A federal grand jury has indicted two men from Annapolis, Maryland, on charges of murder in aid of racketeering. Manuel Erazo Alvarado, known as "Castigo," and Erick Guillen Pleitez, also known as "Kilo," are accused of participating in a murder to advance their standing within the MS-13 gang. The indictment was returned on February 13, 2025.
The court documents reveal that La Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, is an international criminal organization primarily consisting of immigrants or descendants from El Salvador. Members operate across Maryland and other parts of the United States. It is alleged that both defendants were involved with MS-13 in Maryland in 2017. During this period, they reportedly engaged in drug distribution and extortion activities and participated in violent acts.
If found guilty, Erazo Alvarado and Guillen Pleitez face severe penalties including life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Several law enforcement officials announced these charges: Matthew R. Galeotti from the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland; William J. DelBagno from the FBI's Baltimore Field Office; Michael McCarthy from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Amal E. Awad from Anne Arundel County Police Department; Edward Jackson from Annapolis Police Department; and Colonel Roland L. Butler Jr., Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.
The investigation involves multiple agencies including the FBI, HSI, Anne Arundel County Police Department, and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). The prosecution team comprises Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth S. Clark and James Hammond alongside Criminal Division Trial Attorneys Matthew Hoff and Amanda Kotula.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America which aims to combat illegal immigration and dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations through coordinated efforts by various justice departments.
Individuals with information about MS-13 are encouraged to contact law enforcement via nationwide tiplines provided by the FBI at 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713) or HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.
It is important to note that an indictment does not equate to guilt; those charged are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in court proceedings.
