KO.

Case 8:13-cr-00496-RWT Document 470 Filed 09/13/16 Page 1 of 7

FILED
U.S. Department

U.S. DiS TRleT COURT

0lS1HICT OF MARYLAND
of Justice

United States Allorne)Jllb

District of Maryland
Southern Division
William D. Moomou
Ass;stant United Stales At/orne)'
Wil/iam.MoomoU@usdoj.gov

Mailing Address:

Office Location:

6500 Cherry'll'ood Lane. SUIte 200

Greenbelt, loAD 207m.! 2-19

6406/'1')' lAne. 8'11 Floor

Greenbelt. MD 20770-1].19

SEP I 3 A II: 0 I

8DIRCT: 301.344-0105
MAIN: 301.344-4433
FAX: 301.344-4516

September I I, 20 I6
Alan R. L. Bussard, Esq.
101 E. Chesapeake Avenue
Suite 200
Towson, MD 21086
Columbia, MD 21044-5016
Re:

. United States v. Luis Guzman-Ventura,

Criminal No. RWT-13-0496

Dear Mr. Bussard:

This letter, together with the Sealed Supplement, confirms the plea agreement that has
been offered to the Defendant by the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland
("this Office"). If the Defendant accepts this offer, please have him execute it in the spaces
provided below. This plea agreement is entered into and will be submitted to the Court
pursuant to Rule ll(c)(l)(C) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. If this offer has
not been accepted by September 12, 2016, it will be deemed withdrawn. The terms of the
agreement are as follows:
Offense of Conviction
1.
The Defendant agrees to plead guilty to Count One of the Fourth Superseding
Indictment, which charges him with conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, in
violation of 18 U.S.C. 9 1962(d). The Defendant admits that he is, in fact, guilty of this offense
and will so advise the Court.
Elements of the Offense
2.
The elements of the offense to which the Defendant has agreed to plead guilty,
and which this Office would prove if the case went to trial, are as follows: (I) an enterprise, MS13, existed, consisting of a group of persons associated together for a common purpose of
engaging in a course of conduct; (2) the Enterprise engaged in, or its activities in some way
affected, interstate or foreign commerce; (3) the Defendant was associated with the Enterprise;
(4) the Defendant knowingly and intentionally entered into an agreement that a conspirator
would conduct, or participate in the conduct of, the affairs of the Enterprise through a pattern of

Case 8:13-cr-00496-RWT Document 470 Filed 09/13/16 Page 2 of 7

racketeering activity; and (5) the Defendant agreed a conspirator would commit at least two acts
of racketeering in the conduct of the affairs of the Enterprise.
Penalties
3.
The maximum sentence provided by statute for the offense to which the
Defendant is pleading guilty is as follows:
Conspiracy to Participate in a Racketeering Enterprise: Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. S 1963(a),
because the Defendant participated in a conspiracy to commit racketeering activity that included
first degree murder (an offense that has a maximum penalty that includes life imprisonment
under the laws of the S!ate of Maryland), the maximum sentence provided by statute for the
offense to which the Defendant is pleading guilty is life imprisonment, five years of supervised
release, and a $250,000 fine.
In addition, the Defendant must pay $100 as a special assessment pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
S 3013, which will be due and should be paid at or before the time of sentencing. This Court
may also order him to make restitution pursuant to 18 U.S.C. SS 3663, 3663A, and 3664.' If a
fine or restitution is imposed, it shall be payable immediately, unless, pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
S 3572(d), the Court orders otherwise. The Defendant understands that if he serves a term of
imprisonment, is released on supervised release, and then violates the conditions of his
supervised release, his supervised release could be revoked - even on the last day of the term and the Defendant could be returned to custody to serve another period of incarceration and a
.new term of supervised release. The Defendant understands that the Bureau of Prisons has sole
discretion in designating the institution at which the Defendant will serve any term of
imprisonment imposed.
Waiver of Rights
4.
The Defendant understands that by entering into this agreement, he surrenders
certain rights as outlined below:
a.
If the Defendant had persisted in his plea of not guilty, he would have had
the right to a speedy jury trial with the close assistance of competent counsel. That trial could be
conducted by a judge, without ajury, if the Defendant, this Office, and the Court all agreed.
b.
If the Defendant elected a jury trial, the jury would be composed of twelve
individuals selected from the community.
Counsel and the Defendant would have the
opportunity to challenge prospective jurors who demonstrated bias or who were otherwise
unqualified, and would have the opportunity to strike a certain number of jurors peremptorily.
All twelve jurors would have to agree unanimously before the Defendant could be found guilty

