Barrio Azteca Leader Receives Life Prison Sentence

One gang leader has received a hefty prison sentence.

Robert Angel Cardona, also known as “Little Angelillo” of El Paso, Texas received a sentence of life in prison for participating in a racketeering conspiracy. He pleaded guilty on August 2^nd, 2011.

Cardona and thirty five members and associates of the Barrio Azteca gang have been charged in a third indictment on various counts of racketeering, murder, drug offenses, money laundering, and obstruction of justice. 19, including Cardona, have pleaded guilty.

According to a press release from the United State Department of Justice, the Barrio Azteca gang profits from importing heroin, cocaine, and marijuana into the United States from Mexico, and charges a “street tax” on businesses and criminals operating on their turf.

During the trial, a witness testified about personally attending a meeting at which Cardona ordered extortions, assaults, and kidnappings.

“The sentencing of Barrio Azteca leader Roberto Cardona is a victory for both U.S. and Mexican law enforcement,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Michele Leonhart.