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. 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. 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,. 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 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. And in 2021, Belsky released his debut EP, I . 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. 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. The first snowstorm of the New Year delayed a Sunset Park holiday celebration, but not for long. 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. A locked padlock Lopez-Velez is a probationary member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. 1. A confidential witness stated that Carrasquillo and Guadalupe committed the robbery with the acquiescence of the store owner for insurance proceeds. Over 60 Members of Latin Kings Charged, 23 from New Bedford. 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. 2023 www.southcoasttoday.com. 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. 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. As enforcer for the New Bedford Latin Kings,Vasquez approved a mission that involved shooting a victim in June 2019, the office stated. 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. Bonavolonta said law enforcement learned of the gangs planned violence over and over throughout the investigation. All the profits from the day are going to be donated to two . Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Kevin Guadalupe, a.k.a. Learn how your comment data is processed. On January 4, UPROSE, Brooklyn's oldest Latino community based organization, held its first Three . Richard Neals long quest for Trumps tax returns is finished. An official website of the United States government. The charges range from RICO conspiracy to drug trafficking and firearms abuses. 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. 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. Kevin Guadalupe, a.k.a. MLS #. Have a question about Government Services? 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. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Velazquez is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. 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 . In October 2019, a juvenile Latin Kings member was murdered steps away from one of the trap houses.. 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. 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. BOSTON A Boston man has been indicted in connection with the September 2022 robbery of a bank in Brookline. Assistant U.S. Boston Office: Criminal activity in the eastern region is alleged to be overseen by 40-year-old Michael Cecchetelli, also known as King Merlin. 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. Worcester:508-368-0100. Johnson is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of Latin Kings. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Restaurants near New King, Amsterdam on Tripadvisor: Find traveler reviews and candid photos of dining near New King in Amsterdam, North Holland Province. Rodriguez is the 38th defendant to be sentenced in the case. Springfield:413-785-0235 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. 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. 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. Bedford Who Charity Con 8 is being held this month and offering 10% off tickets for readers of Doctor Who News. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. "King K-Milly," 19, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more . In the old days, receiving a key to the city actually opened some physical doors. Official websites use .gov Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Mendells Criminal Division prosecuted the case. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. Lugo is the current secretary for the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. 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. 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 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. 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 Latin Kings are known to sell cocaine, fentanyl and heroin. 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. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Lellings Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. 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. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. Ines Lugo is the 16thdefendant to be sentenced in the case. 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. 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. Mendez is the 50thdefendant to be sentenced in the case. 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. In February 2019, Paris fired multiple gunshots at rival gang members who were observed leaving a Latin Kings trap house. 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. 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. Nowadays, it's more for opening figurative ones. = 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. 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 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. In October was convicted of witness intimidation in New Bedford District Court, and placed on one year of probation. The United States Attorneys Office for the District of Massachusetts; 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. Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; 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. The convention is being held this year on Saturday 18th March in The King's House, Bedford, about 50 miles north of London. Mendez also participated in a shooting of two victims in May 2018. 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 OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. 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. A locked padlock Up through the 17th century, the area was the territory of the Wampanoag Native American people. December 26, 2019. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. 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. }. Your email address will not be published. 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. Now, theyll soon be public. 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. 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. 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. Joe Bonavolonta, special agent in charge of the FBIs Boston division, said it was the largest takedown in the divisions history. Officials believe some lyrics are admissions of shooting other gang members. 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 details contained in the charging documents are allegations. Two Latin Kings members had disrespected Michael Cecchetelli, the alleged kingpin of the notorious gang's East Coast operations. 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. Carrasquillo is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. BOSTON ( 1420 WBSM) The former landlord associated with the New Bedford chapter of the Latin Kings who owned the "trap houses" used for their drug activity was sentenced today in federal court for racketeering and drug offenses. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Police in New Bedford say. 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. 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. Among 11 active Latin Kings chapters in Massachusetts, New Bedford was singled out in the affidavit for its "extremely. To get at gang leadership, you almost always need a highly placed cooperating source, he said. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Cecchetelli allegedly reigned over 14 states, from Massachusetts to Florida, pulling the strings from his Springfield home. Michael Silvia The charges stem from a long-term investigation into narcotics sales in the area. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. .hide-if-no-js { 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. 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. Those of Thursdays arrests that happened in Massachusetts were in Boston, Lowell, Springfield, Fitchburg, Chelsea, New Bedford, and Worcester. View this $1800000 4 bed, 3.0 bath, 4875 sqft single family home located at 27 Marcus Garvey Blvd built in 1931 on Zillow. All rights reserved. Boston Office: If you dont have that, its very difficult to get the leaders.. BOSTON A Fitchburg man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester to his role in a wide-ranging fentanyl, heroin, crack and cocaine trafficking conspiracy. Avitable was a key player in facilitating the Latin Kings expansion in the area, as the apartment buildings provided powerful infrastructure to recruit members and lure vulnerable juveniles to join the gang with the promises of housing and brotherhood, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. Assistant U.S. 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 . Cotto is a member of the New Bedford Chapter and former Eastern Massachusetts Regional Officer for the Latin Kings. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. In November 2020, Rodriguez was sentenced to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. He developed a leadership approach to the gang which has become a model for other Latin Kings regions of the country. Boston, MA 02210, Boston:617-748-3100 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. Amsterdam. Members of the gangs East Coast leadership are among those charged, according to authorities. District of Massachusetts 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. 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. Authorities identified 380 Latin Kings members who in the Department of Correction's custody as of December. 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. 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.. Worcester:508-368-0100. Official websites use .gov Having taken out most of the leadership, its extremely difficult for the gang to regroup in this region and time soon, he said. 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 . New Bedford Latin Kings:Who they are and what theyve done. Valentin-Soto is a member and the former Cacique of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. Now, 48 years later, officials have identified the 'Lady of the Dunes. 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. 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. BOSTON A Boston man has been sentenced for robbing a TD Bank branch in Cambridge. 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. All rights reserved. Boston, MA 02210, Boston:617-748-3100 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. 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. 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. Worcester:508-368-0100. 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 . The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. SNY. As part of the plea agreement, Avitable has agreed to forfeit the three apartment buildings that he owned in the City of New Bedford. 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. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Stay up to date with everything Boston. The stations are commonly used as a mini pilgrimage as the individual moves from station to station.