Johnson is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of Latin Kings. Now, 48 years later, officials have identified the 'Lady of the Dunes. Dozens Of Latin Kings Gang Members Arrested In Massachusetts He pleaded guilty on April 19, 2022 to one count of conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, and one count of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. Crime, Latest }. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Lellings Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. New Bedford Latin Kings: Who they are and what they've done 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. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. Standard-Times BOSTON A former member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation ("Latin Kings") was sentenced Tuesday on racketeering. Several alleged Latin Kings members have been released to the Over 60 Members of Latin Kings Charged - United States Department of Worcester:508-368-0100. District of Massachusetts = According to New Bedford Police report, on June 20, a convenience store on Purchase Street was robbed by two men carrying guns. Over the last several years, New Bedford has made considerable progress on improving public safety citywide, and the arrests today in our city will help us close the lid on violent crime in the near North End.. Orlando Santiago-Torres, a/k/a KING LANDY. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. 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. New Bedford police 'disappointed' at release of Latin Kings from custody 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Former Latin Kings Crown Council Chairman Angel Rodriguez (King Ace) pled guilty and his sentencing is scheduled for April, according to the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts. 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. display: none !important; Authorities say they were cooking. Stay up to date with everything Boston. Jose Rodriguez, a/k/a "King Stutter," 34, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to 54 months in prison and three years of supervised release. 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. Rodriguez is the 38th defendant to be sentenced in the case. SNY - Wikipedia 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. New Bedford, Massachusetts - Wikipedia 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. 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). 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All rights reserved. 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. Joe Bonavolonta, special agent in charge of the FBIs Boston division, said it was the largest takedown in the divisions history. 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. All of the remaining 60 defendants have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced or are awaiting sentencing. "King K-Milly," 19, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more . 2023 www.southcoasttoday.com. And in 2021, Belsky released his debut EP, I . We found a few you might not have explored yet that are definitely worth the trip. In November 2020, Lugo pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine base. The Almighty Latin Kings and Queen Nation is considered the oldest and largest predominantly Latino street gang in the country, tracing its roots to the 1960s in Chicago, where authorities say. U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts, Defendant instructed Latin Kings members to attack rival gang members, Former Leader of New Bedford Latin Kings Chapter Sentenced for Racketeering and Cocaine Conspiracy, Fitchburg Man Pleads Guilty to Wide-Ranging Cocaine Conspiracy, Boston Man Sentenced for Cambridge Bank Robbery, Leader of Boston Drug Trafficking Organization Pleads Guilty to Heroin and Fentanyl Conspiracy and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Distribution Activities, Former Leader of New Bedford Latin Kings Chapter Sentenced For Racketeering and Cocaine Conspiracy. Sweep of Latin Kings gang nets 46 in Massachusetts 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. The charge stemmed from a February incident in which a victim told police that a total of six people assaulted him and stole approximately $600 from his wallet. Velazquez is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. 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. Springfield:413-785-0235 In October Vasquez was violently terminated from the Latin Kings for violating a gang law forbidding fornication with the girlfriend of another member. These are the top stories of the past week on, New Bedford School Committee Members on Student Protest Against Oliver, New Bedford Mayor, City Councilor Denounce Councilor-Elect Olivers Memes, New Bedfords Hotel Waverly Most Recently Provided Sober Housing, New Bedford LGBTQ Students, Allies Plan Protest Over Olivers Election, Company Behind Former New Bedford Methadone Clinic Proposal Charged With Fraud, New Bedford 2016 Clinton Visit May Have Violated Election Laws, New Bedford Relocating Senior Programs and Adult Day Care, Massachusetts Pandemic SNAP Benefits End March 2. 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. Medina is the current Enforcer of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. This has fostered a culture of institutional violence and secrecy. Your email address will not be published. The properties were used by gang members to hide weapons,. 1 Courthouse Way, Suite 9200 Jorge Rodriguez is first alleged Latin Kings leader in 'Operation Jorge is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. 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. 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. Feds say Latin Kings cooked cocaine and planned killings - masslive Here are some things that should be a benefit for the few fortunate enough to receive a key to New Bedford. 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. Santiago-Torres is the current Cacique of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. Springfield:413-785-0235 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. Blocks away from a New Bedford charter school, Latin Kings members cooked crack cocaine, collected guns, shot at rivals and shot music videos where they boasted about their criminal. 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. 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. The charges range from RICO conspiracy to drug trafficking and firearms abuses. Boston, MA 02210, Boston:617-748-3100 The government recommended a sentence of 18 months incarceration. Official websites use .gov AG hopeful Andrea Campbell weathered traumatic family history, She was found brutally killed on a Provincetown beach. Of the 62 charged defendants in the raid, two remain in warrant status. 