Three MS-13 Gang Members Convicted of Racketeering and Violent Crime Conspiracy
A federal jury convicted three La Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, members yesterday of RICO conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, drug trafficking, and destruction of evidence.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from 2014 until 2021, Jorge Flores, 30, aka Peluche, Kevin Tidwell, 29, aka Miklo, both of Nashville, Tennessee; and Jose Pineda-Caceres, 24, aka Demente, a Honduran national, were members of MS-13. MS-13 is a national and transnational gang composed largely of individuals of Salvadoran or Central American descent. Branches or “cliques” of MS-13 operate throughout the United States. MS-13 dedicates its members to preserving and protecting the power, territory, reputation, and profits of the gang through the use of intimidation and violence, including murder and promoting the gang through acts of murder, robbery, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities.
MS-13 members are required to follow various rules, chief among them being that cooperation with law enforcement is strictly prohibited, and it is understood within the gang that anyone who assists police will be punished with death. Members are also required to confront, fight, and/or kill rival gang members and to retaliate quickly and viciously against anyone who disrespects or threatens the gang’s authority, power, reputation, or control of a neighborhood. By committing murders, the defendants gained entrance into MS-13 or earned respect among the other members.
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/three-ms-13-gang-members-convicted-racketeering-and-violent-crime-conspiracy
