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Federal Indictment for Murder in Aid of Racketeering Announced

**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.

The announcement was made by notable law enforcement officials, including Matthew R. Galeotti from the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S