Area MS-13 Member Pleads Guilty To Attempted Murder

CHELSEA, MA – A member of MS-13's Enfermos Criminales Salvatrucha sect in Chelsea pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to the attempted murder of a rival gang member in 2014, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. Daniel Menjivar, 22, known as "Roca" and "Sitiko," also admitted to his role in a RICO conspiracy involving several other MS-13 gang members.

Menjivar is the 16th person to plead guilty in the RICO case, according to the USAO.

On May 29, 2014, Menjivar and another MS-13 repeatedly stabbed and shot an 18th Street gang member on Washington Avenue in Chelsea, prosecutors said. The victim survived the attack.

At Menjivar's sentencing, prosecutors are expected to argue that Menjivar was involved in a plot to kill a fellow MS-13 member who was incorrectly believed to be cooperating with law enforcement. Authorities said in April of 2015, Menjivar and two other MS-13 members were recorded while planning to kill a probationary member of the gang known as a "paro."

Menjivar was one of 61 defendants swept up in a January 2016 indictment targeting alleged leaders, members and associates of MS-13 in Massachusetts. Gang members are required to commit acts of violence against rival gang members to be promoted and maintain membership in the group, according to the USAO. Specifically, they are required to attack and murder rivals whenever possible.

Prosecutors will recommend Menjivar be sentenced to 13 years in prison at his sentencing Dec. 4. He will also be subject to deportation upon his release.

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