Two members of the MS-13 gang have been sentenced in Boston for their involvement in a previously unsolved murder. Jose Vasquez, also known as “Cholo” or “Little Crazy,” received a 25-year prison sentence followed by five years of supervised release. This adds to his existing 212-month sentence for a previous conviction related to racketeering, bringing his total time behind bars to 37 years.
William Pineda Portillo, known as “Humilde,” was sentenced to 16 years in prison with three years of supervised release and faces deportation after serving his sentence. Both men were charged with conspiracy related to the murder of a 28-year-old man in Chelsea, Massachusetts, on December 18, 2010.
The victim was found with multiple stab wounds and succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Evidence collected during a reexamination identified Vasquez and other MS-13 members as perpetrators. The attack was motivated by the belief that the victim belonged to a rival gang.
An undercover recording captured an MS-13 member discussing his involvement in the murder. Pineda Portillo fled to El Salvador before he could be questioned but returned illegally to the U.S., where he was arrested and admitted membership in MS-13.
The case announcement was made by several law enforcement officials including United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and representatives from various federal and local agencies. The operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative aimed at dismantling major criminal organizations.
