CRIME
Third MS-13 gang member sentenced to life on murder, racketeering charges
A third MS-13 gang member has been sentenced to life in prison in connection with a series of crimes in 2006 and 2007, including racketeering and murder.
U.S. District Court Judge Richard Leon handed the sentence down Wednesday to 24-year-old Melvin Sorto. He was convicted last December.
He is the second MS-13 member in two days to be sentenced for his role in the ring. 22-year-old Jose Gutierrez also received life in prison on Tuesday.
The gang members were convicted on federal racketeering chargers in a case that revealed how they conspired to attack rival gang members and potential witnesses.
“The sentences handed down in these cases are a message that violent gang activity such as that perpetrated by MS-13 will be dealt with strongly," ICE Special Agent in Charge John Torres said in a statement.
Sorto was convicted on nine counts, including first-degree murder, racketeering and assaults with intent to kill.
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