He is set to be sentenced on Oct. 28. 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. / CBS Boston. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard and Mark Grady of Lellings Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. 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. See children missing from Worcester County. 1 Courthouse Way, Suite 9200 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. 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. Music, arts and crafts and food are some of the main attractions of the festival, which has . The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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. Lock 4 from area held in Latin Kings sting - telegram.com A locked padlock 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, who went by the name "King Humble," was one of 62 people arrested on Dec. 5 when federal and local police executed 31 search warrants across 24 locations, the culmination of a five-year RICO Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act investigation into the gang. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for Oct. 28, 2020. Alvin Mojica, a/k/a "King Humble," 32, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. 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. Other high-ranking members arrested in the sweep included East Coast Crown Council chairwoman Esther Ortiz, a.k.a. "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." By Gangsters Inc. In July 2020 . Ex-Member Of Springfield Latin Kings Chapter Sentenced 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 . 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 The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. Alvin Mojica, a/k/a King Humble, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine. Official websites use .gov Worcester Sen. A 31-year-old Fitchburg man pleaded guilty in federal court to several drug trafficking charges related to distribution of cocaine and fentanyl. Worcester Sen. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 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. Federal authorities say that Alvin Mojica sold cocaine in Worcester. $MMT = window.$MMT || {}; $MMT.cmd = $MMT.cmd || [];$MMT.cmd.push(function(){ $MMT.display.slots.push(["a1cd6ec6-740d-49ec-bd36-0032eef2b5f0"]); }). 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.. Those arrested include leaders, members and associates of the Almighty Latin Kings and . Worcester Man Charged In Massive Latin Kings Gang Bust Mojica is the third person to plead guilty in the case. A 31-year-old Fitchburg man pleaded guilty in federal court to several drug trafficking charges related to distribution of cocaine and fentanyl. 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, the statement said. 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, prosecutors said. Mojica is the second defendant to be sentenced in this case. pic.twitter.com/7qJPTrDRYN. Have a question about Government Services? Federal authorities say that Alvin. Worcester Man One of Sixty-Two Latin Kings Arrested, Holy Cross Football Hosts Harvard at Polar Park in September. Alvin Mojica, a/k/a King Humble, 32, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to time served (approximately seven months) and three years of supervised release. The Latin Kings is a gang suspected of having a nationwide network headquartered in Chicago. 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. Dozens of Latin Kings members face racketeering, drug and firearms charges https . The deadline for student applications to attend Worcester Technical High School for the 2023 - 2024 school year is Wednesday, March 15. Former leader of Lowell's Latin Kings sentenced to two years in prison They say the leadership approach has become a model for other Latin Kings regions in the country. 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 . Mojica, the Worcester man swept up in the arrests, is facing a single count of distribution and possession of cocaine. 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. Worcester Latin Kings Leader Pleads Guilty To Drug Charge Springfield man at center of statewide Latin Kings gang - masslive 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 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. Alvin Mojica, 32, of Worcester, plead guilty in federal court on Wednesday, July 15, to one count of distributing cocaine. The government recommended a sentence of 18 months incarceration. 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. 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 . Worcester:508-368-0100. Worcester:508-368-0100. A locked padlock 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. Alvin Mojica, 32, was arrested in December in a sweep of Latin Kings gang members across New England. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. All Rights Reserved. The gang's operations also stretched into New York, New Jersey and Maryland. 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 material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Authorities say Shaun Harrison was a full-fledged Latin Kings member who continued his gang activity behind bars, helping the gang try to identify police informants. Boston Office: Bonavolonta said the multi-year investigation involved an informant who infiltrated the gang's high level meetings. Court documents allege that the gang uses drug distribution to generate. 31-Year-Old Fitchburg Man Pleads Guilty to Several Drug Charges. 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 material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Mojica is the third person to plead guilty in the case. 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. Alvin Mojica, a leader of the Latin Kings gang in Worcester, pleads guilty to federal drug charges - masslive.com Prosecutors said Mojica admitted to selling roughly 14 grams of cocaine to. 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. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Admission is free. The government recommended a sentence of 18 months incarceration. 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. An official website of the United States government. A lawyer who represented Cecchetelli in a prior federal case didn't respond to an email seeking comment. Boston, MA 02210, Boston:617-748-3100 The government recommended a sentence of 18 months incarceration. Over 60 Members of Latin Kings Charged, 23 from New Bedford To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. Federal authorities said Mojica sold about 14 grams of cocaine to a person who was cooperating with investigators. Prosecutors said Mojica admitted to selling roughly 14 grams of cocaine to a cooperating witness in May of 2019. Indicted Latin Kings advisor wants permission to go to Florida amid 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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. Official websites use .gov 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 are reportedly a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. "King Demon," a Crown Council member from Connecticut. 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. 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. District of Massachusetts The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Prosecutors had asked a judge for an 18-month prison sentence. "It will be extremely difficult for the gang to regroup in the region.". Mojica, also known by the name "King Humble," was arrested in December 2019. 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. Please enter valid email address to continue. Latin Kings Worcester Leader Facing 20 Years in Prison, Holy Cross Football Hosts Harvard at Polar Park in September. Lock "King Demon," a Crown Council member from Connecticut. 