ICE-led investigation leads to prison time for MS-13 ringleaders in North Carolina

Operation Carolina Reaper put the two Salvadoran men behind bars for a combined 50 years WASHINGTON — An ICE Homeland Security Investigations Charlotte-led investigation led to a 30-year prison sentence for Fredy Mauricio Buruca and a 20-year prison sentence for Santos Guillermo Ramiraz Mancia, two MS-13 gang leaders convicted of RICO conspiracy. Both men are currently in federal custody. “This HSI-led investigation revealed that Buruca and Mancia were leaders of the Hollywood Locos Salvatrucha clique, which operated in North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and elsewhere,” said ICE Deputy Director Charles Wall. “Both men were prosecuted for RICO conspiracy and Buruca was also prosecuted for kidnapping a child. 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 investigation identified more than 50 MS-13 members and their associates, many of whom were linked to murder, kidnapping, drug dealing, armed robbery, sexual assault and distribution of child sexual abuse material. The FBI, North Carolina’s Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, Maryland’s Anne Arundel County Police Department and other partners collaborated on the investigation. Read more on Justice.gov. You can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.