Moises Humberto Rivera-Luna, also known as Viejo Santos, has been extradited from Guatemala to the United States. The alleged international leader of the MS-13 gang appeared in U.S. District Court to face a racketeering charge linked to at least one murder. Judge Royce Lamberth ordered him held without bond.
The extradition was announced by several officials, including U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, ICE Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Heck of the Washington Field Office, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Rivera-Luna is one of seven defendants named in a fourth superseding indictment issued on May 3, 2013. He is charged with committing racketeering conspiracy while allegedly supervising MS-13 operations from El Salvador before traveling to Guatemala.
U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., emphasized their determination to pursue justice: “The decade-long pursuit of this alleged violent gang member illustrates our office’s resolve to remain focused and bring to justice those who violate the law no matter where they are, no matter how long it takes.”
Supervisory Official Bacon reiterated that keeping Americans safe from transnational criminal gangs remains a priority for the Department: “This defendant’s appearance in federal court in Washington today demonstrates our relentless commitment to seeking justice for victims.”
Acting Special Agent Christopher Heck noted Rivera-Luna's serious charges and his leadership role within MS-13: “We are grateful for the strong relationships we enjoy with our local, state, federal and international law enforcement partners.”
The indictment details various criminal activities attributed to MS-13 members across several states and indicates frequent communication between gang members in Washington D.C.-metropolitan area and El Salvador.
Rivera-Luna is accused of orchestrating murders via phone calls from prison and forming a coalition aimed at eliminating informants within MS-13 ranks.
Specific allegations include ordering the murders of Louis Alberto Membreno-Zelaya in November 2008 and Felipe Enriquez in March 2010.
Trial Attorney Lakeita F. Rox-Love and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nihar Mohanty are prosecuting the case with investigations led by ICE HSI Washington Field Office and MPD.
The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs played a crucial role in securing Rivera-Luna's extradition with assistance from various police departments and attorney offices across Maryland and Virginia.
This prosecution stems from efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force targeting major drug trafficking organizations nationwide.
It is important to note that an indictment serves as an allegation rather than evidence; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.