Los Angeles

MS-13 Gangster Pleads Guilty in Federal Narcotics, Weapons Case

A highly placed member of the MS-13 street gang's Hollywood clique pleaded guilty Monday to federal narcotics and weapons violations.

Jose Ricardo "Shyboy" Alfaro, 40, of Hollywood entered his plea to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and being a felon in possession of ammunition, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

As a result of his plea, Alfaro faces between five and 50 years behind bars at sentencing on Aug. 20. Alfaro was arrested a year ago during a major operation that targeted MS-13 following the filing of a racketeering indictment that charged nearly three-dozen gang members and associates, including a dozen other "shot- callers" who led a majority of the gang's cliques in the Los Angeles area.

Alfaro was not charged in the racketeering indictment, but he was arrested after authorities executed a search warrant and discovered ammunition in his vehicle.

Subsequent investigation revealed Alfaro's role in orchestrating drug trafficking and firearms activities, according to federal prosecutors. In a plea agreement filed in Los Angeles federal court, Alfaro admitted that he and his co-conspirators acquired methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin, and used cellular telephones and coded language to organize and discuss drug sales.

Alfaro admitted that he was involved in the distribution of at least eight pounds of cocaine, and that he and his co-conspirators used firearms as part of the drug conspiracy.

On or about April 9, 2017, for example, Alfaro and a co-conspirator discussed acquisition of AK-47 and AR-15 assault rifles, according to the plea agreement. Alfaro committed the drug and weapon offenses while on supervised released in relation to a prior racketeering case that targeted MS-13, officials said.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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