Members of home invasion crew say Silverio was integral

There was no honor among thieves in the trial for Mario Silverio, Gwinnett County prosecutors said during closing arguments Friday.

Two members of a nine-man home invasion crew testified that Silverio helped them select victims and provided the guns for a robbery spree that terrorized Gwinnett in the spring of 2004.

That testimony proves Silverio is “absolutely a party to every one of these crimes,” Assistant District Attorney Lisa Jones said.

Silverio, 22, and the other suspects are accused of targeting nine homes in the Hispanic community. The masked gunmen tied up and robbed residents. Victims were shot, tortured, beaten and sexually assaulted.

Defense attorney Norman Cuadra argued that Silverio was a hard-working roofer who cut ties with his former gang, Pachucos Locos 14, when his son was born in 2003.

Jewelry and valuables taken from home invasion victims were found in Silverio’s apartment because he agreed to pawn them as a favor to old gang pals, Cuadra said.

“Is he guilty merely because he was associated with these guys? No,” Cuadra said.

The jury began deliberating Friday afternoon. They will resume on Monday.