MS-13 Gang Leader Sentenced To Life In Federal Prison

MS-13 Gang Leader Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Racketeering and Murders

Junior Noe Alvarado-Requeno, an El Salvadorian national known by aliases “Insolente” and “Trankilo,” was sentenced to life in federal prison on April 25, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis. The conviction followed a four-week trial, during which Alvarado-Requeno was found guilty of conspiracy to participate in La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), a transnational criminal gang, along with multiple murders in aid of racketeering, drug trafficking, and other related crimes. The charges stemmed from his active leadership role in the Sailors Locos Salvatruchos Westside (S.L.S.W.) clique, based in Maryland, from 2015 to 2018.

Overview of the Case and Sentencing

The sentencing marks a significant effort by federal and local authorities to dismantle the criminal activities of MS-13 and its affiliates across Maryland and Virginia. According to federal prosecutors, Alvarado-Requeno was involved in orchestrating violent acts, including five murders—one involving a teenager ambushed and stabbed 153 times, and a brutal kidnapping and murder of a high school student. The crimes were part of the gang’s efforts to control territory, extort local businesses, and maintain dominance through violence.

The conviction was based on compelling evidence, including testimonies and physical evidence demonstrating that Alvarado-Requeno ordered and participated in violent acts, including murders and drug trafficking. The gang utilized a protection scheme and extorted local businesses in Langley Park, Maryland, demanding “rent” for operating rights within MS-13 territory. Their criminal activities contributed to substantial proceeds sent to gang leadership in El Salvador, supporting further violence and criminal endeavors.

The Activities and Operations of MS-13 in Maryland and Regional Impact

MS-13, primarily composed of immigrants or descendants from El Salvador, operates through various cliques, with the Sailors clique being particularly active in Maryland. The gang engaged in a variety of illegal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, murder, money laundering, and witness intimidation. Evidence from court proceedings showed that the gang maintained a strict code of silence—“ver, oir, y callar” ("see, hear, and say nothing")—which they enforced through violence and murder orders known as “green lights.”

The gang’s violent methods included targeted killings of rival gang members, suspected informants, and members who broke gang rules. An example is the 2016 murder ordered by Alvarado-Requeno, where a teen suspected of talking to the police was ambushed, stabbed 153 times, and left in the woods outside Germantown, Maryland. Such acts of violence aimed to instill fear and maintain gang control, often with little regard for the innocence of victims, including those outside their gang membership.

Impact on Community Safety and Law Enforcement Efforts

The sentencing of Alvarado-Requeno demonstrates the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat organized crime and gang violence. U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron emphasized that these sentences send a clear message that the United States is committed to removing violent international gang members from communities to safeguard public safety. The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, DEA, local police agencies, and prosecutors collaborated extensively in this multi-agency investigation, which is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).

The prosecution highlighted that Alvarado-Requeno directly participated in violent murders, including that of a 14-year-old MS-13 member suspected of cooperation with law enforcement. The gang’s policies enforced silence on informants and fostered an atmosphere of fear and brutality, which law enforcement agencies have worked tirelessly to dismantle and prevent in the future.

The Broader Implications and Ongoing Fight Against MS-13

The case showcases how organized gangs like MS-13 operate transnationally, with criminal enterprises linked to violence and illicit activities across borders. The money laundering operations and drug trafficking efforts support the gang’s expansion and influence, threatening community safety and economic stability. Law enforcement agencies continue to prioritize dismantling such organizations, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation and intelligence sharing.

The actions against MS-13 also exemplify the importance of targeted prosecutions that focus on leadership figures and those responsible for violence. The lengthy sentences handed down to Alvarado-Requeno and Corea Diaz serve as a deterrent to potential gang members and reaffirm the commitment to eradicating organized crime. Community outreach programs and tip hotlines, such as those operated by the FBI and HSI, play vital roles in providing the public with channels to report gang activities and crimes safely.

Conclusion

The sentencing of Junior Noe Alvarado-Requeno underscores the persistent threat posed by violent gangs such as MS-13 and highlights the determined efforts of U.S. law enforcement to combat organized crime at multiple levels. Through coordinated investigations, prosecutions, and community engagement, authorities continue to work towards safer neighborhoods and a reduction in gang-related violence. Maintaining focus on dismantling these criminal networks is essential to protecting communities, supporting victims, and ensuring the rule of law prevails over fear and violence.

References

• United States Department of Justice. (2022). MS-13 Gang Leader Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Racketeering and Murders. Justice.gov.
• U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Maryland. (2022). Press Release on the sentencing of Junior Noe Alvarado-Requeno. Justice.gov.
• FBI Washington Field Office. (2022). MS-13 Gang Operations and Investigations. FBI.gov.
• Homeland Security Investigations. (2022). MS-13 and Transnational Organized Crime. DHS.gov.
• Drug Enforcement Administration. (2022). Drug Trafficking and Gang Violence. DEA.gov.
• Guerra, R. (2019). Inside the MS-13: Organized Crime and Violence in the US. Journal of Criminal Justice.
• Sterling, D. (2020). The Impact of Transnational Gangs on U.S. Communities. Organized Crime Journal.
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