Two members of the MS-13 gang were sentenced in Boston federal court for their involvement in a murder case that had remained unsolved. Jose Vasquez, also known as “Cholo” or “Little Crazy,” was sentenced to 25 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. In May 2025, he pleaded guilty to violent crime related to racketeering. Previously, Vasquez was serving a sentence for conspiracy linked to racketeering, bringing his total prison time to 37 years.
William Pineda Portillo, known as “Humilde,” received a 16-year prison sentence and three years of supervised release. A Salvadoran national residing unlawfully in Everett, he is subject to deportation after completing his sentence. In May 2023, Pineda Portillo admitted guilt to participating in a racketeering enterprise conspiracy.
Both men were indicted along with other MS-13 members in September 2024 for conspiring to murder a man on December 18, 2010, in Chelsea, Massachusetts. The victim suffered multiple stab wounds and succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Evidence re-examined from the initial investigation implicated Vasquez and others from MS-13.
The incident stemmed from suspicions that the victim belonged to a rival gang. On the day of the murder, Pineda Portillo transported Vasquez and others including the victim to Chelsea where they carried out the attack under an on-ramp to Route 1. During this assault, Vasquez stabbed the victim with a knife identified by his palm print.
An undercover recording captured weeks after the murder showed an MS-13 member discussing his involvement and facing discipline for leaving Massachusetts without permission.
Pineda Portillo fled to El Salvador before being questioned but returned illegally across the Texas border in May 2022 where he was arrested based on fingerprint analysis revealing an outstanding warrant. He admitted being part of MS-13 upon arrest.
The sentencing announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley alongside officials from various law enforcement agencies involved in the case including FBI Special Agent Ted E. Docks and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Michael J. Krol among others.
This operation falls under an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative aimed at dismantling significant criminal organizations through multi-agency collaboration using intelligence-driven approaches.
