Erick Escalante-Torres and Jose Noe Ramirez-Avelar, affiliated with the MS-13 gang in Santa Cruz, have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their involvement in a racketeering conspiracy and other crimes. 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 two men, known by their aliases "Deceptico" or "Problematico" and "Chepito" or "Sparky," respectively, were active members of the gang from 2015 to 2017. Their plea agreements reveal that they engaged in criminal activities, including violent acts like murder and attempted murder of rival gang members, to gain status within MS-13.
In 2016, they plotted to kill a man believed to be linked to the rival 18th Street gang. After obtaining approval from higher-ranking gang leaders in El Salvador, they tracked the victim's movements and planned his murder. On September 22, 2016, they executed their plan by fatally shooting him as he walked to meet his fiancée. It was later discovered that the victim had no ties to any rival gang.
Escalante-Torres and Ramirez-Avelar were also involved in other violent incidents. They helped destroy evidence related to a murder committed by another MS-13 group in Northern California during May and June of 2016. 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.” He emphasized that these sentences serve as a warning that such crimes will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
Tatum King from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Francisco commented on the broader implications: “This case illustrates the direct threat transnational gang activity is to our communities and the indiscriminate and needless devastation it brings to innocent families.” He acknowledged the collaborative efforts between HSI San Francisco, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and local law enforcement in addressing these threats.
Both defendants entered guilty pleas on August 19, 2024, admitting to charges including racketeering conspiracy and using firearms during violent crimes resulting in death. Escalante-Torres additionally pleaded guilty to attempted murder related charges.
Judge Davila also imposed five-year supervised release terms following their imprisonment sentences. Escalante-Torres has been detained since 2018 while Ramirez-Avelar has been held since 2017; both began serving their sentences immediately after sentencing.
The case against them was part of an extensive investigation conducted by HSI alongside the Santa Cruz Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys George Hageman and Aseem Padukone led the prosecution with support from Mimi Lam.