HSI-Led Investigation Secures 7-Year Prison Sentence of MS-13 Gang Member

SAN JOSE — Elmer Hernandez-Leiva, a member of the Santa Cruz Salvatrucha Locos — an MS-13 gang based in Santa Cruz, California — was sentenced on Dec. 12 in the United States District Court, Northern District of California. 

The sentencing is the result of a years-long investigation by HSI San Francisco and the San Jose and Santa Cruz Police Departments into “MS-13” criminal street gang members operating in the greater Santa Cruz, California area.

“The sentencing of this MS-13 gang member marks a victory in the ongoing battle against criminal gang activity in the greater Santa Cruz, California area,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. “It underscores the critical collaboration between HSI and local law enforcement and our shared dedication to public safety. I greatly appreciate the contribution and tenacity of the San Jose and Santa Cruz Police Departments in bringing a successful sentencing in this case.”

The sentence handed down includes time served (89 months and 14 days) plus 180 days for racketeering, conspiracy to commit murder and aid of racketeering, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

Hernandez-Leiva, also known as “Kanana”, is a citizen and national of El Salvador.