'Operation Throne Down' results in charges against dozens of Latin Here are some things that should be a benefit for the few fortunate enough to receive a key to New Bedford. BOSTON A Boston man has been sentenced for robbing a TD Bank branch in Cambridge. Boston Office: BOSTONForty-six individuals, many of whom are alleged to be leaders, members, significant criminal associates, or drug suppliers of the Latin Kings street gang, operating in New Bedford, Massachusetts, were charged today on federal and state drug offenses. The charges stem from a long-term investigation into narcotics sales in the area. Boston Office: Cecchetelli allegedly reigned over 14 states, from Massachusetts to Florida, pulling the strings from his Springfield home. New Bedford Latin Kings member pleads guilty, admits to role in shooting Lock Cecchetelli, a 40-year-old from Springfield with ties to the. In October was convicted of witness intimidation in New Bedford District Court, and placed on one year of probation. Your email address will not be published. Lopez-Velez is a probationary member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. Mendez also participated in a shooting of two victims in May 2018. Rivera is the 23rd defendant sentenced in the case. 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. A lock ( 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. DONT WORRY THE JUDGES WILL LET THEM OFF LIKE EVERY OTHER BUST LIKE THIS. Lelling said Operation Throne Down prevented at least eight murders. Criminal activity in the eastern region is alleged to be overseen by 40-year-old Michael Cecchetelli, also known as King Merlin. 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 SNY - Wikipedia 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. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. View this $1800000 4 bed, 3.0 bath, 4875 sqft single family home located at 27 Marcus Garvey Blvd built in 1931 on Zillow. 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. 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. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. If you dont have that, its very difficult to get the leaders.. Official websites use .gov 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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case. King G, who at the time was second in command of the Latin Kings in Massachusetts. Cotto is a member of the New Bedford Chapter and former Eastern Massachusetts Regional Officer for the Latin Kings. More than 500 law enforcement agents began making arrests around 4 a.m. Thursday after the four-year investigation into the gang. Springfield:413-785-0235 Avitable is the 56th defendant to be sentenced, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in a release. 2023 www.southcoasttoday.com. 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. 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. 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. Now, theyll soon be public. Mendez has historically held various leadership positions. Crime, Latest 1,000 law enforcement officials fan out across New York City and strike what authorities call crippling blow to Latin Kings gang, seizing 94 members and associates--including gang leader Antonio . All rights reserved. 1 Courthouse Way, Suite 9200 An official website of the United States government. 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. Several alleged Latin Kings members have been released to the 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. Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling called the Latin Kings one of the largest criminal organizations in the world.. 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. The government recommended a sentence of 18 months incarceration. New Bedford Latin Kings Trap House Landlord Pleads Guilty - 1420 WBSM Johnson is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of Latin Kings. 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. 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. 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. "King K-Milly," 19, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more . Worcester:508-368-0100. Specifically, in August 2019, she conspired with others to obtain cocaine base from members of the Latin Kings in New Bedford for resale. The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. During the four-year investigation, law enforcement developed evidence that the Latin Kings trafficked drugs, conspired to murder more than 10 victims, and committed violent crimes including numerous incidents of robbery, shootings, stabbings and witness intimidation. Stay up to date with everything Boston. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. A lock ( BOSTON A Boston man has been sentenced for robbing a TD Bank branch in Cambridge. 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 remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 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. In November of 2020, Rodriguez was sentenced to 18 years in prison. 'Queen Taliya' Pleads Guilty in Mass. Latin Kings Case - 1420 WBSM In the old days, receiving a key to the city actually opened some physical doors. 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. District of Massachusetts U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for June 10, 2021. Authorities say they were cooking. 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). 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. Bedford Who Charity Con 8 is being held this month and offering 10% off tickets for readers of Doctor Who News. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. 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. 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. United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; 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. New Bedford is target of major Latin Kings drug raid 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. 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.. A locked padlock In November 2020, Lugo pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine base. Here are descriptions from . 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. An official website of the United States government. 10 young bluesbreakers who are making the Blues fun again The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Velazquez is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. At the end of the beating, an item believed to be a wallet or a cell phone was taken from the victims pants pocket. Federal sweep could be 'significant hit' on Latin Kings - Boston Herald Carrasquillo is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. Figueroa is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings and former member of the Devon Street Kings Chapter. 