In 2008, the FBI led an investigation that resulted in state and federal charges against 40 Latin Kings members and associates, including a dozen of the Zambrano co-defendants. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal government site. The arrests were the culmination of a three-year investigation and come as Chicago's epidemic of gun violence continues to spike to levels not seen since the late 1990s. He was not a cartel leader from Mexico like Chapo or anything like that.. The officers served as enforcers and were often in uniform to perform various robberies, burglaries and auto stops. (Jason Meisner / Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune). The public is reminded that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court. The indictment alleges that the Latin Kings required their members to pay dues, which were used to buy weapons, raise money for bond for jailed gang members and help pay for attorneys. CHICAGO Dozens of members of the Latin Kings street gang in the Chicago area and northern Indiana have been arrested on charges of a federal racketeering conspiracy that included arson,. snake age in human years. The common name - often a cutesy marketing moniker - can get you into trouble. For media inquiries about this release, call (312) 446-7872. The Caciques include older circle members ULISES DE LA CRUZ, 28, of Melrose Park, and MIGUEL MARTINEZ, 31, of Grayslake; and younger circle Cacique RUBEN MORENO, 24, of Melrose Park. 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. While in federal custody, hes earned his GED and completed college-level classes. Several other firearm-related offenses are charged in the indictment. Named in today's two-count superseding indictment are: This fifth superseding indictment alleges a conspiracy to commit . Also charged in the indictment are several alleged chapter leaders, known within the hierarchy as Incas, and their second in command, known as Caciques. According to the indictment, PAUL VASQUEZ, 43, of Chicago, served as Inca of the 82nd Street chapter; RUBEN PORRAZ, 36, of Chicago, was Inca of the 89th Street chapter; EDWARD DELGADO JR., 31, of Chicago, and LUIS GOMEZ, 31, of Chicago, were at times Incas of the 97th Street chapter; MIGUEL DENAVA, 27, of Chicago, served as Inca of the 99th Street chapter; and ELOY FUENTES, 31, of Chicago, was Inca of the 104th Street chapter. The Latin Kings indictment included accounts of 12 homicides in Chicago, six in Indiana and two in Texas. Thirty four alleged Latin Kings are charged with racketeering conspiracy. During periods when the M-Town section was split into an older and younger circle, each circle had its own set of leaders, but the ranking members of the younger circle still reported to the ranking members of the older circle, according to the indictment. ROCKFORD A former inmate of the United States Penitentiary in Thomson, Ill. was sentenced today to more than seven years in federal prison for assaulting a federal correctional officer. 26 Feb Feb In 2000, a federal judge sentenced Colon to life. This indictment also alleges that Alex Guerrero and Antonio Martinez, Jr., while employed as officers with the Chicago Police Department, committed armed robberies on behalf of Bernal, while in some instances in uniform and driving Chicago Police Department issued vehicles. The two gang members sentenced Thursday -- Sisto Bernal and Santiago Gudino -- were originally indicted by federal prosecutors in late 2011 as part of a sweeping, detailed indictment alleging years of crimes, including murders, drug deals and burglaries, committed by 21 members of the Latin Kings. Taliyah Barboza, a/k/a "Queen Taliyah," 27, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to time served (approximately six days in prison) and three years of supervised release. The Latin Kings is a well organized street gang that has specific leadership and is comprised of regions that include multiple chapters. Other regional chapters operated in the south suburbs of Blue Island, Dolton, Harvey and Chicago Heights, as well as in Kankakee, Illinois and communities across the border in Indiana, according to the indictment. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our, Feds charge dozens of alleged Latin Kings in sweeping conspiracy. announced the charges. During the course of the multi-year probes, law enforcement agents confiscated more than 40 firearms, including two AR-15 assault rifles. The Caciques include older circle members Ulises De La Cruz, 28, of Melrose Park, and Miguel Martinez, 31, of Grayslake; and younger circle Cacique Ruben Moreno, 24, of Melrose Park. During the six-week trial, former members testified about the strict rules, formally laid out in a constitution and rule book that they were required to follow. The indictment charges three alleged high-ranking Latin Kings who enforced discipline and adherence to the gangs rules and were known as Regional Enforcers. The three Southeast Regional Enforcers charged in the indictment are: Raul Cavillo, 33; Joel Nunez, 39; and Carlos Padilla Jr., 35, all of Chicago. