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. Velazquez is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. BOSTONForty-six individuals, many of whom are alleged to be leaders, members, significant criminal associates, or drug suppliers of the Latin Kings street gang, operating in New Bedford, Massachusetts, were charged today on federal and state drug offenses. Avitable was also heard on multiple recordings in discussions with gang leaders, including discussing a joint real estate deal with Rodriguez and how he would help launder drug money for the Latin Kings. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Southeastern Massachusetts Gang Task Force. In February 2019, Paris fired multiple gunshots at rival gang members who were observed leaving a Latin Kings trap house. All of the remaining 60 defendants have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced or are awaiting sentencing. 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. BOSTON A Boston man has been indicted in connection with the September 2022 robbery of a bank in Brookline. Figueroa is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings and former member of the Devon Street Kings Chapter. 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. 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. Worcester:508-368-0100. Lock Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal 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. These apartment buildings, referred to as "trap houses" by the Latin Kings, were used by the gang in furtherance of the racketeering conspiracy. Assistant U.S. '. In October 2019, a juvenile Latin Kings member was murdered steps away from one of the trap houses.. The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. Mass. Lelling said hes hopeful that the operation quiets the gangs activity on the East Coast. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Police in New Bedford say. During the robbery, which was captured on video, the victim was chased down in the middle of a busy street, thrown to the ground and kicked and beaten by six members of the Latin Kings. She stated that she was present for the assault and when the group was told to eat and they began assaulting the victim, Barboza indicated that she thought that meant her too, and that the other Latin Kings members were holding her back. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for June 10, 2021. A locked padlock Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement today. In another incident in July 2019, Santiago-Torres fired multiple times at rival gang members as they fled a fight with the Latin Kings in a New Bedford street. Officials believe some lyrics are admissions of shooting other gang members. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found athttps://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. BOSTON - A former member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation ("Latin Kings") pleaded guilty on March 3 to racketeering charges. The state defendants will be prosecuted by District Attorney Sutters Office. 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. Reyes-Smith is believed to have left Massachusetts following a May 2018 shooting that was caught on camera and for which he is currently in warrant status. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. Here are some things that should be a benefit for the few fortunate enough to receive a key to New Bedford. A lock ( The sentence was handed down by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel despite the government recommending a sentence of 10 months in prison. 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. BOSTON A former member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) was sentenced today on racketeering charges. In October was convicted of witness intimidation in New Bedford District Court, and placed on one year of probation. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. 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. Wednesday, April 13, 2022 Former Member of New Bedford Latin Kings Sentenced to Over Eight Years in Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy BOSTON - A former member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) was sentenced today on racketeering charges. Dozens of firearms, including machine guns and sawed-off shotguns, were seized, as well as six cars, six motorcycles, three jet skis, an ATV, various drugs, and about $38,000 in cash. According to a news release from Massachusetts US Attorney's office, Ines Lugo, a/k/a Queen China, 42, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to time served (approximately 47 days in prison) and three years of supervised release. 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 criminal organization. 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. The first snowstorm of the New Year delayed a Sunset Park holiday celebration, but not for long. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. Kevin Guadalupe, a.k.a. Four Latin Kings, including a New Bedford teen accused in multiple assaults, have been released on bail by federal judges after the massive "Operation Throne Down" sweep earlier this month,. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. The victim was apparently targeted for selling drugs from a source that was not gang-approved. Three individuals have also been charged with drug trafficking offenses. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Raekwon Paris, a/k/a King Debo, 25, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to 22 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Boston, MA 02210, Boston:617-748-3100 Among 11 active Latin Kings chapters in Massachusetts, New Bedford was singled out in the affidavit for its "extremely. In October Vasquez was violently terminated from the Latin Kings for violating a gang law forbidding fornication with the girlfriend of another member. Assistant U.S. 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. The Latin Kings are known to sell cocaine, fentanyl and heroin. Lugo is the current secretary for the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. }. Official websites use .gov United States Attorney Carmen Ortiz; Richard DesLauriers, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Marian J. McGovern, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; C. Samuel Sutter, Bristol County District Attorney; Chief David A. Provencher of the New Bedford Police Department; Josh Wall, Chairman of the Massachusetts Parole Board; and Thomas M. Hodgson, Bristol County Sheriff made the announcement today. 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. Authorities identified 380 Latin Kings members who in the Department of Correction's custody as of December. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Guadalupe 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. BOSTON A Boston man has been sentenced for robbing a TD Bank branch in Cambridge. Bedford Who Charity Con 8 is being held this month and offering 10% off tickets for readers of Doctor Who News. