Hyattsville, Maryland – Two MS-13 gang members have been sentenced for conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering. Endy Arturo Gaitan Campos, also known as Clandestino, and Jorge Isaac Argueta Chica, also known as Timido and Enano, were both sentenced for their roles in the Weedams Locos Salvatrucha (WLS) clique of the MS-13 gang.
The MS-13 gang is composed primarily of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from El Salvador, with members operating throughout the United States. MS-13 members are organized in “cliques,” smaller groups that operate in a specific city or region, and are required to commit acts of violence to maintain membership and discipline within the gang and against rivals.
Campos was sentenced to 10 years in prison, while Chica was sentenced to six years. The two, along with other WLS members, agreed to murder a victim who was suspected of cooperating with law enforcement and with whom another member had a financial dispute. The victim was shot multiple times, pistol-whipped, and stabbed, after which the body was buried to hinder the investigation.
In addition to his role in the murder conspiracy, Chica also participated in collecting extortion payments from at least two victims on behalf of WLS, knowing that the victims made payments under the threat of death or bodily injury by members of WLS.
The sentencing of Campos and Chica follows the sentencing of other WLS members, including the WLS leader Brayan Alexander Torres and Franklyn Edgardo Sanchez, who received sentences ranging from 16 to 28 years for their roles in the racketeering conspiracy.
The case was investigated by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Prince George’s County Police Department, with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Montgomery County Police Department. The prosecution was led by Trial Attorney Christopher Taylor of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Crespo for the District of Maryland.
