On Monday, Feb. 26, a federal jury in Boston returned guilty verdicts against four MS-13 members from the Eastside Loco Salvatrucha (ESLS) clique. Among those convicted was a man responsible for the 2015 murder of a 15-year-old boy in Eastie. All four defendants were unlawfully present in the United States.
The convictions included Herzzon Sandoval, a/k/a “Casper,” 36; Edwin Guzman, a/k/a “Playa,” 32; and Erick Argueta Larios, a/k/a “Lobo,” 33, each a Salvadoran national illegally residing in the U.S., who were found guilty of RICO conspiracy—conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity. Cesar Martinez, a/k/a “Cheche,” 37, a Salvadoran national illegally residing in the U.S., received a guilty verdict on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV set sentencing dates as follows: May 29, 2018 for Herzzon Sandoval; May 30, 2018 for Guzman; May 31, 2018 for Cesar Martinez; and June 1, 2018 for Argueta Larios.
Court documents characterize MS-13 as a violent transnational criminal organization with branches known as “cliques” that operate throughout the United States, including in Massachusetts. MS-13 members are required to commit acts of violence, specifically against rival gang members, to gain membership in and be promoted within the gang. Sandoval and Guzman were the leaders, also known as the “first word” and “second word,” of the ESLS clique in Massachusetts.
On Sept. 20, 2015, Joel Martinez, a/k/a “Animal,” murdered a 15-year-old boy in East Boston. The gang promoted Joel Martinez to “homeboy” status on Jan. 8, 2016 in recognition of the 2015 killing, marking the occasion with a 13-second beating administered by other MS-13 members during an ESLS meeting attended by Sandoval, Guzman, Cesar Martinez and Argueta Larios. Joel Martinez has pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy, acknowledged his role in the murder, and awaits sentencing.
A RICO conspiracy conviction carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, three years supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. The cocaine distribution conspiracy charge mandates a minimum five-year sentence with a maximum of 40 years, four years of supervised release, and a $5 million fine. Upon completion of their sentences, Martinez and Argueta Larios face deportation. Federal district court judges determine sentences according to the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and applicable statutory provisions.