Three 18th Street Gang Leaders Sentenced to Over 115 Years in Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy

Brooklyn, NY – In a major blow to the 18th Street gang, a federal court in Brooklyn has handed down significant prison sentences to three high-ranking members for their involvement in a sprawling racketeering conspiracy.

Jose Douglass Castellano, also known as “Chino,” a high-ranking member of the 18th Street gang, was sentenced by United States District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall to more than 35 years’ imprisonment for racketeering conspiracy in connection with the October 25, 2017 murder of 20-year-old Jonathan Figueroa in Saugerties, New York.

The racketeering conspiracy involved multiple shootings and other gang activity, including the September 12, 2016 murder of 15-year-old Joshua Guzman in Hempstead, New York, and the February 2, 2018 murder of 20-year-old Oscar Antonio Blanco Hernandez in Queens.

Castellano is the third and final gang leader to be sentenced under a seventh superseding indictment. Junior Zelaya Canales, also known as “Terco,” a Queens-based regional gang leader, and Walter Fernando Alfaro Pineda, also known as “Clever,” a Texas-based national gang leader, were each sentenced to 40 years’ imprisonment in February and March 2026, respectively.

Castellano’s sentence brings the total prison time handed down to the three gang leaders to over 115 years. The racketeering conspiracy charges carry significant penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and potentially severe fines.

The case against the 18th Street gang is a prime example of the ongoing struggle against organized crime in the United States. Law enforcement agencies will continue to work tirelessly to dismantle and disrupt the activities of gangs like the 18th Street gang.