The properties were used by gang members to hide weapons,. Springfield:413-785-0235 94 in Latin Kings Are Arrested Citywide - The New York Times The government recommended a sentence of 18 months incarceration. Former New Bedford Latin Kings Landlord Sentenced Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Mendez was a member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings and as such he participated in the drug distribution activities that were based in multi-unit apartment buildings, known as trap houses that the Latin Kings controlled in the northern section of New Bedford. 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. Cotto is a member of the New Bedford Chapter and former Eastern Massachusetts Regional Officer for the Latin Kings. 46 Charged In Latin Kings Drug Bust In New Bedford - CBS Boston - CBS News Stations of the Cross - Christ The King Church Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. In February 2019, Paris fired multiple gunshots at rival gang members who were observed leaving a Latin Kings trap house. display: none !important; According to the office,Vasquez also admitted totaking part in a May 2018 double shooting in which Latin Kings members chased the victims to a vehicle, then surrounded it and slashed their tires. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 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. According to court documents, the Eastern Region of the Latin Kings encompasses local chapters in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, and various other states along the eastern seaboard from Maryland to Florida. To get at gang leadership, you almost always need a highly placed cooperating source, he said. 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. District of Massachusetts 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. Thursdays widespread arrests involved seven FBI SWAT teams, three tactical teams, five supporting aircraft, and three canine units. Having taken out most of the leadership, its extremely difficult for the gang to regroup in this region and time soon, he said. Former New Bedford Latin Kings member sentenced on drug charges Boston, MA 02210, Boston:617-748-3100 This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. Former Enforcer for Massachusetts Latin Kings Sentenced for The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. A locked padlock 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 . 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. Official websites use .gov Rivera is the 23rd defendant sentenced in the case. Avitable worked directly with Jorge Rodriguez, a.k.a. }. All rights reserved. The Latin Kings are known to sell cocaine, fentanyl and heroin. 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. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. Rodriguez faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of no more than $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. 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. 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. 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,. BOSTON A Boston man has been indicted in connection with the September 2022 robbery of a bank in Brookline. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. It is alleged that during the investigation, recorded undercover purchases revealed that over the last 18 months, the individuals arrested today sold narcotics in the New Bedford to cooperating witnesses and undercover officers. BOSTON A Boston man has been sentenced for robbing a TD Bank branch in Cambridge. Both victims fled in the vehicle and survived. 'Queen Taliya' Pleads Guilty in Mass. Latin Kings Case - 1420 WBSM An official website of the United States government. A violent criminal enterprise with thousands of members across the U.S., the Latin Kings sell drugs to generate revenue and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. 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. Your email address will not be published. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 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. Assistant U.S. 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. The convention is being held this year on Saturday 18th March in The King's House, Bedford, about 50 miles north of London. 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. 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.. These apartment buildings, referred to as "trap houses" by the Latin Kings, were used by the gang in furtherance of the racketeering conspiracy. New Bedford Mayor Mitchell comments on Councillor-elect Olivers posts on transgender rights, New Bedford man arrested by MBTA Police for allegedly attempting to rob passenger, Three arrested in New Bedford carjacking, including juvenile female, Washington D.C. man, Massachusetts man found guilty of felony, misdemeanor charges related to Capitol Breach. Bedford Who Charity Con 8 is being held this month and offering 10% off tickets for readers of Doctor Who News. 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, Heres What Happened to New Bedfords Jimmie Evans Flyer Diner. 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. 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. The two great monetary corporations, the South-Sea Company and the Bank of England, made proposals to parliament on the 20th of May ensuing. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. 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. Of the 62 charged defendants in the raid, two remain in warrant status. 62 members of the Latin Kings charged in 'largest takedown' in FBI Have a question about Government Services? 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. Recordings from this year capture a cooperating witness purchasing cocaine from Valentin-Soto. Official websites use .gov This morning, over 500 federal, state and local law enforcement officers arrested dozens of Latin Kings members and associates and executed 31 search warrants at 24 locations. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found athttps://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. More than 500 law enforcement agents began making arrests around 4 a.m. Thursday after the four-year investigation into the gang. In the old days, receiving a key to the city actually opened some physical doors. Latin Kings 'trap house' landlord gets supervised release by federal Orlando Santiago-Torres, a/k/a KING LANDY. However, there are actually quite a few museums throughout New Bedford for a wide range of interests. 