1 Pursuant to 18 U.S.c.
S 3612, if the Court imposes a fine in excess of $2,500 that
remains unpaid 15 days after it is imposed, the Defendant shall be charged interest on that fine,
unless the Court modifies the interest payment in accordance with 18 U.S.c. S 3612(1)(3).

Case 8:13-cr-00496-RWT Document 470 Filed 09/13/16 Page 3 of 7

of any count. The jury would be instructed that the Defendant was presumed to be innocent, and
that presumption could be overcome only by proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
c.
If the Defendant went to trial, the Government would have the burden of
proving the Defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The Defendant would have the right to
confront and cross-examine the Government's witnesses. The Defendant would not have to
present any defense witnesses or evidence whatsoever. If the Defendant wanted to call witnesses
in his defense, however, he would have the subpoena power of the Court to compel the witnesses
to attend.
d.
The Defendant would have the right to testifY in his own defense if he so
chose, and he would have the right to refuse to testifY. If he chose not to testifY, the Court could
instruct the jury that they could not draw any adverse inference from his decision not to testifY.
e.
If the Defendant were found guilty after a trial, he would have the right to
appeal the verdict and the Court's pretrial and trial decisions on the admissibility of evidence to
see if any errors were committed which would require a new trial or dismissal of the charges
against him. By pleading guilty, the Defendant knowingly gives up the right to appeal the
verdict and the Court's decisions.
f.
By pleading guilty, the Defendant will be giving up all of these rights,
except the right, under the limited circumstances set forth in the "Waiver of Appeal" paragraph
below, to appeal the sentence. By pleading guilty, the Defendant understands that he may have
to answer the Court's questions both about the rights he is giving up and about the facts of his
case. Any statements the Defendant makes during such a hearing would not be admissible
against him during a trial except in a criminal proceeding for perjury or false statement.
g.
If the Court accepts the Defendant's plea of guilty, there will be no further
trial or proceeding of any kind, and the Court will find him guilty.
h.
By pleading guilty, the Defendant will also be giving up certain valuable
civil rights and may be subject to deportation or other loss of immigration status. The Defendant
recognizes that if he is not a citizen of the United States, pleading guilty may have consequences
with respect to his immigration status. Under federal law, conviction for a broad range of crimes
can lead to adverse immigration consequences, including automatic removal from the United
States. Removal and other immigration consequences are the subject of a separate proceeding,
however, and the Defendant understands that no one, including his attorney or the Court, can
predict with certainty the effect of a conviction on immigration status. Defendant nevertheless
affirms that he wants to plead guilty regardless of any potential immigration consequences.
Advisory Sentencing Guidelines Apply
5.
The Defendant understands that the Court will determine a sentencing guidelines
range for this case (henceforth the "advisory guidelines range") pursuant to the Sentencing
Reform Act of 1984 at 18 U.S.C. 99 3551-3742 (excepting 18 U.S.C. 99 3553(b)(l) and
3742(e and 28 U.S.C. 99 991 through 998. The Defendant further understands that the Court

