Tragically, Sanchez and another member of MS-13 executed the murder of Victim 4. Afterwards, the rest of the WLS members took Victim 4's lifeless body and dragged it to a nearby stream, leaving it there. It was at this point that Castillo Calderon, with a heavy heart, picked up a large rock and dropped it on Victim 4's head.
A man from Maryland has been handed a 26-year prison sentence today for his involvement in racketeering conspiracy, which includes murder. This conspiracy is linked to his association with La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13, a transnational criminal organization.
Based on court documents, Kevin Alexander Castillo Calderon, who goes by various aliases such as Fantasma, Ghost, Eterno, and Josue Argueta Gonzalez, is a 25-year-old resident of Adelphi. He and his co-defendants were members and affiliates of the Weedams Locos Salvatrucha (WLS) clique within MS-13. Known as one of the largest street gangs in the United States, MS-13 primarily consists of immigrants or descendants from El Salvador and other Central American nations.
MS-13 members are entrusted with the duty of safeguarding the gang's name, reputation, and standing from rival gangs and anyone who dares to disrespect them. They are expected to employ any means necessary, including intimidation and violence, to command respect from those who show disrespect.
A fundamental rule within MS-13 is that its members must relentlessly target and eliminate their rivals whenever the opportunity arises. Engaging in criminal activities, especially violent acts against rival gangs or as instructed by gang leaders, not only earns respect for the member but also ensures their position within the gang is maintained or elevated, potentially leading to a promotion to a leadership role.
On August 8, 2020, a group of individuals belonging to the WLS organization, including Castillo Calderon and his co-defendants WLS leader Brayan Alexander Torres and Franklyn Edgardo Sanchez, gathered at a park in Prince George's County, Maryland. It was during this meeting that they made a sinister decision - they agreed to carry out the murder of Victim 4. This unfortunate individual was suspected of cooperating with law enforcement, and Sanchez owed him a debt.
Tragically, Sanchez and another member of MS-13 executed the murder of Victim 4. Afterwards, the rest of the WLS members took Victim 4's lifeless body and dragged it to a nearby stream, leaving it there. It was at this point that Castillo Calderon, with a heavy heart, picked up a large rock and dropped it on Victim 4's head.
As Sanchez made his way out of the woods, he became worried that his DNA might have been left on the body, potentially leading to his identification. To avoid any chance of discovery and to obstruct the investigation and prosecution of Victim 4's murder, the other WLS members were summoned and instructed to bring shovels to the wooded area.
Together, they dug a hole and buried Victim 4's body, hoping to conceal the evidence.
Furthermore, under Torres' orders, Castillo Calderon took the guns that were used to shoot Victim 4, as well as Victim 4's cell phone, and placed them in a bag he was carrying. He then disposed of this incriminating evidence, following Torres' instructions.
Sadly, Victim 4's body was later found with a bullet wound to the head. This gruesome act serves as a chilling reminder of the depths to which these individuals were willing to go to cover their tracks and evade justice.
Castillo Calderon, in addition to his role in collecting extortion payments, also played a crucial part in ensuring that victims paid these "rents" to WLS under the constant threat of physical violence. The members of WLS would often intimidate victims by brandishing firearms or using baseball bats to enforce the collection of these payments.
In August 2023, Castillo Calderon pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy, acknowledging his involvement in these criminal activities.
As for Torres and Sanchez, they had previously pleaded guilty and were sentenced to 28 years in prison. The court also ordered them to pay restitution for the full amount of the victims' losses, which includes covering funeral costs if necessary.
The announcement was made by a team of dedicated law enforcement officials, including Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron, Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall, Acting Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock, Special Agent in Charge James C. Harris, and Chief Malik Aziz. They have been working tirelessly to bring justice to this case.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, HSI, and the Prince George's County Police Department, with valuable support from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Montgomery County Police Department.
Leading the prosecution are Trial Attorney Christopher Taylor from the Criminal Division's Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Crespo.
If you have any information regarding MS-13, please don't hesitate to share it with law enforcement. You can call the FBI tipline at 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713) or the HSI tipline at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE. Your cooperation can make a significant difference in combating crime.
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