Former Santa Cruz MS-13 gang members sentenced for federal crimes

SANTA CRUZ — A federal judge has sentenced two former Santa Cruz-based gang members to more than two decades each of prison time.

A federal grand jury indicted Erick Escalante-Torres and Jose Noe Ramirez-Avelar, part of an who have since been convicted, for racketeering-related crimes in 2018. U.S. District Judge Edward Davila handed down the sentences of 27 years, 11 months for Escalante-Torres and 22 years for Ramirez-Avelar.

original group of 12 codefendants

RELATED: Senior leader of MS-13 arrested in California after 4 years on the run

The Salvadoran-based gang La Mara Salvatrucha, , had established a Santa Cruz-based arm rewarding members’ criminal activities benefitting the gang, including violent crimes such as murder and attempted murder of rival gang members, according to a media release from U.S. Attorney Ismail Ramsey, of the Northern District of California.

known as MS-13

Federal prosecutors struck a plea deal with two men in August 2024 for racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit a murder in aid of racketeering and using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death. Escalante-Torres also pleaded guilty to attempted murder in aid of racketeering and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

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