MS-13 Gang Member Manuel Erazo Alvarado Indicted for Murder in Maryland

Annapolis, MD – A federal grand jury has indicted Manuel Erazo Alvarado, known as Castigo, 46, and Erick Guillen Pleitez, also known as Kilo, for murder in aid of racketeering.

The indictment was returned on February 13, and both defendants have made their initial appearances in the U.S. District Court in Baltimore, with Erazo Alvarado appearing on Thursday and Guillen Pleitez on March 6.

Court documents describe MS-13, also known as La Mara Salvatrucha, as an international criminal organization with roots in El Salvador, operating in Maryland and across the United States. In 2017, the defendants were allegedly involved in activities such as narcotics distribution, extortion, and acts of violence as members or associates of MS-13 in Maryland.

On or about August 29, 2017, they reportedly participated in a murder to reinforce their positions within the gang. If convicted, they face either a mandatory life sentence or the death penalty.

Shore News Network Staff Report

Shore News Network Staff Report is the official newsroom byline used by Shore News Network when a story is produced through the collaborative work of multiple members of the editorial team rather than a single reporter.

This newsroom account is reserved for articles that involve contributions from multiple journalists, editors, photographers, researchers, or news desk staff. It is also used for developing stories that are updated as new verified information becomes available, as well as for community announcements, weather coverage, public safety alerts, election results, and other newsroom-produced content.

Every article published under the Shore News Network Staff Report byline is reviewed and edited in accordance with the organization's editorial standards for accuracy, fairness, attribution, and transparency. Information is verified through official government agencies, court records, law enforcement, public documents, direct reporting, interviews, and other reliable primary and secondary sources before publication whenever possible.

The Staff Report account does not use artificial intelligence to independently generate news or publish unverified information. AI-assisted tools may occasionally be used for editorial support tasks such as transcription, formatting, grammar review, or workflow efficiency, but all published content is subject to human editorial oversight and approval by Shore News Network's newsroom staff.

As an independently owned digital news organization, Shore News Network is committed to original reporting, public safety journalism, government accountability, local community coverage, and breaking news throughout New Jersey and surrounding regions. Stories published under the Staff Report byline reflect the collective experience and editorial judgment of the Shore News Network newsroom.

Readers who have corrections, additional information, or news tips related to a Staff Report article are encouraged to contact the newsroom at news@shorenewsnetwork.com. Shore News Network welcomes factual corrections and updates as part of its commitment to accurate, transparent journalism.