The Indictment also alleges a drug conspiracy in which the 11-plus another additional individual were charged. First published on July 26, 2016 / 2:23 PM. Over time, however, the gang morphed into a criminal enterprise. "I still run into people who think that these criminal organizations, like the Latin Kings, are a Chicago problem," said David Capp, U.S. Attorney for Northern Indiana. The indictments pertain to alleged Latin King activities in two Chicagoland areas the Southeast Side of Chicago, including the south suburbs, and the western suburbs of Maywood and Melrose Park. Jimenez collected dues from the chapters as a way of financially supporting the activities of the region, the indictment states. Combating cross-border criminal activity is a critical component of the overall safety, security and well-being of our nation. This sentence holds Garcia accountable for the barbaric enterprise known as the Latin Kings and his role in murder, attempted murder, shootings, beatings, drug trafficking, and other crimes, said Gary S. Shapiro, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. The geographical location controlled by the Maywood section included the area east of 25th Avenue, west of 1st Avenue, north of Lake Street, and south of North Avenue, in the western suburbs of Maywood and Melrose Park, according to the indictment. Could new DNA tech crack the JonBenet Ramsey case? CHICAGO Two federal indictments unsealed in Chicago Tuesday charged 34 members of the Latin Kings street gang with participating in a criminal organization that assaults and attempts to murder its rivals and violently protects its territories in the city and suburbs. 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. And one plant can have many . 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. He was not a cartel leader from Mexico like Chapo or anything like that.. The sentence was imposed Friday by U.S. District Judge Charles Norgle, who also ordered five years of supervised release after Garcias prison term ends. Episode 5: What's it like to be a special agent with HSI? Feds: Chicago cops helped Latin Kings with Chicago, Indiana crimes By Michael Puente. The Latin Kings is a well organized street gang that has specific leadership and is comprised of regions that include multiple chapters. An official website of the United States government. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. He fired repeatedly into the body of [the victim], and then casually held the gun to the head of [the young woman], who was spared only because the killers earlier zeal had emptied the weapon.. A locked padlock Several leaders of the M-Section, including three Incas and three Caciques, have been charged in the indictment. The charges include the attempted murders of rival gang members and a Melrose Park police officer in 2014. Detectives seized drugs with a combined street value of almost a million dollars and other valuable items purchased with illicit cash. announced the charges. Several other firearm-related offenses are charged in the indictment. 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 conspiracy (RICO) and related charges involving narcotics trafficking and violence that plagued numerous neighborhoods on the citys north, south, and west sides. 12 Latin Kings Gang Members Indicted In Indiana January 25, 2017 / 6:57 AM / CBS Chicago CHICAGO (CBS) -- Twelve members of the Latin Kings gang are now facing narcotics distribution. During the two-month trial, prosecutors played dozens of recorded phone calls that illustrated Colons control of the Latin Kings. A chapter soldier, ROY VEGA, 33, of Chicago, is charged with brandishing and discharging a firearm during a violent assault on July 5, 2014, in Chicago. All Rights Reserved. Nov. 18, 2011: Under the guise of real police busts, authorties say pair handed cash, guns and drugs to Latin King gang leaders between 2004 and 2006. Two indictments focus on the Latin Kings' dealings on the Southeast Side and in the western suburbs of Maywood and Melrose Park, known as "M-Town.". The soldiers are identified in the indictment as Fernando Chavez, 31, of Lansing, Illinois; Israel Mata, 33, most recently in state custody in Indiana on firearm charges; and Edgar Gonzalez, 32, of Whiting, Indiana. Over 650 law enforcement agents started making arrests around 4:00 a.m. on Thursday that saw 62 alleged gang members charged. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Standing outside was the 16-year-old Colon, armed with a handgun. "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. The charges were announced by the following agency heads: Zachary T. Fardon, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Michael J. Anderson, special agent in charge of the FBI in Chicago; Lindsay Murphy, acting special agent in charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Chicago; and Eddie T. Johnson, Chicago Police Department Superintendent. Incas are considered the highest authority within a chapter and oversaw the unlawful affairs of the Latin Kings in their areas, according to the indictment. Attorneys Jennie Levin, Matthew Hernandez and Morris Pasqual, Northern District of Illinois, are representing the government in the Gennell, et al, case. Two other co-defendants convicted at the same trial also received substantial prison terms. Fifty years ago this