Central Islip, NY — Alexi Saenz, also known as “Blasty” and “Plaky,” a prominent leader of the Brentwood/Central Islip chapter of the MS-13 gang, has pleaded guilty to a series of violent crimes, including eight murders, multiple attempted murders, arson, and firearms offenses. The plea was entered in federal court before U.S. District Judge Gary R. Brown on July 10, 2024.

Saenz, 35, admitted his involvement in the murders of Michael Johnson, Oscar Acosta, Marcus Bohannon, Kayla Cuevas, Nisa Mickens, Javier Castillo, Dewann Stacks, and Esteban Alvarado-Bonilla. He also pleaded guilty to charges related to three attempted murders, narcotics trafficking, and possession of firearms. Saenz faces up to 70 years in prison, with a minimum sentence of 40 years under the terms of his plea agreement.

U.S. Attorney Breon Peace, FBI Acting Assistant Director-in-Charge Christie M. Curtis, and Suffolk County Police Department Acting Commissioner Robert E. Waring announced the guilty plea, emphasizing the significant impact of Saenz’s violent actions on the community.

Saenz’s crimes, committed between January 2016 and January 2017, were part of his efforts to maintain and enhance his status within the MS-13 gang. His actions included directing and participating in brutal attacks and murders, often targeting rival gang members.

Among the notable incidents:

Murder of Michael Johnson: On January 28, 2016, Saenz and other MS-13 members lured Johnson to a secluded area in Brentwood, where they ambushed and killed him with a machete and baseball bat.
Murder of Kayla Cuevas and Nisa Mickens: On September 13, 2016, Saenz authorized the murders of Cuevas and Mickens, high school students involved in disputes with MS-13 members. They were brutally attacked with baseball bats and a machete.
Arson on September 12, 2016: Saenz directed the arson of a car in a rival gang neighborhood, resulting in the destruction of two vehicles.
Narcotics Trafficking: From April 2016 to March 2017, Saenz oversaw the distribution of cocaine and marijuana, using the proceeds to fund the gang’s activities, including purchasing firearms and sending money to MS-13 leaders in El Salvador.

U.S. Attorney Peace highlighted the devastating impact of Saenz’s actions, stating, “To say that Alexi Saenz’s hands are drenched in blood does not begin to describe the multiple killings and extreme mayhem he personally directed and committed in the span of one year in Suffolk County.” Peace also praised the efforts of the Long Island Gang Task Force and the prosecutors who worked to dismantle the MS-13 operations in the district.

SCPD Acting Commissioner Waring echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the senseless and barbaric nature of Saenz’s actions and expressing hope that the guilty plea provides some closure to the victims’ families and demonstrates the commitment to dismantling criminal enterprises.

Saenz’s sentencing is scheduled for a later date, and he remains in custody pending the court’s decision. The collaborative efforts of the FBI, SCPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office have been crucial in bringing Saenz to justice and addressing the broader threat posed by MS-13 in the community.

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