A federal jury in Brooklyn found Herberth Rodríguez, also known as “Kepa,” and Elias Martínez Villanueva, also known as “Rebelde,” guilty on all counts related to the November 1, 2020 murder of Diego Vanegas Vásquez, according to a March 20 announcement by the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. The convictions include murder in-aid-of racketeering and related firearms offenses. Rodríguez was also convicted of racketeering, attempted murder, narcotics trafficking, and unlawful possession of ammunition. Martínez Villanueva was additionally convicted of illegally re-entering the United States. Both men face mandatory life sentences.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address violent gang activity in Queens neighborhoods. The verdict follows a three-week trial before United States District Judge William F. Kuntz II.
“In committing the murder of Diego Vanegas Vásquez and other acts of brazen gang violence, the defendants terrorized a community in and around Roosevelt Avenue in Queens that they claimed was their territory,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. “Today’s verdict proves how wrong and misguided they are. It is the rule of law that controls and protects our communities. Our Office, together with our law enforcement partners, remains focused on dismantling violent gangs like 18th Street. I can state with confidence that the neighborhoods of Jackson Heights and Corona are safer with these defendants effectively removed from society and no longer free to perpetrate crimes.” Nocella also thanked several federal agencies for their assistance.
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr., said: “Herberth Rodriguez and Elias Villanueva – members of a notorious foreign terrorist organization (FTO), the 18th Street gang – committed a senseless murder out of retaliation and terrorized the community with brazen public gun fights…the FBI continues to eradicate the violence plaguing our streets and threatening the lives of innocent bystanders by attacking these FTOs head-on.” NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch added: “These convictions send a clear message: The NYPD will stop at nothing to identify, dismantle, and hold accountable street gangs that terrorize our communities with senseless gun violence…thanks to a thorough investigation led by NYPD detectives and a strong prosecution, our streets are now safer.”
Evidence presented at trial showed that both defendants were members of 18th Street—a gang involved in murder, robbery, extortion, production of fraudulent identification documents such as fake Social Security cards and green cards—and narcotics trafficking operations including cocaine sales used to fund firearms purchases for the group.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York supports community outreach efforts for victims according to its official website. The office maintains locations in Brooklyn and Central Islip per its official website while handling federal crime prosecutions across Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau County, and Suffolk County as indicated online. Breon Peace currently leads this office as United States Attorney according to its official website.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration-related crime networks nationwide.