week June 27, 1971 Gustavo Colon, a teen Latin King, shot and killed Glenn Burr, a teen Vice Lord, at the intersection of Potomac Avenue and Leavitt Street. Courthouse. Two indictments focus on the Latin Kings' dealings on the Southeast Side and in the western suburbs of Maywood and Melrose Park, known as "M-Town." Several of those charged have already been. Paul Vasquez is charged with attempting to transfer a loaded Tec-DC9 semi-automatic pistol to other Latin King members on Oct. 25, 2015, in Chicago, according to the indictment. The previous Latin King indictment had charged Joseph Uvalle with sex trafficking offenses, and this . By the 1980's, a man named Luis Felipe, aka King Blood, was running the show while in prison for murder. On Feb. 25, 2007, the indictment alleges that Vargas, Ortiz, Clay, Quiroz and other Latin King members participated in the murder of Latin Dragons leaders James Walsh and Gonzalo Diaz outside of the Sopranos Bar in Griffith, Ind. Leaders of one of the city's most notorious criminal gangs, the Latin Kings, were charged yesterday with attempted murder, murder, racketeering, heroin and cocaine trafficking, and other crimes. All 12 individuals were charged with a conspiracy to distribute narcotics and added to a Latin King indictment pending in Indiana that had previously charged 26 members of the gang, according to a . Federal officials say violent gang crime is a regional issue, and they are continuing their hunt for gang members. The following month, Velarde-Saldana brandished and discharged a .45-caliber pistol during the course of a separate violent crime in Maywood, the indictment states. According to the indictments filed in this case, the Latin Kings is a nationwide gang that originated in Chicago and has branched out throughout the United States. The gang's current membership is estimated to be 20,000 to 35,000. "You will see that it's a regional problem.". But the real business of the Almighty Latin Kings is violence, federal authorities say. An official website of the United States government. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our, Feds charge dozens of alleged Latin Kings in sweeping conspiracy. 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. Latin Kings often greeted one another, demonstrated their allegiance to the gang, or announced their arrival or presence in a particular area by exclaiming "ADR" or "Amor De Rey," which means. For media inquiries about this release, call (312) 446-7872. The Chicago-based Almighty Latin King Nation, commonly referred to as Latin Kings, is a collection of over 160 structured gangs, referred to as chapters, operating in 158 cities in 31 states. Named in today's two-count superseding indictment are: This fifth superseding indictment alleges a conspiracy to commit . 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 . Colon absolutely deserves this opportunity to finally be out and be with his family and be free after all these years in custody, Pissetzky said. Southeast Region (Chicago and South Suburbs). 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. PROVIDENCE - A federal judge on Wednesday agreed to release a former Almighty Latin King Nation gang member convicted in a deadly carjacking almost three . Federal and local law enforcement began making arrests earlier this week. Authorities said the gang operated like a corporation -- with regions, chapters and a hierarchy - that engaged in gun running, extortion and sex trafficking. "This serves as a warning to others that we will continue to come at them with everything we have," said Chicago Police Supt. The Latin Kings is a well organized street gang that has . "Gang violence, gun violence, senseless violence, the type of violence that plagues our communities, our neighborhoods, in Chicago and beyond," U.S. Attorney Zachary Fardon told reporters at a news conference at the Dirksen U.S. A group of older members were referred to as the junior circle or older circle, while a group of younger members were referred to as the Pee-Wee or Shorty circle. Colon is now 66 and facing several health issues. Two Chicago police officers are accused of . Gang . 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. Vargas then allegedly sought to have others shoot people who were attending Delatorres funeral on Dec. 2, 2006. Incas are considered the highest authority within a chapter and oversaw the unlawful affairs of the Latin Kings in their areas, according to the indictment. From its origin and base in the west side Little Village community, the Latin Kings spread throughout Chicago and Illinois and established branches in other states, where local leaders acted with some autonomy but adhered to the rules and hierarchy of the Chicago gang, according to the evidence in the five-week federal trial. 