(The Epoch Times)—A federal judge on Wednesday sentenced Alexi Saenz, the leader of a notorious MS-13 clique, to 68 years in prison for orchestrating a wave of violence that left eight people dead in Long Island.
Saenz, 30, also known by the aliases “Blasty” and “Plaky,” led the Sailors Locos Salvatruchas Westside, a chapter of the transnational MS-13 gang operating in Long Island’s Brentwood and Central Islip, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York.
The sentencing, delivered by U.S. District Judge Gary R. Brown, marks one of the harshest penalties in a string of prosecutions targeting the gang’s leadership on the East Coast.
A Brutal Campaign
Prosecutors detailed a series of crimes committed under Saenz’s command, including eight murders, three attempted murders, arson, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The violence reached its most public flashpoint in September 2016, when two Brentwood High School students, Nisa Mickens and Kayla Cuevas, were killed with a machete and a baseball bat after a dispute with gang members.
The murders of Mickens, 15, and Cuevas, 16, shocked the nation and prompted President Donald Trump to visit Long Island, calling for the death penalty for Saenz and other gang members.
Victims’ Families Speak Out
During the emotional sentencing hearing, victims’ families confronted Saenz, describing the pain and devastation inflicted by the gang’s violence.
Elizabeth Alvarado, mother of Nisa Mickens, clutched a box containing her daughter’s ashes as she addressed Saenz directly: “Why did you take her? We are not supposed to bury our children.”
Santos Castillo, whose 15-year-old son Javier was also murdered, told the court he accepted the judge’s decision after years of anguish.
“I’m not able to be happy, but I’m satisfied,” Castillo said outside the courthouse. “It’s been painful. We’ve waited eight years for today.
“We came for lasting peace, work, and a better future for our children. Our lives will never be normal again.”
George Johnson, father of victim Michael Johnson, wore a shirt bearing his son’s image and demanded Saenz look him in the eye.
“A coward,” Johnson called him outside the courthouse.
Gang’s Methods and Motives
Federal investigators described Saenz as a key figure in maintaining and expanding MS-13’s grip on Long Island through ruthless violence and intimidation, according to the attorney’s office. The murders, often carried out with machetes, firearms, and baseball bats, targeted perceived rivals or those who had “disrespected” the gang.
Among the crimes Saenz admitted to were the January 2016 murder of Michael Johnson, the April 2016 murder of Oscar Acosta, and the October 2016 murder of Javier Castillo, all of whom were lured to secluded areas and killed after being suspected of rival gang affiliations. In several cases, victims were ambushed, beaten, and hacked to death, then buried in shallow graves or left in wooded areas.
Saenz also oversaw drug trafficking operations, using proceeds to purchase firearms, fund further criminal activity, and send money to MS-13 leaders in El Salvador.
Courtroom and Community Response
Saenz pleaded guilty last year to racketeering charges, avoiding a trial and prompting prosecutors to withdraw their intent to seek the death penalty. His attorneys argued for a 45-year sentence, citing his intellectual disabilities and traumatic upbringing in El Salvador, which they said made him vulnerable to recruitment and “grooming” by MS-13.
Saenz, addressing the court in Spanish, asked for forgiveness.
“I know my apology will not repair the harm and pain that I have caused. I know many of you do not accept my apology, but I want to say from the bottom of my heart that these words are sincere,” he said.
Prosecutors dismissed his apology as “self-serving,” pointing to his disciplinary record in custody, which included assaults, possession of weapons, and other contraband.
Judge Brown said the sentence was reduced by two years in recognition of Saenz’s guilty plea and his role in persuading his younger brother, Jairo Saenz, the gang’s second-in-command, to do the same. Jairo Saenz pleaded guilty in January and faces sentencing in September.
Ongoing Efforts Against MS-13
Law enforcement officials hailed the sentence as a major victory in the ongoing campaign to dismantle MS-13. “Alexi Saenz led an unspeakable reign of terror, killing, and crime that damaged his community and cost several people their lives,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr., in the U.S. Attorney’s Office July 2 press release.
FBI New York Assistant Director Christopher G. Raia added, “May today’s sentencing emphasize the FBI’s relentless determination to crush all gang violence plaguing our communities.”
Since 2003, hundreds of MS-13 members have been convicted on federal charges in the Eastern District of New York, including dozens of clique leaders. The investigation into MS-13’s activities on Long Island continues, led by a multi-agency task force.
