Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. 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. 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. This has fostered a culture of institutional violence and secrecy. 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. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. 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. A locked padlock In another incident in July 2019, Santiago-Torres fired multiple times at rival gang members as they fled a fight with the Latin Kings in a New Bedford street. 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. Specifically, in August 2019, she conspired with others to obtain cocaine base from members of the Latin Kings in New Bedford for resale. Restaurants near New King, Amsterdam on Tripadvisor: Find traveler reviews and candid photos of dining near New King in Amsterdam, North Holland Province. December 26, 2019. A confidential witness stated that Carrasquillo and Guadalupe committed the robbery with the acquiescence of the store owner for insurance proceeds. Official websites use .gov The state defendants will be prosecuted by District Attorney Sutters Office. These apartment buildings, referred to as "trap houses" by the Latin Kings, were used by the gang in furtherance of the racketeering conspiracy. The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. 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. A lock ( Of the 62 charged defendants in the raid, two remain in warrant status. English colonists bought the land on which New Bedford would later be built from the Wampanoag in 1652, and the original . Criminal activity in the eastern region is alleged to be overseen by 40-year-old Michael Cecchetelli, also known as King Merlin. 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. Cecchetelli allegedly reigned over 14 states, from Massachusetts to Florida, pulling the strings from his Springfield home. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. 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 . Robert Bobby Avitable, 52, was sentenced to time served (approximately four days in prison) and three years of supervised release. Guadalupe admitted to participating in an unarmed robbery committed in November 2019 by members of the Latin Kings in New Bedford. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. 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,. Orlando Santiago-Torres, a/k/a KING LANDY. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. New Bedford Latin Kings bought houses they planned to renovate and flip in an elaborate scheme to launder drug money, feds say a move one organized crime expert called an indicator of how . U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for June 10, 2021. 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. District of Massachusetts 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. 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. And in 2021, Belsky released his debut EP, I . One gang member then shot the victims, who escaped in the car and survived. 1 Comment. BOSTON A Boston man has been sentenced for robbing a TD Bank branch in Cambridge. Angel Roldan, an alleged former cacique for the Latin Kings in Massachusetts,. 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. Joe Bonavolonta, special agent in charge of the FBIs Boston division, said it was the largest takedown in the divisions history. 1 Courthouse Way, Suite 9200 Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Up through the 17th century, the area was the territory of the Wampanoag Native American people. AG hopeful Andrea Campbell weathered traumatic family history, She was found brutally killed on a Provincetown beach. 3 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. Figueroa is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings and former member of the Devon Street Kings Chapter. 1. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Lock Crime, Latest This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. Mendez is the 50thdefendant to be sentenced in the case. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. Boston Office: Over the last several years, New Bedford has made considerable progress on improving public safety citywide, and the arrests today in our city will help us close the lid on violent crime in the near North End.. Mass. Now, 48 years later, officials have identified the 'Lady of the Dunes. BOSTON (AP) More than 60 members of the Latin Kings have been arrested on federal racketeering, drug and firearms charges, including the leaders of the street gang's East Coast operations,. The Stations of the Cross are a 14-step Catholic devotion that commemorates Jesus Christ's last day on Earth as a man. 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. 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 October was convicted of witness intimidation in New Bedford District Court, and placed on one year of probation. 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 February 2019, Paris fired multiple gunshots at rival gang members who were observed leaving a Latin Kings trap house. Thursdays widespread arrests involved seven FBI SWAT teams, three tactical teams, five supporting aircraft, and three canine units. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Assistant U.S. 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. Owner of New Bedford Guide. Attorneys Emily Cannon and Philip Mallard of Lellings Organized Crime and Gang Unit are prosecuting the cases. 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. 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. 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. Boston, MA 02210, Boston:617-748-3100 Official websites use .gov Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Lellings Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. 1 Courthouse Way, Suite 9200 The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Have a question about Government Services? 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 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. 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. Michael Silvia All of the remaining 60 defendants have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced or are awaiting sentencing. An official website of the United States government. Rodriguez faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of no more than $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. 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. 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. Cotto is a member of the New Bedford Chapter and former Eastern Massachusetts Regional Officer for the Latin Kings. Boston, MA 02210, Boston:617-748-3100 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. Lopez-Velez is a probationary member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Lugo is the current secretary for the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. 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. 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. Vargas is a current member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings. 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. In November 2020, Lugo pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine base. Assistant U.S. 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. 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. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, there are 11 active Latin Kings chapters in Massachusetts. 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. According to New Bedford Police report, on June 20, a convenience store on Purchase Street was robbed by two men carrying guns. 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. 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. Multiple search warrants executed by the New Bedford Police Department targeted locations where Mendez resided, and drug were seized as a result. The Latin Kings are known to sell cocaine, fentanyl and heroin. Dozens of firearms, including machine guns and sawed-off shotguns, were seized, as well as six cars, six motorcycles, three jet skis, an ATV, various drugs, and about $38,000 in cash. 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. Earlier . The victim was apparently targeted for selling drugs from a source that was not gang-approved. 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. MLS #. Police in New Bedford say. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. 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. 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. 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. BOSTON A Boston man has been indicted in connection with the September 2022 robbery of a bank in Brookline. 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. The office stated that Vasquez is the 53rd defendant to be sentenced in the case. 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. 1 Courthouse Way, Suite 9200 Other videos were shot at locations where Latin Kings members were murdered and feature threats to other gangs, court documents say. 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. United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction made the announcement today. Lock 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.