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. 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. A locked padlock Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard and Mark Grady of Lellings Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. 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 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. 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The government recommended a sentence of 18 months incarceration. 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. 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. The feds came down hard on the Latin Kings this weekend in New Bedford and Worcester. The deadline for student applications to attend Worcester Technical High School for the 2023 - 2024 school year is Wednesday, March 15. 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. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. He is set to be sentenced on Oct. 28. Last Updated March 23, 2021 1:17 PM. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. A locked padlock 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 Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. We also thwarted plots to kill at least 8 people in MA, CT & FL. Worcester Sen. Police also located two missing children during the raids: a 14-year-old from New Bedford, and a 16-year-old from Fall River. 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. 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. Police also seized a vehicle owned by Mojica as part of a drug forfeiture allegation. $MMT = window.$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"]); }). 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. 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. 1 Courthouse Way, Suite 9200 Mojica is the third defendant to plead guilty in this case. "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." ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The deadline for student applications to attend Worcester Technical High School for the 2023 - 2024 school year is Wednesday, March 15. Mojica, 32, was sentenced to three years of supervised release on a drug distribution charge. Worcester Latin Kings Leader Sentenced for Drug Distribution, Holy Cross Football Hosts Harvard at Polar Park in September. A lock ( "Queen India," and Hector Manuel Vega, a.k.a. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. An official website of the United States government. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. ( Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. 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. December 5, 2019. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. Mojica is the second defendant sentenced in this case. 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.. Mojica admitted to distributing some 14 grams of cocaine to a cooperating witness in May 2019. Mojica is the second defendant to be sentenced in this case. Other high-ranking members arrested in the sweep included East Coast Crown Council chairwoman Esther Ortiz, a.k.a. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard and Mark Grady of Lellings Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. Alvin Mojica's. 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/k/a "King Humble," 32, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine. "King Demon," a Crown Council member from Connecticut. 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. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. Other high-ranking members arrested in the sweep included East Coast Crown Council chairwoman Esther Ortiz, a.k.a. Mojica is the third person to plead guilty in the case. 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. 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. Worcester Sen. 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. FBI Boston (@FBIBoston . See children missing from Worcester County. Latin Kings Worcester Leader Facing 20 Years in Prison, Holy Cross Football Hosts Harvard at Polar Park in September. The interaction was captured by audio/video. All rights reserved (About Us). Boston, MA 02210, Boston:617-748-3100 Follow us on The016.com, the social network for Worcester and you! The gang's operations also stretched into New York, New Jersey and Maryland. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. "Queen India," and Hector Manuel Vega, a.k.a. WORCESTER, MA A Worcester man identified by federal prosecutors as a local Latin Kings gang leader was sentenced on drug distribution charges Wednesday. 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. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS (Shutterstock) WORCESTER, MA A Worcester man identified by federal prosecutors as a local Latin Kings gang leader was sentenced on drug distribution charges Wednesday. 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Mojica is the third defendant to plead guilty in the case. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. Alvin Mojica, 32, of Worcester, plead guilty in federal court on Wednesday, July 15, to one count of distributing cocaine. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 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. All rights reserved (About Us). 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. He pleaded guilty to the drug distribution charge in July. 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.. Springfield:413-785-0235 See children missing from Worcester County. 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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. 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. pic.twitter.com/7qJPTrDRYN. The Latin Kings are reportedly a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. Worcester:508-368-0100. 31-Year-Old Fitchburg Man Pleads Guilty to Several Drug Charges. $MMT = window.$MMT || {}; $MMT.cmd = $MMT.cmd || [];$MMT.cmd.push(function(){ $MMT.display.slots.push(["a1cd6ec6-740d-49ec-bd36-0032eef2b5f0"]); }). 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. 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). 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." A 31-year-old Fitchburg man pleaded guilty in federal court to several drug trafficking charges related to distribution of cocaine and fentanyl. This will be the first time the festival has been held outside since 2019. A lawyer who represented Cecchetelli in a prior federal case didn't respond to an email seeking comment. Lock 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. They say the leadership approach has become a model for other Latin Kings regions in the country. 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. The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. Twelve Latin Kings Indicted for Drug and Firearms Offenses Monday, November 9, 2015 For Immediate Release U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts BOSTON - Twelve Springfield-area men, nine of whom were arrested this morning, were charged in U.S. District Court in Springfield with drug distribution and firearms offenses. