Charlotte, North Carolina – Two leaders of the MS-13 gang have received lengthy federal prison sentences for their roles in a racketeering conspiracy and related violent crimes, marking a significant victory for law enforcement efforts targeting the transnational gang. Fredy Mauricio Buruca, 27, and Santos Guillermo Ramirez Mancia, 34, were sentenced on February 24, 2026, following an investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Charlotte field office. The case, dubbed “Operation Carolina Reaper,” underscores the ongoing commitment to dismantling MS-13’s operations within the United States and holding its members accountable for their actions.
Buruca received a 30-year prison sentence, along with three years of supervised release, and was ordered to register as a sex offender. Mancia was sentenced to 20 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Both men, originally from El Salvador, were key figures in the Hollywood Locos Salvatrucha clique, a subset of MS-13 that operated across North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and other locations. Their convictions stem from a RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) conspiracy, a charge often used to prosecute organized crime groups.
The Scope of the RICO Conspiracy
The investigation revealed a broad network of criminal activity linked to Buruca and Mancia’s leadership. According to court documents and statements from law enforcement officials, the Hollywood Locos Salvatrucha clique engaged in a range of offenses, including murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, armed robbery, sexual assault, and the distribution of child sexual abuse material. More than 50 MS-13 members and associates were identified during the course of the investigation. The RICO charge specifically alleges that Buruca and Mancia conspired to commit these crimes as part of a continuing criminal enterprise.
U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson, of the Western District of North Carolina, stated that the prosecution had “completely dismantled” the Hollywood Locos Salvatrucha Clique. “MS-13 is one of the most dangerous and ruthless gangs in the country,” Ferguson said. “We are working to eliminate this gang from existence.” This sentiment reflects the federal government’s sustained focus on disrupting MS-13’s activities and reducing its influence in communities across the nation.
Buruca’s Additional Charges and Actions
Beyond the RICO conspiracy, Fredy Mauricio Buruca was also convicted of kidnapping a minor. Details released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office reveal that Buruca, who went by the nicknames “Piranha,” “Machete,” and “Insoportable,” fired several shots at an individual in Woodbridge, Virginia, on December 12, 2021, who refused to pay MS-13 protection money at a nightclub. The shooting resulted in injuries to bystanders, highlighting the indiscriminate violence associated with the gang. This incident, along with the kidnapping charge, contributed to the severity of Buruca’s sentence.
Santos Guillermo Ramirez Mancia, known as “Azazel,” “Timido,” and “Johnny,” pleaded guilty to the RICO conspiracy charge. While not facing additional charges like Buruca, his leadership role within the Hollywood Locos Salvatrucha clique was central to the prosecution’s case. The investigation demonstrated that Mancia played a significant role in directing the gang’s criminal activities and maintaining its operational structure.
Collaboration and the Ongoing Fight Against MS-13
The success of Operation Carolina Reaper was attributed to the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies. The FBI, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department in North Carolina, and the Anne Arundel County Police Department in Maryland all played crucial roles in the investigation, alongside ICE HSI. This interagency cooperation demonstrates the importance of a coordinated approach to combating transnational criminal organizations like MS-13.
ICE Deputy Director Charles Wall emphasized the significance of the HSI-led investigation, stating that it revealed Buruca and Mancia were leaders of the Hollywood Locos Salvatrucha clique. “Both men were prosecuted for RICO conspiracy and Buruca was also prosecuted for kidnapping a child,” Wall said. “We will continue to dismantle this violent foreign terrorist organization and hold these dangerous MS-13 gang members accountable for what they’ve done.” The designation of MS-13 as a “foreign terrorist organization” underscores the perceived threat it poses to national security.
The Rise of MS-13 and its Activities
MS-13, or Mara Salvatrucha, originated in Los Angeles in the 1980s, formed by Salvadoran immigrants fleeing the civil war in their home country. The gang quickly expanded, establishing chapters across the United States and Central America. Known for its brutal tactics and strict code of conduct, MS-13 has become synonymous with gang violence and criminal activity. Its members often engage in extortion, drug trafficking, and human smuggling, preying on vulnerable communities.
The gang’s presence in North Carolina, as highlighted by Operation Carolina Reaper, demonstrates its ability to establish roots in diverse geographic locations. The Hollywood Locos Salvatrucha clique’s operations extended beyond North Carolina, impacting communities in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., illustrating the gang’s regional reach. Law enforcement officials continue to monitor MS-13’s activities and work to disrupt its networks.
Individuals with information about MS-13 or other criminal activity are encouraged to report it by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submitting an online tip form. The ongoing efforts to combat MS-13 rely heavily on public cooperation and vigilance.
The sentencing of Buruca and Mancia represents a significant step in dismantling MS-13’s operations in the region. Still, the fight against the gang is far from over. Law enforcement agencies remain committed to identifying and prosecuting MS-13 members, disrupting their criminal networks, and protecting communities from their violence. Further investigations and prosecutions are anticipated as authorities continue to target the gang’s leadership and infrastructure.
The next step in this case will likely involve the forfeiture of any assets acquired through illegal activities by Buruca and Mancia. Authorities are also focused on identifying and prosecuting any remaining members of the Hollywood Locos Salvatrucha clique who may still be at large. The ongoing commitment to dismantling MS-13 underscores the importance of international cooperation and sustained law enforcement efforts.
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