MS-13 Member Indicted for Racketeering Conspiracy

BOSTON – An alleged member of the transnational criminal gang La Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, was indicted on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, on racketeering conspiracy.

Edwin Amaya Mejia Alvarado, 18, a Salvadoran national who had been residing in East Boston, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, commonly referred to as racketeering or RICO conspiracy. Amaya Mejia was detained following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston. 

As alleged in the indictment, MS-13 is a violent street gang with members in Massachusetts and across the United States. Among other things, gang members attempt and use violence to enhance the gang’s prestige and expand their criminal operations. MS-13 members have engaged in acts of violence in Massachusetts including murder, attempted murder, robbery, and assault, as well as other criminal activity, including narcotics trafficking, firearms possession, witness tampering, and witness retaliation. It is alleged that Amaya Mejia is a member of the Huntington Locos Salvatrucha clique of MS-13. 

The charge of RICO conspiracy provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant also faces deportation proceedings upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal District Court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins; Middlesex County District Attorney Marian T. Ryan; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett; Boston Police Commissioner William Gross; Chelsea Police Chief Brian A. Kyes; Lynn Police Chief Michael Mageary; and Revere Police Chief James Guido made the announcement today.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.