD, Howard Jordan, over two months ago.

During the mission several multi-agency teams of law enforcement officers safely located and arrested subjects for which state arrest warrants have been issued. Teams also conducted saturation patrols in identified violent crime hot-spots in an effort to prevent acts of violent crimes as well as apprehending warrant suspects. Teams conducted probation, parole and sex offender compliance checks, as well as executing searches at residences associated with known criminal activity and or acts of violence. In addition, the Oakland Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit gathered intelligence information related to violent crime.

Over the course of the week, 138 arrests were made as well as the seizure of 13 firearms. Also confiscated during the operation were two ballistic vests, 6 lbs of marijuana, 11 oz. of methamphetamine, 2 oz. of heroin, 25 grams of cocaine, various other narcotics, and 15 stolen vehicles.

The mission concluded with a joint press conference held at the Oakland Police Headquarters on Thursday, November 10, 2011. All participating agencies were represented. Also present was the Mayor of Oakland, Jean Quan, and the Oakland City Administrator, Deanna Santana.”