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. Here are descriptions from his bios of the city players: Jose Rodriguez is the current Inca for the New Bedford Chapter of The Latin Kings, and is the brother of Jorge Rodriguez and Roberto Vargas. 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. 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. 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. Another Latin Kings member then fired gunshots at the two victims striking them. The stations are commonly used as a mini pilgrimage as the individual moves from station to station. 'Queen Taliya' Pleads Guilty in Mass. Latin Kings Case - 1420 WBSM OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Over 60 Members of Latin Kings Charged, 23 from New Bedford Lelling said hes hopeful that the operation quiets the gangs activity on the East Coast. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. 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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case. Amsterdam Tourism Amsterdam Hotels Amsterdam Bed and Breakfast Amsterdam Vacation Rentals Amsterdam Vacation Packages Latin Kings schemed to launder drug money by flipping houses, feds say In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Feds: Latin King brothers gave marching orders in New Bedford gang war 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. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard of Mendells Organized Crime and Gang Unit prosecuted the case. Officials believe some lyrics are admissions of shooting other gang members. Lopez-Velez is a probationary member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. DONT WORRY THE JUDGES WILL LET THEM OFF LIKE EVERY OTHER BUST LIKE THIS. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. Official websites use .gov At the end of the beating, an item believed to be a wallet or a cell phone was taken from the victims pants pocket. Kevin Guadalupe, a.k.a. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. 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 sentencing Tuesday. All those charged were identified by their full names as well as nicknames such as King Nasty, King Fruity, and King Clumsy in charging documents. Paris admitted to his role in a February 2019 shooting of rival gang members and his participation in the Latin Kings drug distribution conspiracy based in the City of New Bedford. Member of Massachusetts Latin Kings gang admits to crimes 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. An official website of the United States government. Attorneys Emily Cannon and Philip Mallard of Lellings Organized Crime and Gang Unit are prosecuting the cases. 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. 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. New Bedford is target of major Latin Kings drug raid Luis Mendez, a/k/a King Primo, 41, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to 100 months in prison, with credit for time served in related state cases, and three years of supervised release. Lugo is the current secretary for the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. NEW YORK, June 8 (Reuters) - Forty-six people who authorities say are members or associates of the Latin Kings street gang face narcotics trafficking charges after a major drug sweep in. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Springfield:413-785-0235 Criminal activity in the eastern region is alleged to be overseen by 40-year-old Michael Cecchetelli, also known as King Merlin. Richard Neals long quest for Trumps tax returns is finished. A locked padlock 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. 46 Charged In Latin Kings Drug Bust In New Bedford - CBS Boston - CBS News 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. 27 Marcus Garvey Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11206 | Zillow As enforcer for the New Bedford Latin Kings,Vasquez approved a mission that involved shooting a victim in June 2019, the office stated. Having taken out most of the leadership, its extremely difficult for the gang to regroup in this region and time soon, he said. Worcester:508-368-0100. 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. Latin Kings schemed to launder drug money by flipping houses, feds say ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Avitable is the 56th defendant to be sentenced, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in a release. Felix-Riveras membership in the Latin Kings has been confirmed by numerous recordings where he is present during discussion of Latin Kings business and affairs, on court-authorized interceptions with other Latin Kings members discussing Latin Kings affairs and drug distribution, presence at meetings and gatherings with other Latin Kings members. Earlier . Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Valentin-Soto is a member and the former Cacique of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. Rodriguez conspired with other members of the Latin Kings to distribute controlled substances such as cocaine and cocaine base in New Bedford through a series of trap houses or multi-unit apartment buildings controlled by the Latin Kings. 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. Criminal activity in the Eastern Region is led by Michael Cecchetelli, a/k/a King Merlin, 40, of Springfield, who holds the title of Supreme East Coast Regional Overseer. Ill be down to ride, Im talking homicide, put like 30 in the clip and let them bullets fly, one man raps in a video called Chronicles. Another video shows the same man sitting at a table, packaging cocaine base for distribution, officials said. 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. Have a question about Government Services? Recordings from this year capture a cooperating witness purchasing cocaine from Valentin-Soto. Time after time, we uncovered their planning of brazen acts of violence against those who ran afoul of the gangs manifesto and constitution, he said. Michael Silvia Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. 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. 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. A lock ( 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Three men, including the alleged leader of the Latin Kings' "extremely well-organized and violent" New Bedford chapter, will be arraigned Monday in federal court on racketeering charges as. 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.
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