Crime, Latest Over 60 Members of Latin Kings Charged, 23 from New Bedford. As enforcer for the New Bedford Latin Kings,Vasquez approved a mission that involved shooting a victim in June 2019, the office stated. Former New Bedford Latin King pleads guilty to racketeering - Yahoo! Rodriguez served as Inca, or leader, of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Stay up to date with everything Boston. Before the sun even came up Thursday, law enforcement officials in several Massachusetts cities and towns - including New Bedford - were busy arresting dozens of suspects charged in connection. The stations are commonly used as a mini pilgrimage as the individual moves from station to station. Of the 62 charged defendants in the raid, two remain in warrant status. 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. 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. The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. 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. Officials believe some lyrics are admissions of shooting other gang members. New Bedford is target of major Latin Kings drug raid Former Member of New Bedford Latin Kings Chapter Sentenced for A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 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 . Served 20 years in the United States Air Force. 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. As part of his plea agreement, Avitable agreed to forfeit the three apartment buildings he owned in New Bedford that were used as trap houses by the Latin Kings. 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. A lock ( According to New Bedford Police report, on June 20, a convenience store on Purchase Street was robbed by two men carrying guns. 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. New Bedford (Massachusett: Accushnet) is a city in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States.It is located on the Acushnet River in what is known as the South Coast region. The charges range from RICO conspiracy to drug trafficking and firearms abuses. 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. 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. Former New Bedford Latin Kings member sentenced on drug charges Former New Bedford Latin Kings Landlord Sentenced These apartment buildings, referred to as "trap houses" by the Latin Kings, were used by the gang in furtherance of the racketeering conspiracy. The victim reported that Johnson punched and kicked him, and that another Latin Kings member, Hector Torres, punched him and pushed him out of the apartment after they had stolen the cash from his wallet. 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. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. New Bedford police 'disappointed' at release of Latin Kings from custody The Stations of the Cross are a 14-step Catholic devotion that commemorates Jesus Christ's last day on Earth as a man. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. Michael Silvia BOSTON A Boston man has been indicted in connection with the September 2022 robbery of a bank in Brookline. 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. Alleged leader of Latin Kings' violent New Bedford gang faces Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling said in a press conference that the operation, dubbed Operation Throne Down, was focused on targeting the East Coast leadership of the gang. 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. 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. 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. 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. The 14 devotions, or stations, focus on specific events of His last day, beginning with His condemnation. Required fields are marked *, 7 Feds: Latin King brothers gave marching orders in New Bedford gang war Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Mendells Criminal Division prosecuted the case. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. The victim was apparently targeted for selling drugs from a source that was not gang-approved. Bonavolonta said law enforcement learned of the gangs planned violence over and over throughout the investigation. 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). Earlier . Latin pride in full force during Three Kings' Celebration at Uprose In February 2019, Paris fired multiple gunshots at rival gang members who were observed leaving a Latin Kings trap house. Latin Kings schemed to launder drug money by flipping houses, feds say 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. Springfield:413-785-0235 An official website of the United States government. Guadalupe is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. Orlando Santiago-Torres, a/k/a KING LANDY. They had been targeted because they objected to Latin Kings members dealing drugs in their driveway. 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 November of 2020, Rodriguez was sentenced to 18 years in prison. Cecchetelli allegedly reigned over 14 states, from Massachusetts to Florida, pulling the strings from his Springfield home. Springfield:413-785-0235 Ines Lugo is the 16thdefendant to be sentenced in the case. 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. Ruizs membership in the Latin Kings has been confirmed by numerous recordings where she is present during discussion of Latin Kings business and affairs, presence at meetings and gatherings with other Latin Kings members, and on social media where she has made postings of Latin Kings signs, symbols and phraseology and posted pictures depicting her with other Latin Kings members. One gang member then shot the victims, who escaped in the car and survived. 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. Feds say Latin Kings cooked cocaine and planned killings - masslive Santiago-Torres is the current Cacique of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. Among 11 active Latin Kings chapters in Massachusetts, New Bedford was singled out in the affidavit for its "extremely. 46 Charged In Latin Kings Drug Bust In New Bedford - CBS Boston - CBS News 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. New Bedford Latin Kings member pleads guilty, admits to role in shooting 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. Lugo is the current secretary for the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. The government recommended a sentence of 18 months incarceration. Johnson is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of Latin Kings. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. Kevin Guadalupe, a.k.a. Cotto is a member of the New Bedford Chapter and former Eastern Massachusetts Regional Officer for the Latin Kings. Cecchetelli is alleged to be the conduit between each of the Eastern Region states and the Latin Kings national leadership in Chicago. 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. Other videos were shot at locations where Latin Kings members were murdered and feature threats to other gangs, court documents say. Owner of New Bedford Guide. Boston Office: Avitable worked directly with Jorge Rodriguez, a.k.a. Valentin-Soto is a member and the former Cacique of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. 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. 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,. Over 60 Members of Latin Kings Charged, 23 from New Bedford The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. New Bedford Latin Kings Member 'King K-Milly' Pleads Guilty - 1420 WBSM Medina is the current Enforcer of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. SNY. On January 4, UPROSE, Brooklyn's oldest Latino community based organization, held its first Three . U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts, Defendant admitted to role in February 2019 shooting of rival gang members, Former Member of New Bedford Latin Kings Chapter Sentenced 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 Chapter Sentenced For Racketeering Conspiracy. The properties were used by gang members to hide weapons,. Here are some things that should be a benefit for the few fortunate enough to receive a key to New Bedford. A lock ( 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. 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. He developed a leadership approach to the gang which has become a model for other Latin Kings regions of the country. 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. 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 . Worcester:508-368-0100. 62 members of the Latin Kings charged in 'largest takedown' in FBI Amsterdam. If you dont have that, its very difficult to get the leaders.. Assistant U.S. 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 charge of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides a sentence of up to 10 years, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. 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 Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. .hide-if-no-js { DONT WORRY THE JUDGES WILL LET THEM OFF LIKE EVERY OTHER BUST LIKE THIS. 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. 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. 94 in Latin Kings Are Arrested Citywide - The New York Times 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. 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. 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. 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. Angel Roldan, an alleged former cacique for the Latin Kings in Massachusetts,. 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. An official website of the United States government. 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.