In a significant update from the Justice Department, two men from Annapolis, Maryland, have been charged with murder in aid of racketeering.
The individuals, Manuel Erazo Alvarado, also known as “Castigo,” and Erick Guillen Pleitez, known as “Kilo,” are both accused of participating in a brutal murder as part of their activities with the notorious gang, MS-13.
The Allegations Against Erazo Alvarado and Guillen Pleitez
According to court documents, Erazo Alvarado, 46, and Guillen Pleitez, both members or associates of the violent gang MS-13, were involved in various criminal activities in Maryland.
These activities reportedly included narcotics distribution, collecting extortion payments, and engaging in violent acts to strengthen their positions within the gang. The murder they are accused of occurred around August 29, 2017, and is said to have been a calculated effort to maintain or increase their standing in MS-13.
The MS-13 Connection and Nationwide Investigations
MS-13, or La Mara Salvatrucha, is a dangerous international criminal organization made up primarily of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from El Salvador.
The gang has a long history of criminal activities not just in Maryland but across the U.S. Erazo Alvarado and Guillen Pleitez’s alleged roles in the organization show how deeply the gang’s activities have infiltrated communities, involving everything from drug trafficking to violent crimes.
Court Proceedings and Potential Sentences
Both men were officially charged earlier this year, with Erazo Alvarado making his first court appearance on February 13, 2025, and Guillen Pleitez following suit on March 6, 2025.
If convicted, the two face serious consequences, including the possibility of life sentences without parole or even the death penalty.
The Justice Department and Local Authorities Respond
The case is a major focus for law enforcement, with key figures from various agencies involved in bringing the charges forward.
Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland, along with agents from the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), are leading the investigation.
Additionally, local authorities such as Chief Amal E. Awad from the Anne Arundel County Police Department and Chief Edward Jackson from the Annapolis Police Department have played pivotal roles in addressing MS-13’s impact on the community.
Operation Take Back America: A Nationwide Initiative
This case is part of the broader national effort known as Operation Take Back America, aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling transnational criminal organizations like MS-13, and reducing violent crime.
This initiative pools the resources of multiple federal and local law enforcement agencies, working together to take down dangerous criminal groups.
How to Report Information
Authorities have encouraged the public to share any information related to MS-13 with law enforcement.
Tips can be submitted through the FBI’s national hotline at 1-866-STP-MS13 or through HSI’s hotline at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.
Legal Disclaimer
It’s important to note that an indictment is simply an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.