Edin Velasco Garcia, Assault with Deadly Weapon, Maryland 2022

Baltimore, Maryland - In a shocking display of gang violence, MS-13 gang member Edin Velasco Garcia, age 21, of Frederick, Maryland, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for assault with a deadly weapon.

The sentence was imposed on February 2, 2022, in connection with his assault of two victims whom he believed were rival gang members.

The investigation into Velasco Garcia's crimes was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Baltimore Field Office; and Chief Jason Lando of the Frederick City Police Department.

Chief U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar handed down the sentence, citing Velasco Garcia's involvement in the MS-13 gang. MS-13 is a national and international gang composed primarily of immigrants or descendants from El Salvador and other central American countries, with branches operating throughout Frederick County, Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County, Maryland.

Velasco Garcia was a member of the Fulton Locos Salvatruchas (“FLS”) clique, which adheres to a strict code of conduct that includes using any means necessary to force respect from rival gang members and other individuals who show disrespect. This code is reflected in MS-13's mottos, including “mata, viola, controla,” which translates as, “kill, rape, control,” and “ver, oir y callar,” which means, “see nothing, hear nothing and say nothing.”

According to his plea agreement, on March 22, 2019, Velasco Garcia and several other MS-13 members and associates approached Victim 1 and Victim 2 in a parking lot in Frederick, Maryland, and attempted to intimidate and assault them. The attack left both victims injured and hospitalized.

The charges against Velasco Garcia include assault with a deadly weapon, in connection with his assault of the two victims. The sentence reflects the severity of the crime and the need to hold gang members accountable for their actions.

Defendant/respondent: Edin Velasco Garcia

Criminal charges: Assault with a deadly weapon

City and state: Baltimore, Maryland

Exact date: February 2, 2022

Sentence or outcome: 41 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/pr/ms-13-gang-member-sentenced-41-months-federal-prison-assault