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. Vasquez is a former member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings, and a former enforcer the New Bedford Chapter. 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. At the end of the beating, an item believed to be a wallet or a cell phone was taken from the victims pants pocket. AG hopeful Andrea Campbell weathered traumatic family history, She was found brutally killed on a Provincetown beach. Cecchetelli is alleged to be the conduit between each of the Eastern Region states and the Latin Kings national leadership in Chicago. Lelling said hes hopeful that the operation quiets the gangs activity on the East Coast. 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. The 14 devotions, or stations, focus on specific events of His last day, beginning with His condemnation. 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. Cecchetelli allegedly reigned over 14 states, from Massachusetts to Florida, pulling the strings from his Springfield home. 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. Over 60 Members of Latin Kings Charged - United States Department of ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 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. Former Member of New Bedford Latin Kings Sentenced to Over Eight Years The charges range from RICO conspiracy to drug trafficking and firearms abuses. Lock 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. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for June 10, 2021. All the profits from the day are going to be donated to two . On Aug. 24, 2019, Lugo was captured on video delivering cocaine base to another Latin Kings member in a trap house, the news release said. The government recommended a sentence of 18 months incarceration. 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. Paris is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. Federal sweep could be 'significant hit' on Latin Kings - Boston Herald Mendez has historically held various leadership positions. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 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. Figueroa is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings and former member of the Devon Street Kings Chapter. Worcester:508-368-0100. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. 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. 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. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. A February recording captures Barboza and others discussing the beating of an individual. 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 stations are commonly used as a mini pilgrimage as the individual moves from station to station. Three apartment buildings in New Bedford were turned into "trap houses" used by the Latin Kings, according to federal prosecutors. Over 60 Members of Latin Kings Charged, 23 from New Bedford This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. 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. 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 . Authorities identified 380 Latin Kings members who in the Department of Correction's custody as of December. 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. The clerk, who was not aware of the scam, was struck by the robbers. Amsterdam Tourism Amsterdam Hotels Amsterdam Bed and Breakfast Amsterdam Vacation Rentals Amsterdam Vacation Packages The federal cases are being prosecuted by an Assistant United States Attorney in Ortizs Organized Crime and Gang Unit. In the old days, receiving a key to the city actually opened some physical doors. 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. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in 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. 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. Amsterdam. Two Latin Kings members had disrespected Michael Cecchetelli, the alleged kingpin of the notorious gang's East Coast operations. 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. His orders were often violent, Lelling said, including ordering the murder of those who questioned his authority and authorizing various levels of violence against anyone cooperating with law enforcement.. In October was convicted of witness intimidation in New Bedford District Court, and placed on one year of probation. BOSTON A Boston man has been indicted in connection with the September 2022 robbery of a bank in Brookline. BOSTON A Boston man has been sentenced for robbing a TD Bank branch in Cambridge. 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. 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. 1 Comment. Springfield:413-785-0235 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. .hide-if-no-js { Two high-ranking brothers of the Latin Kings oversaw brutal beatings and attempted murders in New Bedford as a bloody gang war escalated with the death of a teenager in October, a. Robert Bobby Avitable, 52, was sentenced to time served (approximately four days in prison) and three years of supervised release. District of Massachusetts These apartment buildings, referred to as "trap houses" by the Latin Kings, were used by the gang in furtherance of the racketeering conspiracy. Vasquez had pleaded guilty to the federal racketeering charges in July 2021. Thursdays widespread arrests involved seven FBI SWAT teams, three tactical teams, five supporting aircraft, and three canine units. Lelling said Operation Throne Down prevented at least eight murders. Restaurants near New King, Amsterdam on Tripadvisor: Find traveler reviews and candid photos of dining near New King in Amsterdam, North Holland Province. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. 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. The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. 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. A lock ( One gang member then shot the victims, who escaped in the car and survived. Here are some things that should be a benefit for the few fortunate enough to receive a key to New Bedford. Latin Kings schemed to launder drug money by flipping houses, feds say 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. The Stations of the Cross are a 14-step Catholic devotion that commemorates Jesus Christ's last day on Earth as a man. 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. In 2018, Johnson pleaded guilty to larceny from a person and assault and battery by means of dangerous weapon and was sentenced to 1 year in the House of Correction. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Former Trap House Landlord and Associate of New Bedford Latin Kings New Bedford Latin Kings member pleads guilty, admits to role in shooting Owner of New Bedford Guide. 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,. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Lellings Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. The state defendants will be prosecuted by District Attorney Sutters Office. Have a question about Government Services? Feds say Latin Kings cooked cocaine and planned killings - masslive New Bedford police 'disappointed' at release of Latin Kings from custody More than 500 law enforcement agents began making arrests around 4 a.m. Thursday after the four-year investigation into the gang. 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. 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. Boston, MA 02210, Boston:617-748-3100 English colonists bought the land on which New Bedford would later be built from the Wampanoag in 1652, and the original . Worcester:508-368-0100. Guadalupe admitted to participating in an unarmed robbery committed in November 2019 by members of the Latin Kings in New Bedford. Lock A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 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. 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. Ines Lugo is the 16thdefendant to be sentenced in the case. New Bedford Latin Kings Trap House Landlord Pleads Guilty - 1420 WBSM Both victims fled in the vehicle and survived. 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. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard of Mendells Organized Crime and Gang Unit prosecuted the case. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found athttps://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. Carrasquillo is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. 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 lock ( Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found athttps://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. 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. Latin pride in full force during Three Kings' Celebration at Uprose 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. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. Officials believe some lyrics are admissions of shooting other gang members. THE 10 BEST Restaurants Near New King in Amsterdam, North Holland Province 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. Assistant U.S. Mass. 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. 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. 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. Authorities say they were cooking. 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. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. BOSTON A Boston man has been sentenced for robbing a TD Bank branch in Cambridge. All of the remaining 60 defendants have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced or are awaiting sentencing. Behind bars: How Massachusetts jails are working to break up Latin