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. CPD officer shot, killed on SW Side, police say: LIVE. During the course of the multi-year probes, law enforcement agents confiscated more than 40 firearms, including two AR-15 assault rifles. The charges were announced by Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Michael J. Anderson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Lindsay Murphy, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements Homeland Security Investigations; and Eddie T. Johnson, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. Delgado also faces a drug-related charge for allegedly distributing cocaine in the city in April 2014. "In what other organization is it just part of doing business to set aside funds for the funerals of your members?" Feds charge dozens of alleged Latin Kings in sweeping conspiracy. Raymond Vasquez and three Soldiers of the chapter are charged in the indictment with using a dangerous weapon to assault an individual on Dec. 2, 2012, in south suburban Burnham. The indictment also alleges that on August 14, 2014, Keith Trevor Manuel and Joseph Uvalle (both indicted previously) demanded that members of the Latin Kings take action against Estrella's Bar in Hammond, as the owner of Estrella's Bar was allowing rival gang members to patronize the bar. Nov. 18, 2011, 11:34 p.m. CT . In one instance, Bernal, Gudino, Robles, Jalomos and others allegedly caused Jonathan Zimmerman to be transported to Hammond and then murdered him for using counterfeit currency to purchase drugs. Zambrano was sentenced in 2012 to 60 years in prison. Though prison phone calls are recorded, Colon frequently discussed gang business with his wife, Marisol. Miguel Angel Marines, or "Egg," of East Chicago; Rafael Cancel, 35 of Hammond; and; Kash Lee . The charges include the attempted murders of rival gang members and a Melrose Park Police officer. Rockford: (815) 987-4444. 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. He had absolute power, one former Latin King said of Colons grip on the gang. The public is reminded that indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. A 35th alleged Latin King is charged in the indictment with selling a firearm without a license. Get information about how to check in with your local ICE Office here. Each chapter is typically named after the city in which it operates, or by a street or streets that run through the chapter. Indictment: U.S.A. v. Gennell, et al, 16 CR 462, Indictment: U.S.A. v. Cavillo, et al, 16 CR 463. Contents 1 Latin Kings 1.1 History 1.2 Leadership 1.3 Organizational structure 1.4 Markings 2 In Hip-Hop 2.1 Rappers and Rap Groups These orders were sometimes referred to as "KOS" or "Kill on Sight," the charges alleged. A 35th alleged Latin Kings member is charged with selling a firearm without a license. The investigations were conducted under the umbrella of the OCDETF program, a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Peter Salinas a/k/a "Pudge," 30, of Hammond. As of Tuesday afternoon, 33 out of the 36 defendants charged in the Chicago cases were in custody and will be making their initial court appearances in the coming days, according to U.S. attorney's office spokesman Joseph Fitzpatrick. The Latin Kings started out in Chicago in the 1950's, with the original stated purpose of protecting Puerto Rican immigrants from racial violence and discrimination. The indictments brought in Chicago on Tuesday target two factions of the Latin Kings, one that operates on the city's Southeast Side, several southern Cook County suburbs as well as in. Those charged are accused of murder, attempted murder, assault with dangerous weapons, arson and extortion, according to the indictments. Seventeen members of the Latin Dragon street gang were charged in a sweeping indictment unsealed Friday morning alleging the group is responsible for 11 murders and 23 other shootings,. With a body mass index of 33, Colon is also considered obese. Mario A. Hernandez, 41, of Maywood, is a convicted felon who allegedly illegally possessed a Smith & Wesson 556-caliber rifle. The investigations were conducted under the umbrella of the OCDETF program, a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. CHICAGO Two federal indictments unsealed in Chicago Tuesday charged 34 members of the Latin Kings street gang with participating in a criminal organization that assaults and attempts to murder its rivals and violently protects its territories in the city and suburbs. He was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison 21 years ago. Thirty four alleged Latin Kings are charged with racketeering conspiracy. Colon then walked over to a girl who was in Burrs group. In total, more than 80 Latin Kings members and associates have faced state or federal charges since 2006. Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. Another indictment centers on the so-called "M-Town" area, with charges against gange leaders Piere Paolo Gennell, 30, of Melrose Park; Jose F. Hernandez, 45, of Maywood, and David Perez, 26, of Melrose Park. The convictions result from a sustained, coordinated effort by federal law enforcement agencies, working together with the Chicago Police Department and other state and local partners, to dismantle the hierarchy of the Latin Kings and other highly organized, often violent Chicago street gangs. Several of the defendants were arrested this week and have begun making initial appearances in federal court in Chicago. Delgado also faces a drug-related charge for allegedly distributing cocaine in Chicago in April 2014. Also convicted were Vicente Garcia Jr., said to be in charge of all Latin Kings in Illinois; Alphonso Chavez, alleged leader of the gang's 31st and Drake faction; and Jose Guzman, a reputed former enforcer in Little Village. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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