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. The state defendants will be prosecuted by District Attorney Sutters Office. Figueroa is featured in numerous rap videos under the name, Almighty King Pun, where he discusses various Latin Kings racketeering activity. Authorities identified 380 Latin Kings members who in the Department of Correction's custody as of December. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. 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. 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. 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. Medina is the current Enforcer of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. Officials believe some lyrics are admissions of shooting other gang members. The first snowstorm of the New Year delayed a Sunset Park holiday celebration, but not for long. Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling called the Latin Kings one of the largest criminal organizations in the world.. 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. The office stated that Vasquez is the 53rd defendant to be sentenced in the case. 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. 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. 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. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. 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. Lock Lugo is the current secretary for the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. Ines Lugo is the 16thdefendant to be sentenced in the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. 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. If you dont have that, its very difficult to get the leaders.. The king's speech, at the opening of the session of 1717, made pointed allusion to the state of public credit, and recommended that proper measures should be taken to reduce the national debt. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Former Trap House Landlord and Associate of New Bedford Latin Kings AG hopeful Andrea Campbell weathered traumatic family history, She was found brutally killed on a Provincetown beach. Boston Office: In total, 62 alleged gang members were charged nine of which were already in custody and eight of which are now fugitives. In November 2020, Lugo pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine base. 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. Lelling said hes hopeful that the operation quiets the gangs activity on the East Coast. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. A lock ( The stations are commonly used as a mini pilgrimage as the individual moves from station to station. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, there are 11 active Latin Kings chapters in Massachusetts. SNY. Served 20 years in the United States Air Force. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force, Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. SNY - Wikipedia The charges range from RICO conspiracy to drug trafficking and firearms abuses. A Latin Kings lieutenant out of New Bedford who a federal prosecutor said stands out among over 60 defendants for his violent past asked a judge Wednesday to be released amid coronavirus. 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. 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. 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. BOSTON A Boston man responsible for a leading large drug trafficking organization (DTO) pleaded guilty today to heroin and fentanyl conspiracy charges and possessing a firearm in furtherance of District of Massachusetts Multiple search warrants executed by the New Bedford Police Department targeted locations where Mendez resided, and drug were seized as a result. Lelling said nearly all of the East Coast leadership was charged in the sting. 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. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. A lock ( 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. The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. Robert Bobby Avitable, 52, was sentenced to time served (approximately four days in prison) and three years of supervised release. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. 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. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The following individuals were arrested this morning and have been charged with federal narcotics violations: 1) Jouseph Caraballo, 38, of New Bedford2) Juan Serrano, 43, of New Bedford3) Terrill McKissack, 24, of New Bedford4) Raphael Pineda, 23, of New Bedford5) Gabriel Vaszquez, 25, of New Bedford6) Ezequiel Quinones, 39, of New Bedford (fugitive)7) Javier Natal, 22, of New Bedford8) Luis Guerra, 31, of New Bedford9) Giovanni Vale-Valentin, 22, of New Bedford10) Manuel Torres, 20, of New Bedford11) Jesus Carrasquillo, 22, of New Bedford12) Pedro Figueroa, 27, of New Bedford13) Ramon Sanchez, 20, of New Bedford14) Enoe Carrasquillo, 26, of Puerto Rico15) Jesmeil Ortiz, 21, of Puerto Rico (fugitive) 16) Mari Gomez, 43, of New Bedford. All rights reserved. BOSTON A Boston man has been sentenced for robbing a TD Bank branch in Cambridge. Paris is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Avitable was originally arrested as part of Operation Throne Down in December 2019, in which 62 suspected Latin Kings and Queens and their associates were arrested, as 31 search warrants were executed at 24 locations including locations in New Bedford at 358 North Front Street and 239 Sawyer Street. 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. InDecember 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. Michael Silvia Rodriguez is the 38th defendant to be sentenced in the case. View this $1800000 4 bed, 3.0 bath, 4875 sqft single family home located at 27 Marcus Garvey Blvd built in 1931 on Zillow. The clerk, who was not aware of the scam, was struck by the robbers. Member of Massachusetts Latin Kings gang admits to crimes Worcester:508-368-0100. The following defendants have been charged: MSB, (Former) State Team Head of Security, Former New Bedford Member, now in North Carolina, A Massachusetts man was found guilty in the District of Columbia of felony and misdemeanor . Alleged leader of Latin Kings' violent New Bedford gang faces 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. 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.