More than 60 members of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation commonly known as the Latin Kings are facing federal charges after the FBI and other agencies carried out a large-scale bust Thursday morning, officials said. December 5, 2019 In New Bedford, the Latin Kings ran a vast cocaine base distribution network that used multi-unit apartment buildings known as trap houses to distribute narcotics. Have a question about Government Services? The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. In 2006, an investigation into the Latin Kings resulted in the state and federal prosecution of 37 members and associates in the New Bedford area, significantly disrupting the gang for several years. More than 60 members of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation commonly known as the Latin Kings are facing federal charges after the FBI and other agencies carried out a large-scale. Defendant agrees to forfeit three apartment buildings in New Bedford BOSTON - A former landlord and associate of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) was sentenced today for racketeering and drug offenses. Vasquez had pleaded guilty to the federal racketeering charges in July 2021. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Worcester:508-368-0100. Assistant U.S. Orlando Santiago-Torres, a/k/a KING LANDY. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. NEW BEDFORD FBI agents and New York Police Department officers raided two locations in the North End of New Bedford Thursday morning as part of a statewide crackdown on the Latin. Members of the Latin Kings dealt drugs in the trap houses, obtaining their supply of cocaine base from co-defendant, and leader of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings, Jorge Rodriguez, a/k/a King G. Evidence developed during the course of the investigation included multiple recordings of Latin Kings members cooking cocaine base, directing violence against rival gang members, meting out discipline, and handling firearms used to protect the Latin Kings drug distribution network. A confidential witness stated that Carrasquillo and Guadalupe committed the robbery with the acquiescence of the store owner for insurance proceeds. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case. In October 2019, a juvenile Latin Kings member was murdered steps away from one of the trap houses.. A lock ( This has fostered a culture of institutional violence and secrecy. SNY - Wikipedia Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Boston, MA 02210, Boston:617-748-3100 DONT WORRY THE JUDGES WILL LET THEM OFF LIKE EVERY OTHER BUST LIKE THIS. Up through the 17th century, the area was the territory of the Wampanoag Native American people. Two high-ranking brothers of the Latin Kings oversaw brutal beatings and attempted murders in New Bedford as a bloody gang war escalated with the death of a teenager in October, a. Court documents detail years of gang members conspiring to kill snitches, organizing for prisoners to be attacked via coded letters, and running a robust drug trafficking organization. Velazquez is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. Official websites use .gov In December 2020, Paris pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. Here are some things that should be a benefit for the few fortunate enough to receive a key to New Bedford. Former New Bedford Latin Kings Enforcer Sentenced - 1420 WBSM BOSTON A former member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) was sentenced yesterday on racketeering charges. An official website of the United States government. Just two months later, in September 2019, he and other gang members shot and struck a victim with a gun later found in Santiago-Torres' apartment. 1 Courthouse Way, Suite 9200 We found a few you might not have explored yet that are definitely worth the trip. Depending on the drug quantity, the drug trafficking conspiracy and distribution charges provide for a sentence of up to 20 years, 40 years, or life, a minimum of three, four or five years of supervised release and fines of $1 million, $5 million and $10 million. Other videos were shot at locations where Latin Kings members were murdered and feature threats to other gangs, court documents say. Santiago-Torres is the current Cacique of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. In 2006, an investigation into the Latin Kings resulted in the state and federal prosecution of 37 members and associates in the New Bedford area, significantly disrupting the gang for several years. Member of Massachusetts Latin Kings gang admits to crimes Kevin Guadalupe, a.k.a. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. New Bedford Latin Kings: Who they are and what they've done Three men, including the leader of the Latin Kings' "extremely well-organized and violent" New Bedford chapter, will be arraigned Monday in federal court on racketeering charges as gang members . U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts, Former Member of New Bedford Latin Kings Sentenced to Over Eight Years in Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy, Boston Man Sentenced for Cambridge Bank Robbery, New Hampshire Man Indicted for Allegedly Robbing Five Massachusetts Banks, Boston Man Indicted for Robbing Brookline Bank, Former Member of New Bedford Latin Kings Sentenced To Over Eight Years In Prison For Racketeering Conspiracy. EXTRAORDINARY POPULAR DELUSIONS - gutenberg.org During the four-year investigation, law enforcement developed evidence that the Latin Kings trafficked drugs, conspired to murder more than 10 victims, and committed violent crimes including numerous incidents of robbery, shootings, stabbings and witness intimidation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Crime, Latest 62 members of the Latin Kings charged in 'largest takedown' in FBI All rights reserved. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. 10 young bluesbreakers who are making the Blues fun again Served 20 years in the United States Air Force. Follow Boston.com on Instagram (Opens in a New Tab), Follow Boston.com on Twitter (Opens in a New Tab), Like Boston.com on Facebook (Opens in a New Tab). There are 11 active Latin Kings Chapters operating in Massachusetts: D5K (Boston), Morton Street Bricks (Boston), New Bedford, Springfield, Lynn/Salem, Chelsea, Lowell, Lawrence, Worcester, Fitchburg and within the Department of Corrections. Have a question about Government Services? Rodriguez and several others were tied to "trap houses" in New Bedford where Latin Kings members hid "nation" guns and drugs, according to the indictment. Latin Kings 'trap house' landlord gets supervised release by federal Vargas is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. BOSTON A Boston man has been sentenced for robbing a TD Bank branch in Cambridge. