4 MS-13 Members From Prince William Sentenced For Attempted Murder, Drug Conspiracies

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — Four MS-13 gang members were sentenced to prison on Wednesday for their role in two attempted murders and a drug distribution scheme, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced.

Authorities identified the gang members as Roberto Cruz Moreno from Woodbridge, Marvin Torres of Manassas, Kevin Perez Sandoval of Warrenton, and Jose Rosales Juarez of Manassas.

Cruz Moreno and Perez Sandoval were sentenced to 20 years in prison. Torres and Rosales Juarez were sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Authorities said Cruz Moreno was responsible for driving a victim and several gang members to a forest in Bristow in March 2019. There, one gang member shot the victim and another stabbed him and tried to slit his throat, according to court records.

After the attack, Cruz Moreno drove the gang members back to his home. Investigators believe the gang targeted the victim because he had disrespected MS-13.

In April 2019, authorities stopped Cruz Moreno in Fairfax County. He had a firearm and several grams of cocaine in the car, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Prosecutors said Cruz Moreno had been selling cocaine.

Torres, Perez Sandoval, and Rosales Juarez were charged in connection with an attempted murder that occurred in August 2019.

Authorities said Torres was responsible for identifying the victim and providing photos of them to other gang members. Rosales Juarez watched the victim at a Manassas restaurant and discussed murder plans with an MS-13 leader, according to prosecutors.

On Aug. 12, Perez Sandoval took two other gang members to pick up a gun, a mask, and clothes. He then took them to the victim where they shot him.

Investigators believe Perez Sandoval then drove to Rosales Juarez's home where he received a different car to drive. Rosales Juarez also rented a hotel room for the gang members so they could avoid detection by police, court records said.