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The new 53-page document also adds 14 new defendants to a prosecution that began in summer 2016. PROVIDENCE - A federal judge on Wednesday agreed to release a former Almighty Latin King Nation gang member convicted in a deadly carjacking almost three . Mr. In announcing sweeping federal indictments against some of the street gang's top regional leaders Tuesday, prosecutors alleged the gang employs brutal means to protect its turf, including beatings, murder, arson and even the attempted murder of a suburban cop who was suspected of working for the FBI. The Latin Kings is a. Today's indictment also details two previously uncharged murders. "It's chilling.". The Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation ( ALKQN, ALKN, or LKN, also known as simply Latin Kings) is one of the largest Hispanic and Latino street and prison gangs worldwide. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Thirty-six alleged members of the Latin Kings street gang were charged Tuesday, accused of participating in a criminal organization that violently acted to protect its territories in Chicago, the suburbs and northwest Indiana, federal authorities announced. During the multi-year probes, authorities confiscated more than 40 firearms, including two AR-15 assault rifles. BOSTON - A former member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) was sentenced on May 17, 2022 on racketeering charges. Capp said the crime rate dropped dramatically after the federal crackdown on regional gangs. Shane Catone, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Domestic Cannabis Suppression / Eradication Program, Red Ribbon Toolkit - Resources For Your Community, DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Intelligence Research Specialist Job Announcements, Schedule A Hiring Authority: Intelligence Research Specialist, Privacy Impact Assessment and Management Information Systems, Victim Witness Assistance Program Resources, Hiluterio Chavez, 41, of Chicago, Illinois, Sergio Robles, 23, of Hammond, Indiana, Emiliano Esparza, 40 of Chicago, Illinois, Paulino Salazar, 29, of Chicago, Illinois, Santiago Gudino, 27, of Hammond, Indiana, Gabriel Jalomos, 24, of Chicago, Illinois, Oscar Gonzalez, 21, of Hammond, Indiana, David Lira, 38, of Lansing, Illinois, Victor Meza, 23, of Hammond, Indiana, Antonio Gudino, 30, of East Chicago, Indiana, Bianca Fernandez, 22, of Chicago, Illinois, Serina Arambula, 22, of Chicago, Illinois, Alex Guerrero, 41, of Chicago, Illinois, Antonio C. Martinez, Jr., 40, of Chicago, Illinois, Alexander Vargas, 34, of Highland, Indiana, Sisto Bernal, 45, of Chicago, Illinois, Jason Ortiz, 28, of Chicago, Illinois, Brandon Clay, 24, of Chicago, Illinois, Martin Anaya, 41, of Chicago, Illinois, Ivan Quiroz, 30, of Posen, Illinois. All rights reserved, Chicago Police Officer Shot and Killed on Southwest Side, Chicago Police Release Details of What Led to Officer's Fatal Shooting in Gage Park, All Eyes On a Strong' System That Could Hit Chicago Area Friday, But Much Uncertainty Remains. According to this indictment, the Latin Kings is nationwide gang that originated in Chicago and has branched out throughout the United States, including to Texas. Each chapter is typically named after the city in which it operates, or by a street or streets that run through the chapter. And let us not forget that the crime that he stands convicted of is a drug offense, nothing more or nothing less.. "Once we made all these arrests and got these individuals off the street, the homicide rate -- for instance up in East Chicago -- dropped down to like one or two,'Capp said. - A Latin Kings street gang member was sentenced Wednesday to 15 years in federal prison for racketeering conspiracy and other crimes in support of the gang. The officer was assisting the FBI. Gang leaders also issued "standing orders to shoot and beat" rivals and even attack Latin Kings who had fallen from good standing for one reason or another, according to the charges. The 36th defendant is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. A weekly compilation of engaging digital content. The indictments unsealed Tuesday show the Latin Kings have managed to maintain their organizational structure despite a series of major investigations by law enforcement over the years that dealt heavy blows to the gang's leadership. One gang member is also accused of trying to kill a Melrose Park police officer in July 2014. CHICAGOThe second highest-ranking leader nationwide of the Latin Kings street gang was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison after being convicted at trial in 2011 of racketeering. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. The defendant, Vicente Garcia, Jr., 35, the Supreme Regional Inca of the Almighty Latin King Nation, who oversaw the day-to-day illegal activities of all factions of the gang with some 10,000 members in Illinois alone, has been in federal custody since late 2008 and must serve at least 85 percent of his sentence. Edgar Velarde-Saldana, 33, of Maywood, a soldier in the younger circle of the M-Town section, is charged in the indictment with attempting to murder a Melrose Park police officer on July 6, 2014. Colon was found guilty on all but one of the 21 counts leveled against him. Those charged are accused of murder, attempted murder, assault with dangerous weapons, arson and extortion, according to the indictments. Call 1-866-DHS-2-ICE to report suspicious activityReport Crime, Learn facts about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. During the attempted murder, the two enforcers, Efrain Medina, 26, of Maywood, and Jose Pena, 21, of Melrose Park, personally discharged a firearm that left the victim badly injured and permanently disfigured, according to the indictment. The public is reminded that indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Founded in Chicago in the 1950s, the Latin Kings in many ways are a throwback to an era when gangs were led by unchallenged leaders who ruled over large swaths of territory, controlling criminal enterprises and driving violence. Twelve individuals were arrested last Friday, and six individuals already were in the custody of law enforcement. Recordings also captured the violence, including a graphic black-and-white video showing one Latin King being pummeled and stomped by fellow members during a "violation," or gang punishment. He lived in a house in suburban Highland.. Attorneys Brian Wallach, Derek Owens and Vikas Didwania, Northern District of Illinois, are representing the government in the Cavillo, et al, case. "We look forward to those individuals who are charged being brought to trial and to justice being served.". Two newly unsealed indictments follow a multi-year probe, which included a recent raid in Whiting, Ind., and alleges that gang members violently enforced discipline within its ranks and retaliated against rivals and former members to prevent cooperation with law enforcement, federal officials said. The hierarchy within the M-Town section was similar to the rankings in other Latin King sections, including the roles of Incas, Caciques, Enforcers, Soldiers and others, the indictment states. WASHINGTONTwo members of the Latin Kings street gang were sentenced today in Hammond, Indiana federal court for racketeering conspiracy, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili. Through his church, Cristobal will provide Mr. Colon with mental health counseling and other professional services Mr. Colon might need or benefit from for a smooth, safe, and successful transition back into society, Pissetzky wrote in support of Colons release. Nov. 18, 2011, 11:34 p.m. CT . A guard at the federal jail in downtown Chicago has been charged with taking bribes to help an incarcerated high-ranking member of the Latin Kings street gang smuggle drugs, cellphones and other . On Tuesday, officials used a map with yellow dots showing that the gang activities spanned Southeast Chicago, the south suburbs, the western suburbs of Maywood and Melrose Place, as well as the northwest Indiana. Two members of Chicagos Latin Kings street gang were sentenced Thursday to a combined 45 years in federal prison for drug dealing and racketeering. Two Chicago police officers are accused of . The gang's activities spanned Chicago, the suburbs and northwest Indiana. A locked padlock The .gov means its official. Other regional chapters operated in the south suburbs of Blue Island, Dolton, Harvey and Chicago Heights, as well as in Kankakee and communities across the border in Indiana, according to the indictment. The sentence was announced by Gary S. Shapiro, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, together with Cory B. Nelson, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Larry Ford, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Sheriff Chad Chronister said detectives and DEA agents seized more than $800,000 in drugs, plus 15 firearms, cash and stolen property after they executed search warrants at five properties in . Hes also taken other courses that focus on keeping away from the sort of criminal activities that got him locked up in the first place. The Chicago Crime Commission's Gang Book says the gang was founded in the 1980s along North Milwaukee Avenue. Colon was arrested two months after the shooting. Cha c sn phm trong gi hng. According to this indictment, the Latin Kings is nationwide gang that originated in Chicago and has branched out throughout the United States, including to Texas. HAMMOND, Ind. The 34 individuals were charged with racketeering conspiracy. Nicholas Baez a/k/a "Cali," 22, of Whiting; The calls often showed Colons wife acting as an operator, connecting him with gang lieutenants. One indictment charges three of the Latin Kings' alleged "regional enforcers" on the Southeast Side: Raul Cavillo, 33; Joel Nunez, 39; and Carlos Padilla Jr., 35, all of Chicago. According to this indictment, Clay, Fernandez, Arambula, and others participated in the conspiracy to murder of Edward Delatorre and another individual on Nov. 26, 2006. It is a well-organized street gang that has specific leadership and is composed of regions that include multiple chapters. Chavez is a convicted felon who is also charged with illegally possessing a .38-caliber pistol in Chicago in the summer of 2014, the indictment states. Colon shot Burr as he tried to run away. Robert Nieto a/k/a "Cowboy," 42, of Gary; If granted release, he has his family, counseling services and a job waiting for him. "If theres any member of a criminal organization in northwest Indiana or south Chicago continuing to operate, were going to get you. 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