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. Your email address will not be published. An official website of the United States government. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 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,. Santiago is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. 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. 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. 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. 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. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. 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. New Bedford Latin Kings bought houses they planned to renovate and flip in an elaborate scheme to launder drug money, feds say a move one organized crime expert called an indicator of how . 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. 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. View this $1800000 4 bed, 3.0 bath, 4875 sqft single family home located at 27 Marcus Garvey Blvd built in 1931 on Zillow. On June 15, 2021, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base and to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. 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. Lock Specifically, in August 2019, she conspired with others to obtain cocaine base from members of the Latin Kings in New Bedford for resale. A lock ( ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. A confidential witness stated that Carrasquillo and Guadalupe committed the robbery with the acquiescence of the store owner for insurance proceeds. NEW BEDFORD (CBS) - Forty-six people, many of whom are alleged Latin Kings street gang members, were charged Friday for state and federal drug law violations. 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. However, there are actually quite a few museums throughout New Bedford for a wide range of interests. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Lellings Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. 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. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. 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.. Reyes-Smith is a former member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings, who is believed to have left the area and returned to North Carolina. In total, 62 alleged gang members were charged nine of which were already in custody and eight of which are now fugitives. Vargas is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. Now, 48 years later, officials have identified the 'Lady of the Dunes. Following the murder of a Latin Kings member in October 2019, and while serving as Inca of the New Bedford Chapter, Rodriguez was recorded during a Latin Kings meeting instructing members to attack rival gang members without seeking his specific approval for the acts of violence. Mendez has historically held various leadership positions. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Assistant U.S. Mendez also participated in a shooting of two victims in May 2018. A total of 22 individuals are named from New Bedford as members of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation in the indictment filed by FBI Special Agent Dominic Coppo. Learn how your comment data is processed. The charges range from RICO conspiracy to drug trafficking and firearms abuses. Amsterdam. The office stated that Vasquez is the 53rd defendant to be sentenced in the case. This has fostered a culture of institutional violence and secrecy. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the chat, Lugo tells the other members, U bros better eat on them especially roger for knowing how we roll and still letting a [expletive] tho down our krown.. Both victims fled in the vehicle and survived. Vasquez is a former member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings, and a former enforcer the New Bedford Chapter. The RICO conspiracy charge provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. In 2010, law enforcement began to see an increase in street-level drug sales and violence in areas of the city known to be occupied by the Latin Kings. 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 . 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. 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. Mendez is the 50thdefendant to be sentenced in the case. Robert Bobby Avitable, 52, was sentenced to time served (approximately four days in prison) and three years of supervised release. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Mendells Criminal Division prosecuted the case. To get at gang leadership, you almost always need a highly placed cooperating source, he said. Criminal activity in the eastern region is alleged to be overseen by 40-year-old Michael Cecchetelli, also known as King Merlin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case. At the end of the beating, an item believed to be a wallet or a cell phone was taken from the victims pants pocket. BOSTON A former member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) was sentenced Wednesday on drug conspiracy charges. The charges stem from a long-term investigation into narcotics sales in the area. Springfield:413-785-0235 Recordings from this year capture a cooperating witness purchasing cocaine from Valentin-Soto. 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. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and is motivated by a desire to further its influence and to protect its turf from rival gangs. 1. Receive the latest news and breaking updates, straight from our newsroom to your inbox. More than 500 law enforcement agents began making arrests around 4 a.m. Thursday after the four-year investigation into the gang. A December 2019 operation called "Operation Throne Down" saw 62 Latin Kings leaders, members and associates arrested and indicted for racketeering, drug trafficking, and firearms violations. 1 Courthouse Way, Suite 9200 Boston Office: New Bedford Latin Kings: Who they are and what they've done In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms. The two great monetary corporations, the South-Sea Company and the Bank of England, made proposals to parliament on the 20th of May ensuing. Official websites use .gov The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. Here are descriptions from . Attorneys Emily Cannon and Philip Mallard of Lellings Organized Crime and Gang Unit are prosecuting the cases. Rodriguez served as Inca, or leader, of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. 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. 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. Raekwon Paris, a/k/a "King Debo," 25, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to 22 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Cecchetelli, a 40-year-old from Springfield with ties to the. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Shortly after the shooting, Paris was captured on a recording made by a cooperating witness admitting to shooting at the rival gang members and firing eight shots but not striking anyone.