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf. Stations of the Cross - Christ The King Church Avitable is the 56th defendant to be sentenced, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in a release. A locked padlock BOSTON It's seven years in prison for a former enforcer for the New Bedford chapter of the Latin Kings gang who pleaded guilty last year to racketeering conspiracy. Mendez was also present during a December 2018 group assault in a garage, where co-defendant Michael Cotto, a/k/a King Gordo, was captured participating in a group assault of another individual and observed striking the victim with a baseball bat. Mass. His orders were often violent, Lelling said, including ordering the murder of those who questioned his authority and authorizing various levels of violence against anyone cooperating with law enforcement.. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Over 60 Members of Latin Kings Charged - United States Department of The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Attorneys Emily Cannon and Philip Mallard of Lellings Organized Crime and Gang Unit are prosecuting the cases. Everyone undoubtedly thinks of the New Bedford Whaling Museum when they look for an indoor day in the city. The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. Robert Avitabile, known as Bobby, admitted to his association with the Latin Kings in federal court on Tuesday, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Former New Bedford Latin King pleads guilty to racketeering - Yahoo! The RICO conspiracy charge provides a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Forty-Six Latin King Gang Members and Associates Charged with - FBI Mendez is the 50thdefendant to be sentenced in the case. Lelling said nearly all of the East Coast leadership was charged in the sting. Learn how your comment data is processed. Latin Kings schemed to launder drug money by flipping houses, feds say According to the U.S. Department of Justice, there are 11 active Latin Kings chapters in Massachusetts. An official website of the United States government. Earlier . Have a question about Government Services? Guadalupe admitted to participating in an unarmed robbery committed in November 2019 by members of the Latin Kings in New Bedford. Worcester:508-368-0100. SportsNet New York ( SNY) is an American regional sports network owned by Sterling Entertainment Enterprises, LLC, itself a joint venture between the Fred Wilpon (which owns a controlling 65% interest) Sterling Equities, Charter Communications through its acquisition of Time Warner Cable in May 2016 (which owns 27%) and Comcast, through . BOSTON (AP) More than 60 members of the Latin Kings have been arrested on federal racketeering, drug and firearms charges, including the leaders of the street gang's East Coast operations,. King K-Milly, 19, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. New Bedford is target of major Latin Kings drug raid Medina is the current Enforcer of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard of Mendells Organized Crime and Gang Unit prosecuted the case. BOSTON A former leader of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) was sentenced today on racketeering and drug charges. In 2018, Johnson pleaded guilty to larceny from a person and assault and battery by means of dangerous weapon and was sentenced to 1 year in the House of Correction. Criminal activity in the eastern region is alleged to be overseen by 40-year-old Michael Cecchetelli, also known as King Merlin. Several arrested members of the so-called Latin Kings street gang have been released on bail in New Bedford and local law enforcement officials are not pleased. "King K-Milly," 19, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more . In November 2020, Lugo pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine base. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Feds say Latin Kings cooked cocaine and planned killings - masslive A February recording captures Barboza and others discussing the beating of an individual. Mendez also participated in a shooting of two victims in May 2018. BOSTON A New Hampshire man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for the allegedly committing a string of five bank robberies across Northern Massachusetts. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Cotto is also featured on numerous YouTube videos with other members of the New Bedford Chapter posted by Latin Kings New Bedford Chapter member holding money, flashing firearms and gang signs, and generally dancing to music with lyrics that discuss Latin Kings members shooting rival gangs. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. Assistant U.S. Missing teen from Fall River found in New Bedford Latin Kings raid Former Trap House Landlord and Associate of New Bedford Latin Kings A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, Avitable rented apartments to Latin Kings members knowing they would be uses to sell, store and manufacture drugs. All of the remaining 60 defendants have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced or are awaiting sentencing. In October was convicted of witness intimidation in New Bedford District Court, and placed on one year of probation. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Three individuals have also been charged with drug trafficking offenses. To that end, the young six-string champion has made good on his initial promise, having shared the stage with Marcus King at the Crossroads Festival when he was just 14. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf. The U.S. Attorneys Office said the partnership between Avitable and Rodriguez granted a safe haven to the Latin Kings allowing crimes to fester and grow more brazen as members operated with a sentence of impunity. