Cheko’s Crew Boss Pleads Guilty To RICO, Multiple Murders

Buffalo’s streets have been haunted by the blood of four victims and countless other lives threatened by Efrain Hildalgo, alias Cheko. The grim truth has finally come to light as Cheko, the ruthless leader of the notorious Cheko’s Crew/7th Street Gang, has pleaded guilty to Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime.

Standing before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, Cheko admitted his involvement in the brutal murders of four individuals:

• The November 11, 2004 murder of Nelson and Miguel Camacho inside their Niagara Street residence.
• The August 11, 2009 murder of Eric Morrow, an associate of the 10th St. Gang.
• The June 5, 2010 murder of Virgil Page on 19th Street.

This admission comes as no surprise to law enforcement agencies who have been working tirelessly under the direction of Major Michael Cerretto, Commissioner Daniel Derenda, and Special Agent in Charge Delano A. Reid. The investigation has led to charges against 18 defendants, with six convictions already achieved.

Cheko’s criminal empire also included the distribution of illegal narcotics such as heroin, crack cocaine, cocaine, and marijuana on Buffalo’s West Side between 2000 and 2012. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Tripi is handling this case with relentless pursuit of justice.

As a result of his guilty plea, Cheko faces life in prison due to the RICO conspiracy charge and a mandatory minimum of 10 years for the gun charge, which carries a maximum sentence of life as well. The sentencing is set for June 17, 2015, at 1:00 p.m.

For those seeking justice in Buffalo, this plea brings a measure of closure to the families of the victims and a warning to those who think they can evade the long arm of the law.