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. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Southeastern Massachusetts Gang Task Force. 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. Thursdays widespread arrests involved seven FBI SWAT teams, three tactical teams, five supporting aircraft, and three canine units. December 26, 2019. 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. Mass. '. Owner of New Bedford Guide. 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. Street brawls, beatings, shootings and robberies regularly occurred within, or in front of, the apartment buildings. 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. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Lellings Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. Police in New Bedford say. Up through the 17th century, the area was the territory of the Wampanoag Native American people. 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. And in 2021, Belsky released his debut EP, I . Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 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. Lelling said nearly all of the East Coast leadership was charged in the sting. 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. Latin Kings 'trap house' landlord gets supervised release by federal Two missing children, boys 14 and 16, were also recovered during the operation. New Bedford Latin Kings Member 'King K-Milly' Pleads Guilty - 1420 WBSM ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 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. 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. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, there are 11 active Latin Kings chapters in Massachusetts. Former New Bedford Latin King pleads guilty to racketeering - Yahoo! Sweep of Latin Kings gang nets 46 in Massachusetts 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. .hide-if-no-js { The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. 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. The two great monetary corporations, the South-Sea Company and the Bank of England, made proposals to parliament on the 20th of May ensuing. 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,. }. Now, 48 years later, officials have identified the 'Lady of the Dunes. 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. A locked padlock 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. 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 . 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. In February 2019, Paris fired multiple gunshots at rival gang members who were observed leaving a Latin Kings trap house. Learn how your comment data is processed. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Among 11 active Latin Kings chapters in Massachusetts, New Bedford was singled out in the affidavit for its "extremely. New Bedford Latin Kings Enforcer Admits to Racketeering - 1420 WBSM 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. Former New Bedford Latin Kings Enforcer Sentenced - 1420 WBSM Statement of Mayor Jon Mitchell on federal raids in Massachusetts cities including New Bedford: I am grateful for the work of the U.S. Attorneys Office, along with the FBI and state and local law enforcement agencies, in undertaking such a comprehensive effort to neutralize the activities of the Latin Kings across New England. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Valentin-Soto is a member and the former Cacique of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. 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. Two Latin Kings members had disrespected Michael Cecchetelli, the alleged kingpin of the notorious gang's East Coast operations. 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. Recordings from this year capture a cooperating witness purchasing cocaine from Valentin-Soto. All rights reserved. He also has an open case related to a May 2018 shooting incident. 1 Comment. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in 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. Required fields are marked *, 7 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. Restaurants near New King, Amsterdam on Tripadvisor: Find traveler reviews and candid photos of dining near New King in Amsterdam, North Holland Province. Jorge is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. Earlier . 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. 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. 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.. 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. US Department of Justice A former member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation pleaded guilty this week to racketeering charges, but she won't be sentenced for another year. Members of the gangs East Coast leadership are among those charged, according to authorities. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. 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. Joe Bonavolonta, special agent in charge of the FBIs Boston division, said it was the largest takedown in the divisions history. 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. Jorge Rodriguez is first alleged Latin Kings leader in 'Operation Boston, MA 02210, Boston:617-748-3100 Former Member of New Bedford Latin Kings Sentenced to Over Eight Years 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. Feds: New Bedford focus of probe aimed at dismantling Latin Kings The federal cases are being prosecuted by an Assistant United States Attorney in Ortizs Organized Crime and Gang Unit. Worcester:508-368-0100. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Amsterdam. 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. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found athttps://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. Santiago is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. The first snowstorm of the New Year delayed a Sunset Park holiday celebration, but not for long. Over 60 Members of Latin Kings Charged - United States Department of 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. The clerk, who was not aware of the scam, was struck by the robbers. The convention is being held this year on Saturday 18th March in The King's House, Bedford, about 50 miles north of London. Paris is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. The charges range from RICO conspiracy to drug trafficking and firearms abuses.