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San Francisco Gang Leader Sentenced to Life in Prison for Racketeering and Murder

SAN FRANCISCO — The head of the notorious San Francisco 20th Street clique of the MS-13 street gang has been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of murder in aid of racketeering, one count of attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Elmer Rodriguez, also known as “Gordo,” of San Francisco, California, was convicted on June 1, 2023, following a three-week jury trial. The Honorable Richard Seeborg, Chief U.S. District Judge, delivered the sentence, emphasizing the severity of the crimes committed.

Prosecutors presented compelling evidence during the trial that Rodriguez was responsible for ordering the murder of Jorge Martinez on March 17, 2017, near the intersection of 19th and Mission Streets. Martinez, who had been celebrating his birthday with his son after attending a Golden State Warriors game, was targeted by Rodriguez and other MS-13 clique members, who mistakenly identified him as a rival Norteño gang member. One of Rodriguez’s associates followed Martinez out of a bar and fatally shot him.

Furthermore, the trial revealed that Rodriguez sanctioned the murder of Giovanni Alvarez, also known as “P Wee,” on May 25, 2017. As a member of the 20th Street clique, Alvarez was suspected of cooperating with law enforcement, which led Rodriguez to order his execution. Alongside Edwin Alvarado Amaya, also known as “Muerte,” and Kenneth Campos, also known as “Nesio,” Rodriguez lured Alvarez into a car and drove to Bernal Heights Park. There, Rodriguez gave the signal for Alvarado Amaya to brutally murder Alvarez with a machete, inflicting numerous deep wounds to his face and torso. Alvarado Amaya and Campos have already pleaded guilty and received sentences for their involvement in the crime.

In addition to these heinous acts, Rodriguez was also sentenced for his role in an attempted murder and the use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. This incident occurred on November 26, 2017, when Rodriguez and other MS-13 associates attempted to extort money from an individual on Eddy Street in the Tenderloin District. When their demands were not met, Rodriguez resorted to violence and fired a shotgun.

Rodriguez’s trial unveiled more evidence of his participation in various other acts of violence. These include ordering fellow clique members to go on a “hunt” to shoot suspected Norteños, resulting in the shooting of a suspected Norteño at 21st Street and Hampshire Street on September 16, 2016. Rodriguez also attended a gang assault in the Mission District on October 27, 2016, instigated a gang assault outside a taqueria in the Mission District on May 17, 2017, and served as the driver in a November 30, 2017 attempted murder at 24th Street and Potrero Avenue in the Mission District, where members of the 20th Street clique repeatedly stabbed a victim whom they mistakenly identified as a Norteño.

This significant conviction is part of an ongoing investigation that has resulted in a total of 17 defendants being convicted. The investigation has successfully addressed four murders, four attempted murders, and multiple assaults with dangerous weapons, making the community safer.

First Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Robbins, who announced the sentence alongside Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King, emphasized the importance of holding violent criminals accountable. Robbins stated, “San Francisco residents deserve to feel safe in their own communities. Today’s sentence sends a clear message that anyone who commits acts of violence and endangers public safety in the Northern District of California will face federal prosecution and a severe federal prison sentence as a consequence of their conduct.”

Special Agent in Charge Tatum King also emphasized the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies in combating crime in the Bay Area. King stated, “Working with the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California, we’ve successfully brought to justice this dangerous gang leader who played a key role in ruthlessly murdering multiple victims. Of note, collective efforts in this overarching case began in July 2017, which underlies the complexities of investigations into transnational criminal organizations like MS-13, as well as the commitment of the agencies involved.”

This high-profile case was prosecuted by the Organized Crime Strike Force of the Office of the United States Attorney. The successful outcome was the result of extensive investigations conducted by HSI, SFPD Homicide Unit and Community Violence Reduction Team, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Gang Intelligence Unit and Investigations Bureau, Daly City Police Department, Pinole Police Department, Redwood City Police Department Street Crimes Reduction Team, and San Pablo Police Department.

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