Case 8:13-cr-00496-RWT Document 470 Filed 09/13/16 Page 4 of 7

will impose a sentence pursuant to the Sentencing Reform Act, as excised, and must take into
account the advisory guidelines range in establishing a reasonable sentence.
Factual and Advisory Guidelines Stipulation
6.
This Office and the Defendant understand, agree, and stipulate to the Statement of
Facts set forth in Attachment A hereto, which this Office would prove beyond a reasonable
doubt, and to the following applicable sentencing guidelines factors:
a.
Pursuant to United States Sentencing Guidelines ("U.S.S.G.") S 2E1.l, the
base offense level is the offense level applicable to the underlying racketeering activity. The
racketeering activity to which the Defendant is pleading guilty is first degree murder. Pursuant
to U.S.S.G. S 2A1.l, the base offense level for the offense of first degree murder is 43, because
the offense resulted in the death of a victim.
b.
This Office does not oppose a 2-level reduction in the Defendant's
adjusted offense level, based upon the Defendant's apparent prompt recognition and affirmative
acceptance of personal responsibility for his criminal conduct. This Office will not make a
motion pursuant to U.S.S.G. S 3E1.l(b) for an additional I-level decrease. This Office may
oppose any adjustment for acceptance of responsibility if the Defendant (a) fails to admit each
and every item in the factual stipulation; (b) denies involvement in the offense; (c) gives
conflicting statements about his involvement in the offense; (d) is untruthful with the Court, this
Office, or the United States Probation Office; (e) obstructs or attempts to obstruct justice prior to
sentencing; (I) engages in any criminal conduct between the date of this agreement and the date
of sentencing; or (g) attempts to withdraw his plea of guilty. If the Defendant obtains a 2-level
reduction, the final offense level will be 41.
7.
The Defendant understands that there is no agreement as to his criminal history or
criminal history category, and that his criminal history could alter his offense level if he is a
Career Offender or if the instant offense was a part of a pattern of criminal conduct from which
he derived a substantial portion of his income.
8.
This Office and the Defendant agree that with respect to the calculation of the
advisory guidelines range, no other offense characteristics, sentencing guidelines factors,
potential departures, or adjustments set forth in the United States Sentencing Guidelines will be
raised or are in dispute.
Rule I Hc)(l)(C) Plea
9.
The parties stipulate and agree, pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure
I I(c)(I)(C), that a sentence of not less than 312 months imprisonment and not more than 360
months imprisonment is the appropriate disposition of this case. The parties further stipulate
and agree that a sentence of not less than 312 months imprisonment and not more than 360
months imprisonment is the appropriate and reasonable sentence under the factors enumerated
in 18 U.S.C. S 3553, regardless of the applicable U.S.S.G. calculations.

Case 8:13-cr-00496-RWT Document 470 Filed 09/13/16 Page 5 of 7

I~.
This agreement does not affect the Court's discretion to impose any lawful term
of supervlse~ releas~ or fine or to set any lawful condition of probation or supervised release. If
th~ Court rejects thiS plea agreement, either party may elect to declare the agreement null and
vOId. Should the Defendant so elect, he will then be afforded the opportunity to withdraw his
plea pursuant to the provisions of Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure I I(c)(5).
Obligations of the Parties
11.
At the time of sentencing, this Office and the Defendant will jointly request that
the Court impose a sentence within the agreed-upon range of not less than 312 months
imprisonment and not more than 360 months imprisonment.
In addition, this Office will
move to dismiss any open counts against the Defendant, including the Indictment, the First,
Second, and Third Superseding Indictments, and all remaining counts of the Fourth Superseding
Indictment (as to this Defendant only).
12.
The parties reserve the right to bring to the Court's attention at the time of
sentencing, and the Court will be entitled to consider, all relevant information concerning the
Defendant's background, character and conduct, including the conduct that is the subject of the
Indictment and the Superseding Indictments that this Office has agreed to dismiss at sentencing.
Waiver of Appeal
13.
In exchange for the concessions made by this Office and the Defendant in this
plea agreement, this Office and the Defendant waive their rights to appeal as follows:
a.
The Defendant knowingly waives all right, pursuant to 28 U.S.c.
or otherwise, to appeal the Defendant's conviction.

1291

b.
If the Court accepts the plea agreement and imposes a sentence within the
agreed-upon range, then the Defendant and this Office knowingly waive all right, pursuant to 18
U.S.C. 9 3742 or otherwise, to appeal the sentence imposed (including the right to appeal any
issues that relate to the establishment of the advisory guidelines range, the determination of the
Defendant's criminal history, the weighing of the sentencing factors, and the decision whether to
impose and the calculation of any term of imprisonment, fine, order of forfeiture, order of
restitution, and term or condition of supervised release).
c.
Nothing in this agreement shall be construed to prevent the Defendant or
this Office from invoking the provisions of Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 35(a), or from
appealing from any decision thereunder, should a sentence be imposed that resulted from
arithmetical, technical, or other clear error.
d.
The Defendant waives any and all rights under the Freedom of
Information Act relating to the investigation and prosecution of the above-captioned matter and
agrees not to file any request for documents from this Office or any investigating agency.

