BALTIMORE, Maryland — Oscar Efrain Zavala Urrea, a 23-year-old El Salvadoran national residing in Silver Spring, Maryland, has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for his role in a racketeering conspiracy, including murder, as part of the MS-13 gang activities. The sentencing, handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar, also includes five years of supervised release following imprisonment.
The sentence was announced by a cohort of law enforcement officials, including United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron and leaders from the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Montgomery County Police Department, and the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Court documents reveal that MS-13, known for its violent actions and international criminal activities, mandates its members to commit violent acts to maintain and elevate their status within the gang. Zavala Urrea, associated with the MS-13 Fulton Locos Salvatruchas clique, participated in gang affairs through activities such as murder, conspiracy to murder, extortion, and drug distribution.
The plea agreement details an incident in Spring 2020, where MS-13 decided to retaliate against an individual, identified as Victim 20, under the belief of an assault against one of its members and possible association with a rival gang. Zavala Urrea, alongside other gang members, meticulously planned the execution of Victim 20, culminating in the victim’s death by gunfire on May 26, 2020.
Post-murder, Zavala Urrea engaged in efforts to conceal the crime, including changing clothes, disposing of evidence, and securing firearms with a fellow gang member. This member was later intercepted by the Maryland State Police, leading to the discovery of two firearms.
Additionally, Zavala Urrea admitted to participating in the sale of marijuana and the collection of extortion money, actions aimed at financially supporting the gang’s leadership. This sentencing marks a significant legal action against members of the MS-13 gang, reinforcing the commitment of U.S. law enforcement to dismantle organized crime groups and their operations.