Now Seventeen Defendants Have Been Sentenced for Crimes Related to the Racketeering Enterprise
January 10, 2024 - SAN FRANCISCO -- The leader of the San Francisco 20th Street clique of the MS-13 street gang was sentenced to life in prison 
after being convicted of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of murder in aid of racketeering, one count of attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, announced First Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Robbins and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. There is no parole in the federal system.
Elmer Rodriguez, a/k/a “Gordo,” of San Francisco, California, was convicted on June 1, 2023, following a three-week jury trial. The Honorable Richard Seeborg, Chief U.S. District Judge, handed down today’s sentence.
“For years, the defendant led a violent street gang that committed several murders and attempted murders in the Bay Area, particularly in the Mission District of San Francisco,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Robbins. “San Francisco residents deserve to feel safe in their own communities. Today’s sentence sends a clear message that anyone who commits acts of violence and endangers public safety in the Northern District of California will face federal prosecution and a severe federal prison sentence as a consequence of their conduct.”
“This sentence today sends a loud and clear message that HSI, with law enforcement agencies in the region, will continue to work around the clock, always prioritizing the safety of our communities. It represents another important stride in our ongoing effort to combat crime in the Bay Area,” said San Francisco HSI Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. “Working with the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California, we’ve successfully brought to justice this dangerous gang leader who played a key role in ruthlessly murdering multiple victims. Of note, collective efforts in this overarching case began in July 2017, which underlies the complexities of investigations into transnational criminal organizations like MS-13, as well as the commitment of the agencies involved. HSI is deeply appreciative of the work of its agents and analysts, as well as SFPD and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
At trial, the government presented evidence that Rodriguez ordered the murder of Jorge Martinez near 19th and Mission Streets on March 17, 2017. Martinez had been celebrating his birthday after attending a Golden State Warriors game with his son. After the game, they went to a bar in the Mission District. Rodriguez and other MS-13 clique members were also present at the bar that night and identified Martinez as a possible rival Norteño gang member. Rodriguez ordered another clique associate to murder Martinez. The associate followed Martinez out of the bar and shot him to death.
Evidence at trial also showed that Rodriguez ordered the murder of Giovanni Alvarez, a/k/a “P Wee,” on May 25, 2017. Alvarez was a 20th Street clique member whom Rodriguez and others in the clique believed to be cooperating with law enforcement. Rodriguez sanctioned Alvarez’s murder because of these suspicions. Rodriguez and his associates, including Edwin Alvarado Amaya, a/k/a “Muerte,” and Kenneth Campos, a/k/a “Nesio,” lured Alvarez into a car. Campos drove the group to Bernal Heights Park. At the park, Rodriguez gave a signal to Alvarado Amaya, who then hacked Alvarez to death by inflicting dozens of deep wounds to his face and torso with a machete. Alvarado Amaya and Campos have pled guilty and been sentenced for their roles in this murder.
Rodriguez was also sentenced for his role in an attempted murder and use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence stemming from a shotgun shooting that followed an extortion attempt by Rodriguez and other MS-13 associates on Eddy Street in the Tenderloin District on November 26, 2017.
Rodriguez’s trial also featured evidence of Rodriguez’s involvement in additional acts of violence including:
• Ordering that other members of the clique go on a “hunt” to shoot suspected Norteños, which culminated with the September 16, 2016 shooting of a suspected Norteño at 21st Street and Hampshire Street;
• Attending an October 27, 2016 gang assault in the Mission District;
• Instigating a May 17, 2017 gang assault outside of a taqueria in the Mission District;
• Serving as the driver in a November 30, 2017 attempted murder at 24th Street and Potrero Avenue in the Mission District during which members of the 20th Street clique repeatedly stabbed a victim whom they incorrectly identified as a Norteño.
In total, 17 defendants have been convicted as a part of this investigation, which has resulted in convictions relating to four murders, four attempted murders, and multiple assaults with dangerous weapons.
This case is being prosecuted by the Organized Crime Strike Force of the Office of the United States Attorney. The prosecution is the result of investigations by HSI, SFPD Homicide Unit and Community Violence Reduction Team, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Gang Intelligence Unit and Investigations Bureau, Daly City Police Department, Pinole Police Department, Redwood City Police Department Street Crimes Reduction Team, and San Pablo Police Department.
Source: DOJ Release
