They say the leadership approach has become a model for other Latin Kings regions in the country. Music, arts and crafts and food are some of the main attractions of the festival, which has . Hundreds of federal and local police across New England executed 31 search warrants across 24 locations on Thursday morning, the culmination of a five-year RICO Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act investigation into the gang. Springfield:413-785-0235 1 Courthouse Way, Suite 9200 Mojica, also known by the name "King Humble," was arrested in December 2019. Bonavolonta said the gang distributed drugs and shot music videos boasting about their exploits from the New Bedford, Massachusetts, properties while the property owner helped launder money and conceal their operations. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS "Queen India," and Hector Manuel Vega, a.k.a. SAC Joe Bonavolonta, US Attorney Andy Lelling & MA DOC Commissioner Carol Mici announce charges against 62 leaders & members of the Almighty Latin King & Queen Nation in MA, RI, CT & NJ in connection with 'Operation Throne Down,' the largest takedown in #FBI Boston's history. Mojica was arrested and charged in December 2019, at which time he was the leader of the Worcester based Chapter of the Latin Kings. 1 review of Willy's Latin Cuisine "Willy's Latin Cuisine opened recently in the former Taco Caliente on Chandler Street offering Mexican and El Salvadorian food. Springfield man at center of statewide Latin Kings gang - masslive "King Demon," a Crown Council member from Connecticut. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23, First alleged Latin Kings leader in Operation Throne Down pleads guilty in federal court, More than 60 alleged East Coast Latin Kings members arrested in Operation Throne Down. BOSTON - A leader of the Worcester Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation ("Latin Kings") pleaded guilty today to drug distribution charges. Authorities said Cecchetelli and other gang leaders ran the gang with a Mafia-style hierarchy, with a council of leaders and as many as 11 chapters across Massachusetts alone. An official website of the United States government. Boss of Latin Kings Worcester Chapter sentenced on drug charges The Latin Kings are reportedly a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. Backs Charter School Reform After BESE Board Vote, Local Food Banks Prep As Pandemic Food Benefits End In MA, Charter Audit, Millionaire Tax Plan, Toddler Taken: Patch Top Stories, The Poop On Free-Range Cats And Your Lawn And Garden [Block Talk], New Worcester Law On Developer Tax Breaks Likely: Councilors. They're part of a federal sweep last year of 60 "active Latin Kings Chapters" operating in Boston, New Bedford, Springfield, Lynn, Salem, Chelsea, Lowell, Lawrence, Worcester and Fitchburg. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. See children missing from Worcester County. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. There were 54 people apprehended Thursday, of which nine were already in custody and eight others are still being sought in an predawn raid that included more than 500 law enforcement officers, he said. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Mojica, the Worcester man swept up in the arrests, is facing a single count of distribution and possession of cocaine. A locked padlock Feds say Latin Kings cooked cocaine and planned killings - masslive His lawyer from his prior criminal case didn't respond to a call seeking comment Thursday. "Queen India," and Hector Manuel Vega, a.k.a. Federal authorities say that Alvin Mojica sold cocaine in Worcester. The leader of the Worcester Latin Kings has pleaded guilty to a drug distribution charge in federal district court.Alvin "King Humble" Mojica, 32, pleaded guilty, in a Massachusetts U.S. District Court on July 15, to the charge of distribu Worcester:508-368-0100. Among those arrested is Michael Cecchetelli, a 40-year-old Springfield, Massachusetts resident with ties to the Genovese crime family who oversaw the gang's operations from Massachusetts down to Florida, according to Joseph Bonavolonta, head of the FBI's Boston office. The government asked for a sentence of 18 months, according to a statement from the office of Andrew Lelling, U.S. Attorney for the district of Massachusetts. A locked padlock Officers seized the three stash houses Thursday morning as part of a federal operation that led to charges against more than 60 alleged Latin Kings members, including at least 46 from. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. FBI Boston (@FBIBoston . Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. The deadline for student applications to attend Worcester Technical High School for the 2023 - 2024 school year is Wednesday, March 15. Worcester Latin Kings Leader Sentenced for Drug Distribution, Holy Cross Football Hosts Harvard at Polar Park in September. 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. The Latin Kings members sold cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl and marijuana to earn money for the gang and pay their dues, according to the indictment. Worcester Man Charged In Massive Latin Kings Gang Bust Boston, MA 02210, Boston:617-748-3100 Follow us on The016.com, the social network for Worcester and you! At the time, he was the leader of the Worcester based Chapter of the Latin Kings. A lock ( "It will be extremely difficult for the gang to regroup in the region.". Alvin Mojica, a/k/a "King Humble," 32, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine. All of those arrested are expected to face federal charges. Mojica is the third person to plead guilty in the case. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Andrew Lelling and Joseph Bonavolonta, head of the FBI's Boston office, said they will detail the arrests Thursday at the federal courthouse in Boston. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for Oct. 28, 2020. FBI Arrest Of 62 Latin King Members In Worcester And New Bedford Has Woonsocket Woman Upset, Focusing On Positive Contributions From Gang Aidan Kearney December 6, 2019 12,535 2 minutes read One of Donald Trump's most underrated moves as President has been his appointment of U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling to oversee law and order in Massachusetts. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf. Alvin Mojica, 32, was arrested in December in a sweep of Latin Kings gang members across New England. All rights reserved (About Us). BOSTON A leader of the Worcester Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) was sentenced today on drug distribution charges. In December 2019, a federal grand jury in Boston returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. 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.. Latin Kings Worcester Leader Facing 20 Years in Prison, Holy Cross Football Hosts Harvard at Polar Park in September. Latin Kings, college scam convicts let out of prison due to coronavirus Other high-ranking members arrested in the sweep included East Coast Crown Council chairwoman Esther Ortiz, a.k.a. The United States Attorney's Office says Mojica was also known as "King Humble." Leader Of Worcester Latin Kings Pleads Guilty To Drug Charge The government recommended a sentence of 18 months incarceration. WORCESTER, MA A Worcester man identified by federal prosecutors as a local Latin Kings gang leader was sentenced on drug distribution charges Wednesday. WORCESTER - Alvin Mojica of Worcester was one of sixty-two arrested today across Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut for charges related to involvement in the Latin Kings. A racketeering indictment against more than 60 defendants identified as Latin King leaders by the FBI was unsealed on Dec. 5, resulting in dozens of arrests linked to allegations of murder. Police also located two missing children during the raids: a 14-year-old from New Bedford, and a 16-year-old from Fall River. According to the U.S. District Attorney's Office, Mojica was the leader of the Worcester chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty king and Queen Nation [Latin Kings]. The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. Patch editor Dave Copeland contributed to this report. Applications for Worcester Technical High School Close this Week. More than 60 alleged East Coast Latin Kings members arrested in Admission is free. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. 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 BOSTON A New York man was arrested yesterday in connection with allegedly trafficking drugs and firearms. ___This story has been updated to correct the number of arrests to more than 60, instead of more than 90. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Mojica is the second defendant sentenced in this case. At the time, he was the leader of the Worcester based Chapter of the Latin Kings. 31-Year-Old Fitchburg Man Pleads Guilty to Several Drug Charges. 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. He pleaded guilty to the drug distribution charge in July. Have a question about Government Services? Editors A leader of the Worcester Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation ("Latin Kings") was sentenced today on drug distribution charges. Worcester Sen. The investigation had been ongoing over the last four years. Backs Charter School Reform After BESE Board Vote, Local Food Banks Prep As Pandemic Food Benefits End In MA, Charter Audit, Millionaire Tax Plan, Toddler Taken: Patch Top Stories, The Poop On Free-Range Cats And Your Lawn And Garden [Block Talk], New Worcester Law On Developer Tax Breaks Likely: Councilors. The highest-ranking member arrested was Michael Cecchetelli, of Springfield, who went by the name "King Merlin" and oversaw the east coast operations of the Latin Kings. ( Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. Worcester Sen. All rights reserved (About Us). December 5, 2019. In December, 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings were indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston on charges of racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms offenses, all part of the Operation Throne Down" sting. $MMT = window.$MMT || {}; $MMT.cmd = $MMT.cmd || [];$MMT.cmd.push(function(){ $MMT.display.slots.push(["032942e8-05a9-496b-9304-a0f70d6ab296"]); }), $MMT = window.$MMT || {}; $MMT.cmd = $MMT.cmd || [];$MMT.cmd.push(function(){ $MMT.display.slots.push(["e8784850-8cc0-403e-ad08-582fede53c10"]); }). Wednesday, October 28, 2020 For Immediate Release U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts BOSTON - A leader of the Worcester Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation ("Latin Kings") was sentenced today on drug distribution charges. We also thwarted plots to kill at least 8 people in MA, CT & FL. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Mojica, also known by the name King Humble, was arrested in December 2019. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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 it is still headquartered. In July 2020, Mojica pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine. 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 BOSTON A New York man was arrested yesterday in connection with allegedly trafficking drugs and firearms. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. Springfield:413-785-0235 The Latin Kings, the second-largest gang, has at least 30 members at a time in the jail. Worcester:508-368-0100. 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Mojica is the third defendant to plead guilty in the case. Holy Cross football plays a single game at Polar Park for the third stratigh season in 2023, this year host the Harvard University Crimson in September . 'In our world, killing is easy': Latin Kings part of a - masslive Leader of Worcester Latin Kings Chapter Pleads Guilty to Drug The Latin Kings is a gang suspected of having a nationwide network headquartered in Chicago. All Rights Reserved. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The majority of Thursday morning's arrests took place across Massachusetts, but some gang members and associates were also arrested in Rhode Island and Connecticut, Bonavolonta said. The charges will include RICO, drug trafficking conspiracy and firearms related charges. Court documents allege that the gang uses drug distribution to generate. A 31-year-old Fitchburg man pleaded guilty in federal court to several drug trafficking charges related to distribution of cocaine and fentanyl. Worcester's Latin American Festival - 30 years of Latino pride, culture WORCESTER, MA A Worcester man is one of 62 people who have been charged in connection to a bust of the Latin Kings street gang across three states. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Official websites use .gov Federal authorities said Mojica sold about 14 grams of cocaine to a person who was cooperating with investigators. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The highest-ranking member arrested in December was Michael Cecchetelli, of Springfield, who went by the name "King Merlin" and oversaw the east coast operations of the Latin Kings. The deadline for student applications to attend Worcester Technical High School for the 2023 - 2024 school year is Wednesday, March 15. Hector Adorno - also known as "King Gordo," age 36, a former member of the Springfield Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation in Worcester County was sentenced in federal court in Boston to five years in prison and three years of supervised release on a firearm offense. 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. Please enter valid email address to continue. Mojica admitted to distributing some 14 grams of cocaine to a cooperating witness in May 2019. Those arrested include leaders, members and associates of the Almighty Latin Kings and . The 30th Latin American Festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 20 at what has become its traditional spot on Worcester Common behind City Hall. I had 5 Latin Kings line up and lay pipe in my rancid venereal diseased pass . Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Lock More than 500 local, state and federal law enforcement officers took part in serving served thirty-one warrants this morning which lead to the arrests that included Mojica. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Dozens Of Latin Kings Gang Members Arrested In Massachusetts The charge provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a minimum of three years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The Latin Kings have also grown to become the largest gang in Massachusetts prisons, with an estimated 400 members, including leaders who face charges for continuing to coordinate criminal. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. This will be the first time the festival has been held outside since 2019. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. 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 Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement today. Others face gun possession charges. Mojica has admitted to distributing just fewer than 14 grams of cocaine to a cooperating witness in an audio/video recorded transaction in May 2019, when he was the leader of the Worcester chapter of the Latin Kings, Lellings office said in a statement. Federal authorities said Mojica sold about 14 grams of cocaine to a person who was cooperating with investigators. 