Moises Humberto Rivera-Luna, an alleged leader in the MS-13 gang, has been extradited to the U.S. from Guatemala to face charges, including racketeering related to at least one murder. U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth has ordered Rivera-Luna to be held without bond, according to the Justice Department.
Rivera-Luna is named in a fourth superseding indictment from May 3, 2013, with nine counts of serious offenses. Authorities claim that even while incarcerated in El Salvador, he influenced MS-13 factions in the Washington, D.C. area. The prosecution links him to a range of criminal activities, including murder and drug trafficking. U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. said, "The decade-long pursuit of this alleged violent gang member illustrates our office's resolve to remain focused and bring to justice those who violate the law no matter where they are, no matter how long it takes," in the U.S. Attorney's Office release.
Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon emphasized the Department's commitment to protecting Americans from transnational criminal gangs. ICE Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Heck said in the same release, "Moise Humberto Rivera-Luna will have his day in court, but he stands accused of very serious crimes. His alleged criminal activity combined with his leadership of the MS-13 transnational criminal organization, makes Rivera-Luna a significant threat to the safety of the American people."
The indictment links Rivera-Luna to the murders of Louis Alberto Membreno-Zelaya in 2008 and Felipe Enriquez in 2010. The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs, along with local and federal agencies, was involved in securing Rivera-Luna's extradition.
The case is ongoing, and it is important to remember that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. As emphasized by legal experts, every defendant, including Rivera-Luna, is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