How to Prepare for Food Emergencies if You Don’t Have a Homestead or Bunker
In an unpredictable world, where supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, or economic instability can strike without warning, having a reliable food supply is more than just smart—it’s essential for survival. Whether you’re a “prepper” or not, we all know the golden rule: self-sufficiency is key. But what if you’re living in an apartment, working long hours, or simply don’t have the land to turn into a thriving homestead? Don’t worry; there’s a practical, effective way to build your food security without needing acres of soil or a fortified bunker.
The Ideal Prep: Building Your Own Food Empire
The ultimate dream for any serious prepper is controlling your own food production. Imagine waking up to a sprawling garden bursting with fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs—tomatoes ripening on the vine, potatoes ready to harvest, and greens that provide nutrition year-round. Add in livestock like chickens for eggs and meat, and you’ve got a self-sustaining system that keeps your family fed no matter what chaos unfolds outside.
This approach isn’t just about calories; it’s about resilience. A well-maintained garden can yield hundreds of pounds of produce annually, while a small flock of chickens might produce dozens of eggs weekly. It’s empowering, cost-effective in the long run, and teaches invaluable skills like crop rotation, animal husbandry, and preservation techniques. If you have the space, time, and resources, starting small and scaling up is the best path to true independence.
The Reality Check: Not Everyone Can Homestead
But let’s face it—not all of us are in a position to go full homesteader. Urban dwellers might be limited to a balcony or community plot that’s far from sufficient for long-term needs. Busy professionals juggling jobs, families, and daily life often lack the hours required for daily tending. And for those in apartments, condos, or regions with harsh climates, raising livestock or maintaining a large garden simply isn’t feasible. Factors like zoning laws, soil quality, water access, or even physical limitations can make this ideal out of reach.
That’s where the frustration sets in. You want to be prepared, but without a homestead or bunker, how do you ensure your pantry doesn’t run dry during a prolonged crisis? The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice your preparedness goals. There’s a smart, accessible alternative that bridges the gap: investing in high-quality, long-term storage food.
The Smart Alternative: Long-Term Storage Food from Heaven’s Harvest
Long-term storage food is designed for exactly these scenarios—providing nutrient-dense, shelf-stable meals that last for decades without refrigeration or special conditions. It’s the perfect solution for preppers who can’t rely on fresh production but still demand reliability and variety in their emergency stockpile.
At Heaven’s Harvest, they specialize in premium survival food kits that make preparedness effortless. Their products are crafted with the prepper mindset in mind: non-GMO, made in the USA, and packed with real ingredients that taste like home-cooked meals, not bland rations. Whether you’re stocking up for a short-term blackout or a long-haul SHTF event, our kits offer:
- Extended Shelf Life: Up to 25 years of storage, so you can buy once and forget about rotation worries.
- Nutritional Balance: High-protein entrees, fruits, vegetables, and dairy alternatives to keep your energy up and health intact.
- Ease of Preparation: Just add water, and you’ve got hearty meals like beef stroganoff, chili mac, or cheesy lasagna ready in minutes—no garden weeding required.
- Customizable Options: From individual buckets to family-sized kits, scale your supply to fit your needs and budget.
- Peace of Mind: Sealed in durable, waterproof containers that protect against pests, moisture, and light.
Unlike generic store-bought cans that spoil quickly or lack variety, Heaven’s Harvest focuses on quality and sustainability. Our food is freeze-dried or dehydrated to lock in flavor and nutrients, ensuring you’re not just surviving but thriving. And for those concerned about allergens or dietary preferences, we offer gluten-free and vegetarian options to keep everyone covered.
Why Wait? Secure Your Food Supply Today
Preparing for food emergencies doesn’t require a homestead or bunker—it requires action. By choosing long-term storage food from Heaven’s Harvest, you’re taking control in a way that fits your lifestyle. Start small with a 72-hour kit to test the waters, or go all-in with a year’s supply for ultimate security.
Visit Heaven’s Harvest today and use code “PATRIOT” for an exclusive discount on your order. Don’t let limitations hold you back; build your resilient future, one meal at a time. Your family will thank you when it matters most.
Sixty Eight years??? Why not 68 death sentences!!!!!
Did they run out of rope in New York state?
Life for life. Genesis 9:6
Spot on post .
This is BS. One, he should receive a very swift death penalty – as in yesterday. Second, the people who allowed this low-life into this country should all be parties to this lawsuit and punished accordingly as in life in prison for allowing this. They are all accomplices to this and other crimes committed by these illegals.
MS-13 “Leader” should of been shot in the head… Twice.