18th Street Gang Members Convicted of Murder, Racketeering

Two members of the violent 18th Street gang have been convicted by a federal jury in Brooklyn for their roles in a 2020 murder and other gang-related crimes, federal prosecutors announced today.

Herberth Rodríguez, also known as “Kepa,” and Elias Martínez Villanueva, also known as “Rebelde,” both faced trial on charges stemming from the November 1, 2020 killing of Diego Vanegas Vásquez. After a three-week trial before U.S. District Judge William F. Kuntz II, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts against both defendants.

Rodríguez was found guilty of murder in-aid-of racketeering and related firearms offenses for his participation in the killing of Vanegas Vásquez. The jury also convicted him of racketeering, the attempted murder of Juan Valdéz in-aid-of racketeering, narcotics trafficking, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Martínez Villanueva was convicted of murder in-aid-of racketeering and related firearms offenses for the same killing, as well as illegally re-entering the United States after deportation.

Both defendants now face a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment when they are sentenced, according to prosecutors. The convictions stem from the fourth superseding indictment in the case, highlighting the extensive investigation into the transnational street gang’s operations.

The 18th Street gang, also known as Barrio 18, is a transnational criminal organization with roots in Los Angeles that has spread throughout Central America and into the United States. The gang is known for its involvement in drug trafficking, violent crime, and racketeering activities across multiple jurisdictions.

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