Case 8:13-cr-00496-RWT Document 470 Filed 09/13/16 Page 6 of 7

Obstruction

or Other Violations of Law

14.
The Defendant agrees that he will not commit any otTense in violation of federal,
state or local law between the date of this agreement and his sentencing in this case. In the event
tbat the Defendant (i) engages in conduct after the date of this agreement which would justify a
finding of obstruction of justice under U.S.S.G. ~ 3CI.1. or (ii) fails to accept personal
responsibility for his conduct by !l\iling to acknowledge his guilt to the probation officer who
prepares the Presentence Report. or (iii) commits any offense in violation of federal, state or
local law, then this Ofliee will be relieved of its obligations to tbe Defendant as reflected in this
agreement. Specifically, this Office will be free to argue sellleneing guidelines !l\etors other than
those stipulated in this agreement. and it will also be free to make sentencing recommendations
other than those set out in this agreement.
As with any alleged breach of this agreement, this
Office will bear the burden of convincing the Court of the Delcndant's obstructive or unlawliil
behavior and/or failure to acknowledge
personal responsibility
by a preponderance
of the
evidence. The Defendant acknowledges that he may not withdraw his guilty plea because this
Omee is relieved of its obligations under the agreement pursuant to this paragraph.
Entire Agreement
15.
This letter supersedes any prior understandings, promises, or conditions between
this Ortiee and the Defendant and, together with the Sealed Supplemelll. constitutes the complete
plea agreement in this case. The Delcndant acknowledges that there arc no other agreements,
promises, undertakings or understandings between the Defendant and this Omee other than those
set forth in this letter and the Sealed Supplement and none will be entered into unless in writing
and signed by all parties.
II'the Defendant lillly aeeepls each and every term and condition of this agreement.
please sign and have the Defendant sign the original and return it to me promptly.

Very truly yours.

Rod J. Ros<:nstein
~nited, ~Wtes A(r\e!Nl

By:

W~'M lJ.

~~/1LU\
William D. Moomau
Lindsay Eyler Kaplan
Assistant United States Attoll1eys
Cath<:rinc K. Dick
Trial Attorney
Organized Crime and Gang Section
Unitcd States Department of Justice

Case 8:13-cr-00496-RWT Document 470 Filed 09/13/16 Page 7 of 7

I have read this agreement, including the Sealed Supplement, and carefully reviewed
every part of it with my attorney. I understand it, and I voluntarily agree to it. Specifically, I
have reviewed the Factual and Advisory Guidelines Stipulation with my attorney, and I do not
"wish to change any part of it. I am completely satisfied with the representation of my attorney.

6r- 12--20/6

Date

I am Luis Guzman-Ventura's attorney. I have carefully reviewed every part of this

agreement, including the Sealed Supplement, with him. He advises me that he understands and
accepts its terms. To my knowledge, his decision to enter into this agreement is an informed and
voluntary one.

9)

P..)~I(.

Date

R-~

Alan R.L. Bussard,ES(\.

-~

Case 8:13-cr-00496-RWT Document 470-1 Filed 09/13/16 Page 1 of 3

ATT ACHMENT A
Statement of Facts: Luis Guzman-Ventura

FILED
U.S OISTRICT COURT
O/STRICT OFHMYLi\ND

The United Stales and the Defendant. Luis Guzman- Ventura. agree l'lath if.rpi~ijase
proceeded to trial. the United Slales would prove Ihefollowingfacls below beyond a 'Feasdnhbl;>'II: 0 I
doubt. They agree that these are nol all of the facts that would be proved iflhis caffl.pr~ceede.d_
-,,~,r.::, u, F IC,
.I
tona.
I
Alr.~-,"'-'-'~
....
"LLr ..~:r __
I

.., ..

t) j

La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as the MS-!3 gang ("MS-13"), was a gang composed
primarily of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from EI Salvador, with members
operating in the State of Maryland, including Montgomery County, Prince George's County, and
Frederick County, and throughout the United States. In the United States, MS-13 has been
functioning since at least the !980s. MS-l3 originated in Los Angeles, California, where MS-13
members banded together for protection against the larger Mexican groups. MS-13 evolved into
a gang that engaged in turf wars for the control of drug distribution locations. MS-13 quickly
spread to states across the country, including Maryland. MS-!3 was a national and international
criminal organization and was one of the largest street gangs in the United States. Gang
members actively recruited members, including juveniles, from communities with a large
number of Salvadoran immigrants.

