A member of the Sureno 13 gang has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after being convicted on drug and gun charges in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Hector Espinosa, 37, from Stephens City, was found guilty by a jury in November 2024 of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
“This office will seek maximum accountability against transnational criminal organizations who prey on our citizens and communities,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci. “I am grateful for the outstanding work of our federal partners at the Drug Enforcement Administration and the ATF on this case.”
Evidence presented during the trial showed that Espinosa conspired with Ivan Ruiz-Gonzalez and others to distribute significant amounts of methamphetamine in the Northern Shenandoah Valley region. On February 21, 2023, law enforcement arranged a controlled purchase through co-conspirator Andres Vicencio. Vicencio contacted Ruiz-Gonzalez to obtain methamphetamine; agents observed Ruiz-Gonzalez entering Espinosa’s home to collect a pound of methamphetamine before passing it to Vicencio, who then sold it to an undercover source. When authorities searched Espinosa’s residence, he answered the door with a firearm in his waistband.
Espinosa claimed during his trial that Ruiz-Gonzalez was at his house that night to buy ‘carnitas’ for his catering business. However, evidence and business records did not support this claim.
After his conviction but before sentencing, Espinosa threatened a witness involved in the case while both were incarcerated together. He tried to coerce the witness into recanting testimony by threatening harm to the witness and their family.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci for the Western District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Christopher C. Goumenis, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Washington Division.
The investigation was conducted by several agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Virginia State Police, and Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Taskforce. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Welsh prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of an initiative under Executive Order 14159 aimed at dismantling criminal cartels and foreign gangs operating within or affecting communities across Virginia through coordinated efforts among federal agencies.
