5 Barrio Azteca gang members sentenced to life in prison in federal court

By Adriana M. Chávez
El Paso Times
Posted: 04/13/2009 12:27:36 PM MDT

EL PASO -- Five reputed members of the Barrio Azteca gang were sentenced to life in prison Monday morning in federal court.

Carlos Perea, Manuel Cardoza, Benjamin Alvarez, Eugene Mona and Said Francisco Herrera were each given life sentences on charges of engaging in the affairs of a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and conspiracy to violate RICO statues. Perea, Cardoza and Alvarez were also sentenced to life in prison on charges of conspiracy to possess heroin, cocaine and marijuana with intent to distribute.

A sixth defendant, Arturo Enriquez, was sentenced to 15 years in prison on a charge of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by threats or violence.

Perea's attorney, Gary Weiser, told U.S. District Court Judge David Briones said he has filed a request for a new trial.

Adriana M. Chávez may be reached at achavez@elpasotimes.com; 546-6117.

http://www.elpasotimes.com/newupdated/ci_12133008