El Salvador courts hand down massive sentences to over 170 gang members

On 26 June 2026, the Fifth Criminal Chamber of San Salvador sentenced MS‑13 member Kevin Alexander Ochoa Cornejo to 16 years in prison for aggravated extortion after demanding payments from a local merchant.

Within the same week, the First Court Against Organized Crime in San Salvador delivered prison terms to 173 alleged gang members belonging to MS‑13 and the Barrio 18 Revolucionarios. Sentences ranged from 25 to 45 years for offenses including membership in illegal organizations, illegal firearms possession, and drug trafficking. Leaders received up to 45 years, while civilians and collaborators were sentenced to 25‑30 years.