Members of MS-13 from time to time signified their membership by wearing tattoos
reading "MARA SAL VATRUCHA," "MS," "MS-13," or similar tattoos, often written in gothic
lettering. Members also signified their membership through tattoos of devil horns in various
places on their bodies. Members sometimes avoided conspicuous MS-13 tattoos, instead
wearing discreet ones such as "503," spider webs, three dots in a triangle formation signifying
"vida loca," or clown faces with phrases such as "laugh now, cry later." Some MS-13 members
have chosen not to have tattoos at all, or to have them placed on areas such as the hairline whcre
they can be easily covered, in order to conceal their gang affiliation from law enforcement.
The gang colors of MS-13 were blue, black, and white, and members often wore clothing,
particularly sports jerseys, with the number "13," or with numbers that, when added together,
totaled 13, such as "76." MS-13 members also wore blue and white clothing to represent their
membership, including blue and white shoes such as the Nike "Cortez." As with tattoos, some
MS-13 members selected more discreet ways of dressing in order to signify their membership
and, at the same time, avoid detection by law enforcement.
MS-13 members referred to one another by their gang names, or monikers, and often did
not know fellow gang members except by their gang names.
At all relevant times, members of MS-!3 were expected to protect the name, reputation,
and status of the gang from rival gang members and other persons. MS-13 members required
that all individuals show respect and deference to the gang and its membership. To protect the
gang and to enhance its reputation, MS-13 members were expected to use any means necessary
to force respect from those who showed disrespect, including acts of intimidation and violence.
MS-13's creed was based on one of its mottos, "Mala, roba, viola. controlla." which translates in
sum and substance to, "Kill, steal, rape, control."

Case 8:13-cr-00496-RWT Document 470-1 Filed 09/13/16 Page 2 of 3

At all relevant times, members and associates of MS-13 frequently engaged in criminal
activity as defined in 18 U.S.C. 9 1961(I), including, but not limited to, murder, assault, and
extortion, as well as attempts and conspiracies to commit such offenses. These crimes and acts
have been committed by MS-13 members in the District of Maryland within ten years of each
other, and affected interstate commerce. MS-13 members were required to commit acts of
violence both to maintain membership and discipline within the gang, as well as against rival
gang members. Participation in criminal activity by a member, particularly in violent acts
directed at rival gangs or as directed by gang leadership, increased the respect accorded to that
member, resulted in that member maintaining or increasing his position in the gang, and opened
the door to a promotion to a leadership position. One of the principal rules of MS-13 was that its
members must attack and kill rivals whenever possible. Rivals were often referred to as
"chavalas." MS-13, in the area of Prince George's County and Montgomery County, Maryland,
maintained rivalries with the 18th Street Gang, Latin Kings, Adelphi Crew, and Lewisdale Crew,
among others.
Prospective members who sought to join MS-13 were required to complete an initiation
process. Individuals who associated and committed crimes with the gang, but were not
prospective members, were called "paisas." Individuals who were attempting to join the gang
were called "chequejos," or "cheqs." Chequejos underwent a probationary period during which
they were required to commit crimes on behalf of MS-13 to achieve trust and prove their loyalty
to the gang. To join MS-13 and become full members or "homeboys," prospective members
were required to complete an initiation process, often referred to as being "jumped in" or "beat
in" to the gang. During that initiation, other members of MS-13 would beat the new member,
usually until a gang member finished counting aloud to the number thirteen, representing the
"13" in MS-13.
MS-13 was an international criminal organization, and was organized in Maryland and
elsewhere into "cliques," that is, smaller groups operating in a specific city or region. Cliques
operated under the umbrella rules ofMS-13. MS-13 cliques often worked together cooperatively
to engage in criminal activity and to assist one another in avoiding detection by law enforcement.
In Maryland and the surrounding area, these cliques included Parkview Locos Salvatrucha
("PVLS"), Norrnandie Locos Salvatrucha ("NLS" or "Norrnandie Clique"), Sailors Locos
SaIvatrucha Westside ("SLSW"),"), Guanacos Little Psychos Salvatrucha ("GLS"), Weedons
Locos Salvatrucha ("WLS"), Peajes Locos Salvatrucha ("PLS"), Langley Park Salvatrucha
("LPS"), Fulton Locos Salvatrucha ("FLS"), Dalmacia Criminal Locos Salvatrucha ("DCLS"),
and Western Locos Salvatrucha ("WLS").
MS-13, including its leadership, membership, and associates, constituted an enterprise as
defined in 18 U.S.C. 99 1961(4) and 1959(b)(2), that is, a group of individuals associated in fact
that engaged in, and the activities of which affected, interstate and foreign commerce ("the
Enterprise"). The Enterprise constituted an ongoing organization whose members functioned as
a continuing unit for a common purpose of achieving the objectives of the Enterprise. The
purposes of the Enterprise include the following:
a.
Preserving and protecting the power, territory, and profits of the Enterprise
through the use of intimidation and violence, including assaults, murders, and threats of violence;
b.

