SIGNS OF TROUBLE
‘Gang pose’ pic in MS-13 slay trial
Here’s one sign this guy’s down with MS-13.
A photo of a suspect flashing the notorious criminal organization’s hand signs along with a crew of smiling cronies is among the evidence that prosecutors hope will put a powerful reputed gangbanger away for murder.
Marcelo “Profugo” Esquivel, 31, is accused of ordering two other MS-13 gang members — one of whom was new and wanted to earn respect — to kill a member of the rival Latin Kings in 2012, Brooklyn federal court papers allege.
Esquivel allegedly gave a gun to the two members, who then allegedly rode together on a bike — with one on the seat and one riding the bike pegs — to Latin Kings territory in Queens, the court documents allege.
They allegedly yelled, “La Mara” — an apparent reference to La Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13 — before shooting Daniel LiconaGonzalez, the court filings allege. Licona-Gonzalez died from his injuries the following day.
In addition to the photos of Esquivel allegedly palling around with MS-13 members, prosecutors also have a picture of an “MS” tattoo on his arm.
Prosecutor Nadia Moore requested in the detention memo that Esquivel — who was arrested late Thursday — remain in custody without bail.
“The defendant committed the charged murder on behalf of
MS-13, a violent transnational criminal enterprise whose members and associates have previously been convicted in this District of murder, obstruction of justice, assault and a number of other violent crimes,” Moore wrote in the court papers.
“The defendant’s membership and leadership position within the gang is significant because it demonstrates his proclivity for violence.”
Esquivel faces charges of murder in aid of racketeering and causing death through use of a firearm, and if convicted at trial faces mandatory life in prison or the death penalty.
During a brief phone and video Brooklyn federal court arraignment Friday, his lawyer, Samuel Gregory, entered a plea of not guilty on Esquivel’s behalf.
Esquivel will remain in custody, as Gregory did not object to
Moore’s request for remand.
Gregory declined to comment on the allegations but told The Post his client is an upstanding employee who works for a company installing underground sprinkler systems.
“His boss said he is a fantastic employee and speaks very highly of him. [The boss] says he’s been extremely reliable and has been employed with the company for three years,” Gregory said.