One homicide was in Frederick.
Baltimore, Md (KM) An MS-13 gang member pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to a racketeering charge related to his participation in a violent conspiracy, including a murder in Frederick. Carlos Alas Brizuela, 29, (also known as “Truco” and “Stewie’) is scheduled to be sentenced in US District Court in Baltimore on February 10th, 2020. .
“MS 13 is ravaging communities throughout Maryland with senseless acts of violence,” says US Attorney Robert K. Hur, in a statement. “This defendant participated in a horrifying series of violent crimes and now faces about 30 years in federal prison. Working with our state and local partners, and using the tools of our Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, we will prosecute gang members who prey on our neighbors. We will not rest until we dismantle this organization to make Maryland safer.”
MS 13 is a national and international gang composed mostly of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from El Salvador. Branches or “cliques” of the MS 13 gang operate in Frederick, Montgomery, Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties.
The US Attorney’s Office for Maryland says Brizuela conspired with other MS 13 gang members and associates to engage in racketeering activity, including murders, conspiracies to commit murder, extortion, robbery and drug trafficking to further the interests of the gang.
On April 7th, 2015, a rival gang member–labeled as Victim 1—was spotted in a restaurant in Frederick. Gang members contacted Brizuela and informed him of the potential victim. He contacted other MS 13 members to get approval to kill Victim 1, along with another gang member to take part in the killing. Victim 1 was lured into a wooded area, and struck in the head with a rock, along with a machete and knife. The next day, he was buried near the murder scene. His body was recovered.
If the Court accepts the plea agreement worked out with the government and Brizuela, he could be sentenced to between 29 and 36 in prison. prosecutors say. .
Federal official say Brizuela is one of 29 defendants charged in this racketeering conspiracy and other crimes related to their associations with MS 13. That includes 18 defendants who were charged in a fifth and superseding indictment filed on October 21st, 2019. A total of 13 defendants, including Brizuela, have pleaded guilty to crimes related to MS 13 gang activities.
“Taking violent offenders off the street should send a message to MS-13 members and their associates that violence and senseless murder will not be tolerated in Maryland,” says Jennifer Boone, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI in Baltimore, in a statement. “The FBI and our local, state and federal partners will continue to aggressively pursue MS-13 gang members wherever they surface, and we are steadfast in making our communities a safe place for our citizens.”
By Kevin McManus