Erick Escalante-Torres and Jose Noe Ramirez-Avelar, members of the MS-13 gang based in Santa Cruz, have been sentenced to significant prison terms for their involvement in racketeering conspiracy and conspiracy to commit murder. U.S. District Judge Edward J. Davila sentenced Escalante-Torres to 27 years and 11 months, while Ramirez-Avelar received a 22-year sentence.

The defendants were part of the MS-13 enterprise in Northern California between 2015 and 2017. According to their plea agreements, they engaged in criminal activities, including violent crimes such as murder, to gain promotions within the gang.

In 2016, both men plotted the murder of a man believed to be linked with the rival 18th Street gang. After receiving approval from higher-up leaders in El Salvador, they monitored the victim’s movements before fatally shooting him on September 22, 2016. It was later revealed that the victim had no actual affiliation with the rival gang.

Escalante-Torres and Ramirez-Avelar were also involved in other violent incidents. In May and June of 2016, they helped destroy evidence related to a murder by another MS-13 group. In July of that year, Escalante-Torres fired shots at suspected rival gang members, injuring one person.

United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey stated: "Defendants engaged in murder and other violent crimes to carry out the goals of MS-13, a transnational criminal organization. Their ruthless actions threatened public safety in Santa Cruz."

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Francisco Special Agent Charge Tatum King added: "This case illustrates the direct threat transnational gang activity is to our communities and the indiscriminate and needless devastation it brings to innocent families."

Both men pleaded guilty on August 19, 2024, admitting to multiple charges including racketeering conspiracy and using firearms during violent crimes resulting in death. Judge Davila also imposed a five-year supervised release term following their imprisonment.

Escalante-Torres has been detained since 2018 and Ramirez-Avelar since 2017; both began serving their sentences immediately after sentencing. Ten additional members of the Santa Cruz clique have been convicted for similar criminal activities associated with MS-13.

Assistant United States Attorneys George Hageman and Aseem Padukone led the prosecution with support from Mimi Lam. The investigation was conducted by HSI alongside the Santa Cruz Police Department.