By Federal prosecutors have charged three alleged members of the notorious MS-13 gang with racketeering and murder for their alleged roles in two separate killings in Massachusetts, underscoring ongoing efforts to combat transnational gang violence.
The charges, announced Thursday by Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy, target William Pineda Portillo, 31, of Everett; Jose Vasquez, 31, of Somerville; and Franklin Antonio Amaya Paredes, 27, of New Bedford. The indictments stem from murders committed in December 2010 and July 2020, demonstrating law enforcement’s commitment to solving cold cases and recent crimes alike.
Pineda Portillo, also known as “Humilde,” and Vasquez, who goes by the aliases “Cholo” and “Little Crazy,” face charges of racketeering conspiracy and violent crime in aid of racketeering. These charges are related to the December 18, 2010, murder of a 28-year-old man in Chelsea, Massachusetts.
According to the indictment, Pineda Portillo allegedly drove the victim and other MS-13 members to the murder scene in Chelsea. The victim was found with 12 stab wounds to his head and chest. Prosecutors allege that Vasquez was one of the assailants, citing a palm print found on a silver kitchen knife left at the crime scene.
In a separate case, Amaya Paredes, known as “Tony,” is charged with racketeering and violent crime in aid of racketeering for the July 2020 murder of a 27-year-old man near Horseneck Road in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Prosecutors allege that Amaya Paredes lured the victim to a family party before driving him to the murder location and shooting him multiple times.
“The brutal acts of violence these defendants are accused of committing demonstrate a complete disregard for human life and the rule of law,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Levy. “We will not allow MS-13 or any other violent criminal organization to terrorize our communities.”
The charges come as part of an ongoing crackdown on MS-13 activities in Massachusetts. In 2016, a large-scale investigation targeted dozens of MS-13 leaders, members, and associates in the state. During that probe, Vasquez pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and received a 212-month prison sentence, which he is currently serving.
Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division, emphasized the significance of these charges, stating, “Today’s charges should make it clear to MS-13 members and their associates that medieval-style violence and senseless murder will not be tolerated in Massachusetts.”
The indictments provide insight into the structure and operations of MS-13. The gang, also known as La Mara Salvatrucha, is described as a violent, transnational criminal organization involved in murder, assault, extortion, kidnapping, obstruction of justice, and drug trafficking. It maintains a significant presence in Massachusetts, as well as in several other U.S. states and Central American countries. MS-13 members allegedly commit violent acts to maintain and enhance their status within the gang and to bolster the gang’s overall reputation.
The charges carry severe potential penalties. Racketeering and racketeering conspiracy involving murder can result in life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release. Violent crime in aid of racketeering involving murder may lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty, along with a $250,000 fine.
These indictments are part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which facilitates multi-agency collaboration to combat significant drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational criminal organizations.
As the cases proceed, all three defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Pineda Portillo and Vasquez are currently in federal custody, while Amaya Paredes is in state custody on related charges. They will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
