East Boston MS-13 member pleads guilty to assault, racketeering, and drug charges

A member of MS-13’s East Boston Loco Salvatrucha street gang pleaded guilty Wednesday to assaulting a rival gang member in East Boston, according to a statement by the U.S. Attorney’s office.

Christian “Catracho” Alvarado, 28, of East Boston, and other MS-13 members, including Edgar “Cadejo” Pleitez, attempted to beat a rival gang member to death near an East Boston soccer stadium in May 2008, according to prosecutors.

Alvarado also pleaded guilty Wednesday to racketeering and conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, according to the statement. He is one of 61 individuals that were indicted in January following a three-year federal investigation that targeted MS-13 leaders, members, and associates in Massachusetts.

According to prosecutors, Alvarado allegedly conspired with gang leader Santos “Flaco” Portillo-Andrade to distribute more than 100 grams of Heroin.

In August 2015, Alvarado and Pleitez were recorded selling heroin to a cooperating witness on multiple occasions, the statement said.Federal agents used a court-authorized wire-tap to listen to calls between Alvarado and Portillo-Andrade. The two men allegedly discussed selling a half-kilogram of heroin for $26,000, which was overheard by federal agents who wiretapped the conversation, according to the statement.  

In Oct. 2015, agents followed Alvarado and Portillo-Andrade as they drove to the location of the heroin sale. After the sale was made, authorities stopped the two men in Portillo-Andrade’s car and seized $26,000 in cash, a loaded firearm, and a machete.

Court documents alleged that MS-13, identified as a “violent transnational criminal organization”, operates throughout the U.S., including Massachusetts. The documents also alleged that members are required to commit violent acts to maintain membership with a specific focus on rival gang members.

Alvarado is the thirteenth defendant to plead guilty in the case. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 2. 


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