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. WORCESTER, MA A Worcester man identified by federal prosecutors as a local Latin Kings gang leader was sentenced on drug distribution charges Wednesday. He also said Thursday's indictment includes a former Boston high school dean already serving a prison sentence for shooting a student he'd recruited to deal drugs in the school. "Queen India," and Hector Manuel Vega, a.k.a. 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. ", $MMT = window.$MMT || {}; $MMT.cmd = $MMT.cmd || [];$MMT.cmd.push(function(){ $MMT.display.slots.push(["b87e5807-c753-4d86-974d-7aa8f17f9030"]); }). Worcester Man One of Sixty-Two Latin Kings Arrested 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. 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. 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. Police also located two missing children during the raids: a 14-year-old from New Bedford, and a 16-year-old from Fall River. 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,. Other high-ranking members arrested in the sweep included East Coast Crown Council chairwoman Esther Ortiz, a.k.a. 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. All of those arrested are expected to face federal charges. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf. District of Massachusetts | Leader of Worcester Latin Kings Chapter A lock ( 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.. ( Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. The judge has scheduled sentencing for October 28. The investigation had been ongoing over the last four years. 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. Mojica is the second defendant sentenced in this case. All rights reserved (About Us). Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard and Mark Grady of Lellings Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The feds came down hard on the Latin Kings this weekend in New Bedford and Worcester. Over 60 Members of Latin Kings Charged - United States Department of Mojica, who went by the name "King Humble," was one of 62 people arrested on Dec. 5 when federal and local police executed 31 search warrants across 24 locations, the culmination of a five-year RICO Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act investigation into the gang. Worcester Latin Kings Leader Sentenced for Drug Distribution, Holy Cross Football Hosts Harvard at Polar Park in September. 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 . $MMT = window.$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"]); }). Mojica is the second defendant sentenced in this case. See children missing from Worcester County. 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. A lock ( Leader of Worcester Latin Kings Chapter Pleads Guilty to Drug More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. FBI Arrest Of 62 Latin King Members In Worcester And New Bedford Has A 31-year-old Fitchburg man pleaded guilty in federal court to several drug trafficking charges related to distribution of cocaine and fentanyl. LEOMINSTER -- Police on Friday morning were looking for an allegedly "high-ranking" member of the Latin Kings street gang when a search of his Jerome Place home turned up heroin and drug packaging, according to a report from Detective Joseph L. Siciliano Jr.. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. A leader of the Worcester Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation has been sentenced to time served for drug distribution in connection to "Operation Throne Down." (Shutterstock) WORCESTER, MA A Worcester man identified by federal prosecutors as a local Latin Kings gang leader was sentenced on drug distribution charges Wednesday. Mojica, 32, was sentenced to three years of supervised release on a drug distribution charge. The interaction was captured by audio/video. The Latin Kings, the second-largest gang, has at least 30 members at a time in the jail. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Worcester Latin Kings Leader Gets Supervised Release In Drug Case Applications for Worcester Technical High School Close this Week. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). See children missing from Worcester County. Twelve Latin Kings Indicted for Drug and Firearms Offenses 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. 31-Year-Old Fitchburg Man Pleads Guilty to Several Drug Charges. 1 Courthouse Way, Suite 9200 Applications for Worcester Technical High School Close this Week. Boston, MA 02210, Boston:617-748-3100 Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. The deadline for student applications to attend Worcester Technical High School for the 2023 - 2024 school year is Wednesday, March 15. 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. The United States Attorney's Office says Mojica was also known as "King Humble." 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. ___This story has been updated to correct the number of arrests to more than 60, instead of more than 90. 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. Mojica is the second defendant to be sentenced in this case. 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, authorities announced Thursday. The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. 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. Bristol County Jail and House of Correction had 41 Latin Kings members and dozens of inmates. 'In our world, killing is easy': Latin Kings part of a - masslive Mojica, also known by the name King Humble, was arrested in December 2019. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in 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. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Mojica, who went by the name "King Humble," was already in the Worcester County Jail, according to federal court documents. FBI Boston (@FBIBoston . Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. WILLY'S LATIN CUISINE - Worcester, Massachusetts - Latin American 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 . Alvin Mojica's arrest came in a December sweep of Latin Kings gang members across New England. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 32-year-old Alvin "King Humble" Mojica got time served (approximately seven months) and three years of supervised release. A leader of the Worcester Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation has been sentenced to time served for drug distribution in connection to Operation Throne Down.. Patch editor Dave Copeland contributed to this report. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Authorities also seized dozens of firearms, thousands of dollars worth of cash, drugs and vehicles and three properties in the crackdown. At the time, he was the leader of the Worcester based Chapter of the Latin Kings. "Queen India," and Hector Manuel Vega, a.k.a. Federal authorities said Mojica sold about 14 grams of cocaine to a person who was cooperating with investigators. Latin Kings Worcester Leader Facing 20 Years in Prison 'Throne Down': FBI Announces Charges Against Latin Kings Members in 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. Mojica is the third defendant to plead guilty in this 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 it is still headquartered. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. ), First published on December 5, 2019 / 5:05 PM. 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. Police: Drugs found at alleged gang leader's home An official website of the United States government. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. 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. Boston Office: The United States Attorney's Office says Mojica was also known as "King Humble.