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. The judge has scheduled sentencing for October 28. WORCESTER, MA A man whom federal authorities say was the leader of the Worcester Latin Kings gang pleaded guilty on Wednesday to a drug distribution charge, which could mean a jail sentence of up to 20 years. Bristol County Jail and House of Correction had 41 Latin Kings members and dozens of inmates. Coronavirus: Latin Kings, college admissions scam convicts let out of U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts, Leader of Worcester Latin Kings Chapter Pleads Guilty to Drug Distribution Charges, Fitchburg Man Pleads Guilty to Wide-Ranging Cocaine Conspiracy, Leader of Boston Drug Trafficking Organization Pleads Guilty to Heroin and Fentanyl Conspiracy and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Distribution Activities, New York Man Indicted for Firearms and Narcotics Trafficking, Leader of Worcester Latin Kings Chapter Pleads Guilty To Drug Distribution Charges. Last Updated March 23, 2021 1:17 PM. Bonavolonta said the multi-year investigation involved an informant who infiltrated the gang's high level meetings. A 31-year-old Fitchburg man pleaded guilty in federal court to several drug trafficking charges related to distribution of cocaine and fentanyl. In December 2019, a federal grand jury in Boston returned an indictment that alleged racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. "It's a big hit precisely because we are able to take out all of the leadership," said U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling of the five-year investigation by the FBI and the state Department of Correction dubbed "Operation Throne Down." 31-Year-Old Fitchburg Man Pleads Guilty to Several Drug Charges. 32-year-old Alvin "King Humble" Mojica got time served (approximately seven months) and three years of supervised release. Behind bars: How Massachusetts jails are working to break up Latin Similar to its predecessor, they offer made to order tacos, burritos, nachos, and quesadillas, with choices of meats including birria (shredded beef), asada (steak), barbacoa (shredded beef), al pastor (marinated pork), pollo (chicken . Most face federal racketeering charges for allegedly trafficking drugs, laundering money and committing assaults, robberies and other violent crimes and conspiring to commit more than ten murders. Mojica faces up to 20 years in prison, a minimum of three years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Alvin Mojica, a leader of the Worcester Chapter Latin Kings gang, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine in federal court on Wedesday, according to prosecutors. 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 Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement today. The Latin Kings have also grown to become the largest gang in Massachusetts prisons, with an estimated 400 members, including leaders who face charges for continuing to coordinate criminal activity outside the prison, authorities said. pic.twitter.com/7qJPTrDRYN. (Shutterstock) WORCESTER, MA A Worcester man identified by federal prosecutors as a local Latin Kings gang leader was sentenced on drug distribution charges Wednesday. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Worcester Latin Kings leader sentenced to time served in 'Operation Dozens of Latin Kings members face racketeering, drug and firearms charges https . Alvin Mojica, named by feds as the current "Inca," or leader of the Worcester Latin Kings, had his COVID-19 release request rejected last month by federal Judge Marianne Bowler when he . 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Alvin Mojica, also known as King Humble, has been sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to time served, which was about seven months, and three years of supervised release. 1 Courthouse Way, Suite 9200 A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. WORCESTER - A leader of the Worcester Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation [Latin Kings] was sentenced on Wednesday, October 28, to time served and three years of supervised release on drug distribution charges. Ex-Member Of Springfield Latin Kings Chapter Sentenced SPRINGFIELD When Michael Cecchetelli made a bid for pretrial release after being indicted on illegal weapons charges in 2005, a federal magistrate judge denied the move, ruling Cecchetelli's role. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard and Mark Grady of Lellings Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. Woonsocket Wang Donkey Is Upset That 62 Latin Kings Were Arrested During the plea proceedings, Mojica admitted that in May 2019 he distributed just under 14 grams of cocaine to a cooperating witness in an audio/video recorded transaction. Official websites use .gov Worcester Latin Kings Leader Gets Supervised Release In Drug Case Mojica is the third defendant to plead guilty in this case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. WORCESTER, MA A Worcester man is one of 62 people who have been charged in connection to a bust of the Latin Kings street gang across three states. Latin Kings Worcester Leader Facing 20 Years in Prison / CBS Boston. 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. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. Over 60 Members of Latin Kings Charged - United States Department of The investigation found evidence that the Latin Kings conspired to murder more than 10 people, operated a large-scale drug trafficking operation and committed robberies, shootings and stabbings. $MMT = window.$MMT || {}; $MMT.cmd = $MMT.cmd || [];$MMT.cmd.push(function(){ $MMT.display.slots.push(["a1cd6ec6-740d-49ec-bd36-0032eef2b5f0"]); }). Other high-ranking members arrested in the sweep included East Coast Crown Council chairwoman Esther Ortiz, a.k.a. WORCESTER - Alvin Mojica of Worcester was one of sixty-two arrested today across Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut for charges related to involvement in the Latin Kings.