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. According to New Bedford Police report, on June 20, a convenience store on Purchase Street was robbed by two men carrying guns. Federal court documents detail how law enforcement spent four years infiltrating the gang, recording high-level conversations through informants and scouring social media for posts implicating any of its members in crimes. BOSTON - A former member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation ("Latin Kings") was sentenced yesterday on racketeering charges. Owner of New Bedford Guide. Latin Kings schemed to launder drug money by flipping houses, feds say Jorge is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. He is captured discussing Latin Kings business and affairs and featured in a YouTube video with other members of the New Bedford Chapter depicting her wearing gang colors, and flashing gang signs. The East Coast and Massachusetts leadership of the Almighty Latin Kings and Queen Nation (Latin Kings), including more than 60 members and associates, face federal charges. New Bedford Latin Kings: Who they are and what they've done The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. New Bedford Latin Kings:Who they are and what theyve done. Amsterdam. On January 4, UPROSE, Brooklyn's oldest Latino community based organization, held its first Three . However, there are actually quite a few museums throughout New Bedford for a wide range of interests. District of Massachusetts Mendez admitted that these victims were targeted because one of the victims previously objected to Latin Kings members conducting drug transactions in the victims driveway. Mendez is currently detained for a federal drug offense, pending in U.S. District. Rodriguez faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of no more than $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. Among 11 active Latin Kings chapters in Massachusetts, New Bedford was singled out in the affidavit for its "extremely. BOSTON A Boston man has been sentenced for robbing a TD Bank branch in Cambridge. 1 Courthouse Way, Suite 9200 Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling called the Latin Kings one of the largest criminal organizations in the world.. New Bedford Latin Kings: Who they are and what they've done Jerry Boggs jboggs@s-t.com A total of 22 individuals are named from New Bedford as members of the Almighty Latin King and Queen. On Nov. 3, 2021, Mendez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. In New Bedford, the Latin Kings ran a vast cocaine base distribution network that used multi-unit apartment buildings known as "trap houses" to distribute the narcotics, a press release. Dozens of Latin Kings arrested in federal sweep - YouTube View this $1800000 4 bed, 3.0 bath, 4875 sqft single family home located at 27 Marcus Garvey Blvd built in 1931 on Zillow. More than 60 Latin Kings members and associates arrested New Bedford Latin Kings bought houses they planned to renovate and flip in an elaborate scheme to launder drug money, feds say a move . Joe Bonavolonta, special agent in charge of the FBIs Boston division, said it was the largest takedown in the divisions history. Springfield:413-785-0235 BOSTON A Boston man has been indicted in connection with the September 2022 robbery of a bank in Brookline. The properties were used by gang members to hide weapons,. The stations are commonly used as a mini pilgrimage as the individual moves from station to station. Vasquez is a former member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings, and a former enforcer the New Bedford Chapter. Members of the gangs East Coast leadership are among those charged, according to authorities. FBI arrests 47, seizes three houses in crackdown on Latin Kings gang Boston Office: As enforcer for the New Bedford Latin Kings,Vasquez approved a mission that involved shooting a victim in June 2019, the office stated. In February 2019, Paris fired multiple gunshots at rival gang members who were observed leaving a Latin Kings trap house. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. Restaurants near New King, Amsterdam on Tripadvisor: Find traveler reviews and candid photos of dining near New King in Amsterdam, North Holland Province. Behind bars: How Massachusetts jails are working to break up Latin Santiago is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. King G, who at the time was second in command of the Latin Kings in Massachusetts. NEW BEDFORD The owner of multiple apartment buildings used by the New Bedford Latin Kings gang for dealing drugs has pleaded guilty to racketeering and drug conspiracy charges. Lock Three houses in New Bedford were seized that Bonavolonta said the Latin Kings were using as trap houses to store and sell illegal narcotics, stash firearms, and shoot music videos posting about their love of violence.. Another Latin Kings member then fired gunshots at the two victims striking them. Lugo admitted that she conspired with other Latin Kings members and leaders to possess cocaine base (also known as crack cocaine) with the intent to distribute it. United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement today. New Bedford Latin Kings Member 'King K-Milly' Pleads Guilty - 1420 WBSM Former Enforcer for Massachusetts Latin Kings Sentenced for Many of those arrested Thursday morning appear in numerous YouTube rap videos, wearing the Latin Kings colors (black and gold), flashing gang signs, and rapping about drugs and murder. RUIZ is also featured in a number of YouTube videos with other members of the New Bedford Chapter depicting her wearing gang colors, and flashing gang signs. Investigators obtained a series of Facebook messages from January related to the planned beating of an individual who had posted photographs of himself throwing up Latin Kings gang signs, though he is not affiliated with the gang. Official websites use .gov Following the shooting, Mendez discussed the incident on a court-authorized wiretap and advised the shooter that the victims would not be coming to court due to the efforts of the Latin Kings to intimidate them. Officials believe some lyrics are admissions of shooting other gang members. Sweep of Latin Kings gang nets 46 in Massachusetts Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Lellings Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. Contact Us- Overview- Territory/Jurisdiction, News and Outreach- Press Room | Stories- In Your Community, About Us- Our People & Capabilities- What We Investigate- Our Partnerships- Boston History, This content has been reproduced from its. Authorities say they were cooking. Figueroa is featured in numerous rap videos under the name, Almighty King Pun, where he discusses various Latin Kings racketeering activity. Over 60 Members of Latin Kings Charged, 23 from New Bedford This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. The U.S. Attorney's Office said 28-year-old Jose Vasquez, known as "King Fearless," will also spend three years on probation following his release from prison after his . A locked padlock An official website of the United States government. Cecchetelli, a 40-year-old from Springfield with ties to the. United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction made the announcement today.