Leah B. Foley United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts | Department of Justice
Franklin Antonio Amaya Paredes, a Salvadoran national and member of the MS-13 gang, pleaded guilty on April 15 in federal court in Boston to charges related to three murders committed as part of a racketeering enterprise. The sentencing for Paredes is scheduled for July 10, 2026.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address violent crimes associated with transnational criminal organizations such as MS-13. Prosecutors say these groups operate across state and national borders, posing significant challenges to community safety.
Paredes, also known as "Mosca" or "Tony," was unlawfully residing in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He pleaded guilty to racketeering involving murder, conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise involving murder, and two counts of murder in aid of racketeering. The charges stem from indictments in both Massachusetts and Virginia; by agreement, the Virginia charges were transferred to Massachusetts.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley said: “This defendant – an illegal alien who’s been residing unlawfully in our country – admitted to participating in three brutal murders across state lines to advance MS-13’s violent agenda and be rewarded within the gang’s ranks... my office will continue to use every resource to dismantle it and protect Massachusetts communities from such barbaric devastation.”
Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division said: “The sheer brutality, cruel depravity, and terror he inflicted on behalf of MS-13 demonstrates a complete disregard for human life. Amaya Paredes belongs behind bars... Meanwhile, the FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement and community partners...”
Court documents show that Paredes was part of the Uniones Locos Salvatrucha (ULS) clique operating mainly in northern Virginia and southeastern Massachusetts. This group engaged not only in multiple murders but also distributed drugs like marijuana and cocaine; proceeds supported both local operations and activities abroad.
Among his crimes were participating with others on August 25, 2018—beating, strangling, dismembering an individual believed by gang leadership to have betrayed MS-13—and two other killings: one during an armed attack at Hunters Woods area near Reston (June 23, 2019), another where he shot his cousin near Dartmouth (July 14, 2020). He also conspired while incarcerated against a witness.
MS-13 is described as having tens of thousands of members throughout several countries including El Salvador and parts of the United States such as Massachusetts and Virginia. Members are required by their code not only commit violence against rivals but maintain internal discipline through acts like those described here.
Racketeering charges carry potential sentences up to life imprisonment plus fines; murder-in-aid-of-racketeering convictions require mandatory life terms under federal guidelines.
This prosecution forms part of Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative focused on combating illegal immigration-related crime syndicates through coordinated efforts among agencies.
