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18th Street Gang Leader Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy
Junior Zelaya Canales, a Queens-based regional leader of the 18th Street gang, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy charges in connection with the murder of 15-year-old Joshua Guzman in Hempstead, New York, on September 12, 2016. The guilty plea proceeding was held in federal court in Brooklyn before United States District Judge Hector Gonzalez.
Zelaya Canales, also known as "Terco," is the ninth and final defendant to plead guilty under a seventh superseding indictment in connection with a sprawling racketeering conspiracy that also involved the October 25, 2017 murder of 20-year-old Jonathan Figueroa in Saugerties, New York, and the February 2, 2018 murder of 20-year-old Oscar Antonio Blanco Hernandez in Queens.
Zelaya Canales' co-defendants Walter Fernando Alfaro Pineda, Jose Douglas Castellano, Yanki Misael Cruz Mateo, Israel Mendiola Flores, Yoni Alexander Sierra, Jose Jimenez Chacon, Carolina Cruz, and Eric Chavez previously pled guilty. Flores and Chacon were previously sentenced to 425 months' imprisonment and 269 months' imprisonment, respectively.
"Today's guilty plea marks the end of a sweeping investigation into the violent and disturbing affairs of the 18th Street gang that removed some of the most influential, powerful and ruthless gang leaders and members from city streets across the country," stated United States Attorney Breon Peace. "Together with our law enforcement partners around the nation and the world, my Office will not rest until the scourge of gang violence and senseless loss of life is put to an end.
At sentencing, Zelaya Canales faces up to life imprisonment. Defendant: Junior Zelaya Canales. Charges: Racketeering conspiracy. City: Brooklyn, New York. Date: March 21, 2024. Case status: Pending sentencing. Defendant full name: Junior Zelaya Canales. Crime date: September 12, 2016. Outcome: Up to life imprisonment.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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