An investigation conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Baltimore April 25 resulted in a life sentence for a notorious gang leader.
According to an April 26 news release, Junior Noe Alvarado-Requeno, 24, also known as “Insolente” and “Trankilo,” of Landover, Md., received life in federal prison for his role in transnational criminal enterprise La Mara Salvatricha, or MS-13. Charges include three counts each of murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to commit murder in racketeering and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and cocaine.
“He and his organization have been terrorizing law-abiding citizens for far too long,” Acting Special Agent in Charge Selwyn Smith of HSI Baltimore said in the release. “Now, Alvarado-Requeno has had his day in court, and he will never be free to terrify good people again. HSI is proud to have worked with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to bring Alvarado-Requeno to justice."
La Mara Salvatrucha is one of the largest street gangs in the U.S., according to the release. It includes branches that operate throughout Frederick, Anne Arundel, Prince George’s and Montgomery counties in Maryland. MS-13 is a transnational gang, and it is made up primarily of immigrants or descendants from El Salvador.
The release states reported the investigation was headed by the HSI Baltimore field office in coordination with the Department of Justice Criminal Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration and state and local law enforcement agencies in Maryland and Virginia.
According to the release, those with information about MS-13 are encouraged to contact law enforcement.