Promoting and enhancing the Enterprise and its members' and associates'

activities;

Case 8:13-cr-00496-RWT Document 470-1 Filed 09/13/16 Page 3 of 3

c.

Enriching the members and associates of the Enterprise through extortion;

d.
Keeping victims and potential witnesses in fear of the Enterprise and in
fear of its members and associates through threats of violence and actual violence; and
e.
Providing assistance to members and associates, in order to hinder,
obstruct and prevent law enforcement officers from identifying offenders, apprehending
offenders, and trying and punishing offenders.
From at least prior to in or about 2010 and continuing through at least in or about 2014,
the Defendant, LUIS GUZMAN-VENTURA, a!kJa "Casper," (GUZMAN-VENTURA"), was
a member and associate ofMS-l3 and the Weedons Clique ofMS-l3.
From in or about 20 I0, and continuing through at least in or about 2013, GUZMANVENTURA knowingly and intentionally conspired with other members and associates of MS-13
to conduct and participate directly and indirectly in the conduct of the affairs of the Enterprise,
that is, GUZMAN-VENTURA agreed with members and associates of the MS-l3 gang to
engage in racketeering activities, including multiple acts involving murder, in order to further the
interests of the Enterprise. Furthermore, during this same time period, MS-13 gang members in
the District of Maryland and elsewhere engaged in such racketeering acts. At least two of the
racketeering acts described above were committed within ten years of each other. In addition,
the crimes of the MS-l3 racketeering enterprise referenced above, including the multiple acts of
murder - some of which occurred in other districts-affected interstate commerce.
Specifically, in furtherance of the Enterprise, GUZMAN-VENTURA and another MSl3 member (identified for the purposes of this plea agreement as D-I) were traveling in a van in
the Lewisdale area of Prince George's County on December 5, 2012, searching for chavalas.
D-I was driving the van and GUZMAN-VENTURA
was in the front passenger seat.
GUZMAN-VENTURA had a handgun in his possession. GUZMAN-VENTURA and D-I saw
persons walking whom they believed to be chavalas. Three of these persons (Victims 19, 20,
and 21) walked in front of the van, and GUZMAN-VENTURA began ~hooting the firearm at
them. Victim 19 was struck multiple times and died as a result of the gunshot wounds. Victim20 was struck in the arm. After GUZMAN-VENTURA fired the shots at the victims, D-I drove
the van away from the scene. When police stopped the van shortly after the shooting,
GUZMAN-VENTURA got out of the van and fled on foot.
I have read this statement of facts on the preceding three pages, and have carefully
reviewed it with my attorney. I acknowledge that it is true and correct.

09-12--:?-0/6
Dille

Lu

I am the attorney for Luis Guzman-Ventura.

facts with him.

9 J l:A.f;:u,.
Date

.zmaIl\Tentura

I have carefully reviewed the statement of

C--- 1-,,'6

14

Alan R.L. Bussard, Esq.

10