Franklin Antonio Amaya Paredes, a Salvadoran national and member of the MS-13 gang, pleaded guilty on Apr. 15 in federal court in Boston to charges related to three murders committed as part of a racketeering enterprise. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for July 10.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat violent transnational criminal organizations operating across state lines and within local communities.
Paredes, who was unlawfully residing in New Bedford, Massachusetts, admitted guilt to racketeering involving murder, conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise involving murder, and two counts of murder in aid of racketeering. The charges stem from indictments filed both in Massachusetts and Virginia; by agreement, the Virginia charges were transferred to Massachusetts.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley said: “This defendant – an illegal alien who’s been residing unlawfully in our country – admitted to participating in three brutal murders across state lines to advance MS-13’s violent agenda and be rewarded within the gang’s ranks. Let this serve as a clear message: individuals who come to this country and engage in this level of violence will be aggressively investigated, prosecuted and held fully accountable. This transnational criminal organization is far-reaching, but my office will continue to use every resource to dismantle it and protect Massachusetts communities from such barbaric devastation. As was the case here, my office will continue to work with agents and prosecutors across the country until MS-13 and other transnational criminal groups have been eliminated.”
Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Division said: “What Franklin Antonio Amaya Paredes did to his victims was particularly heinous – so much so that, years later, the circumstances of these three murders still stand out. The sheer brutality, cruel depravity, and terror he inflicted on behalf of MS-13 demonstrates a complete disregard for human life. Amaya Paredes belongs behind bars, and that’s exactly where today’s conviction will keep him. Meanwhile, the FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement and community partners to dismantle this transnational criminal organization, bring an end to their senseless violence, and obtain justice for the victims of their crimes.”
According to court documents provided at trial proceedings against Paredes—also known as “Mosca” or “Tony”—he belonged specifically to Uniones Locos Salvatrucha (ULS), an MS-13 clique operating primarily out of northern Virginia as well as southeastern Massachusetts but with activities elsewhere nationwide.
Details presented described how Paredes participated directly or indirectly through conspiracy or assistance roles during three separate killings between August 2018 and July 2020 spanning both states involved; one victim’s remains have yet not been recovered following dismemberment after death by beating or strangulation.
Authorities said that members received promotions within gang ranks for such acts while also using proceeds from drug sales—including marijuana/cocaine distribution—to fund operations domestically/abroad including support for incarcerated associates.
Sentencing guidelines stipulate maximum penalties up-to-life imprisonment plus supervised release/fines depending upon specific convictions; mandatory minimums apply for certain offenses such as murder-in-aid-of-racketeering.
This prosecution forms part of Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative aimed at eliminating cartels/transnational gangs while protecting communities through coordinated federal/local efforts.