San Francisco, California – In a major blow to the notorious MS-13 gang, six members have been convicted of racketeering charges in federal court. The defendants, Marvin Carcamo, Angel Noel Guevara, Moris Flores, Guillermo Herrera, Jonathon Cruz-Ramirez, and Erick Lopez, were found guilty of conspiring to commit a variety of crimes to further the goals of the gang.
The evidence presented during the five-month trial showed that the defendants were part of the violent, transnational gang known as MS-13, which claimed part of the Mission District of San Francisco as its territory and operated in the Bay Area since the 1990s. The gang members warred with rival gang members and sought to extort payments from other criminals in its territory. However, beginning in 2007, under the leadership of Marvin Carcamo, Angel Noel Guevara, and later, Moris Flores, the violence increased dramatically as the gang sought to expand its reach.
The prosecution presented evidence of more than a dozen shootings and stabbings carried out by MS-13 members in the years leading up to the Oct. 22, 2008, arrest of the majority of the gang’s members, including four murders that occurred in 2008. Among other charges, Erick Lopez was convicted of the racketeering murders of Ernad Joldic and Phillip Ng that occurred in the early morning hours on March 29, 2008.
“These defendants committed senseless acts of violence and spread fear throughout San Francisco, all in the name of MS-13,” said Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer. “Above all else, they showed allegiance to their murderous gang. Today’s guilty verdicts, coming after five months of trial, are evidence of our relentless efforts to stop violence in its tracks, and put an end to MS-13’s brutal reign.”
The defendants were among an initial group of 29 individuals charged in an indictment unsealed on Oct. 22, 2008, alleging various racketeering, narcotics and firearms-related offenses.
The convictions of the six defendants are a significant blow to the MS-13 gang, and a testament to the determination of law enforcement agencies to bring violent gang members to justice. The case serves as a reminder that acts of senseless violence will not be tolerated, and that those who engage in such behavior will be caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
The defendants are currently in custody, awaiting sentencing. Marvin Carcamo, 31, aka “Cyco” and “Psycho,” was convicted of racketeering conspiracy and related charges. Angel Noel Guevara, 30, aka “Peloncito,” was also convicted of racketeering conspiracy and related charges. Moris Flores, 22, aka “Slow” and “Slow Pain,” was convicted of racketeering conspiracy and related charges. Guillermo Herrera, 22, aka “Sparky” and “Shorty,” was convicted of racketeering conspiracy and related charges. Jonathon Cruz-Ramirez, 22, aka “Soldado,” was convicted of racketeering conspiracy and related charges. Erick Lopez, 23, aka “Spooky,” was convicted of the racketeering murders of Ernad Joldic and Phillip Ng.
Related Federal Cases
- Kelly Deshannon, Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering, California 2023 · Alaska
- James Chemo Gutierrez, Racketeering Narcotics Distribution, California 2015 · Arkansas
- Amilcar Romero, Racketeering Conspiracy, California 2023 · Washington
- Roosevelt TuTu Sumpter, Racketeering Conspiracy, California 2023 · Michigan
- Jesus Armendariz, Racketeering, California 2024 · Alaska
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Organized CrimeOrganized CrimeOrganized CrimeOrganized Crime