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. 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. 1 Courthouse Way, Suite 9200 Mojica, also known by the name King Humble, was arrested in December 2019. 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. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. At this time it is not clear what specific charges Mojica will face. 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.. Have a question about Government Services? 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 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. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. The government recommended a sentence of 18 months incarceration. Alvin Mojica's arrest came in a December sweep of Latin Kings gang members across New England. In July 2020 . Official websites use .gov Boston, MA 02210, Boston:617-748-3100 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. 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. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf. 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 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. In July 2020, Mojica pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine. 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. Alvin Mojica, a/k/a King Humble, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine. 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. Others face gun possession charges. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The judge has scheduled sentencing for October 28. 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. Mojica, who went by the name "King Humble," was already in the Worcester County Jail, according to federal court documents. Official websites use .gov 32-year-old Alvin "King Humble" Mojica got time served (approximately seven months) and three years of supervised release. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Mojica is the second defendant sentenced in this case. Mojica, also known by the name "King Humble," was arrested in December 2019. Mojica, the Worcester man swept up in the arrests, is facing a single count of distribution and possession of cocaine. 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,. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Court documents allege that the gang uses drug distribution to generate. Prosecutors said Mojica admitted to selling roughly 14 grams of cocaine to a cooperating witness in May of 2019. He also served seven months in federal prison this year during court proceedings in 2020. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. 31-Year-Old Fitchburg Man Pleads Guilty to Several Drug 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. 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. 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 . Music, arts and crafts and food are some of the main attractions of the festival, which has . 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 Fitchburg man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester to his role in a wide-ranging fentanyl, heroin, crack and cocaine trafficking conspiracy. The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. ", $MMT = window.$MMT || {}; $MMT.cmd = $MMT.cmd || [];$MMT.cmd.push(function(){ $MMT.display.slots.push(["b87e5807-c753-4d86-974d-7aa8f17f9030"]); }). All Rights Reserved. Alvin Mojica, 32, was arrested in December in a sweep of Latin Kings gang members across New England. Bonavolonta said the multi-year investigation involved an informant who infiltrated the gang's high level meetings. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. 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. ___This story has been updated to correct the number of arrests to more than 60, instead of more than 90. 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. The charges will include RICO, drug trafficking conspiracy and firearms related charges. The investigation had been ongoing over the last four years. Federal authorities say that Alvin Mojica sold cocaine in Worcester. Please enter valid email address to continue. Admission is free. 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. 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 . 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. Sentencing for Mojica is scheduled to take place on October 28. 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. Have a question about Government Services? Bristol County Jail and House of Correction had 41 Latin Kings members and dozens of inmates. 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. Mojica is the second defendant to be sentenced in this case. District of Massachusetts At the time, he was the leader of the Worcester based Chapter of the Latin Kings. "It will be extremely difficult for the gang to regroup in the region.". 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.. "King Demon," a Crown Council member from Connecticut. 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. December 5, 2019 / 5:05 PM 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]. 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 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. 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 . The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. Worcester Sen. 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. 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. Boston Office: At the time, he was the leader of the Worcester based Chapter of the Latin Kings. 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. Federal authorities said Mojica sold about 14 grams of cocaine to a person who was cooperating with investigators. Lock 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. Applications for Worcester Technical High School Close this Week. / CBS Boston. At the time, he was the leader of the Worcester based Chapter of the Latin Kings. 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. Mojica pleaded guilty in July to one count of distribution of cocaine. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for Oct. 28, 2020. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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. 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. 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 . Patch editor Dave Copeland contributed to this report. Authorities also seized dozens of firearms, thousands of dollars worth of cash, drugs and vehicles and three properties in the crackdown. Authorities said they used some of the. Mojica was arrested and charged in December 2019, at which time he was the leader of the Worcester based Chapter of the Latin Kings. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. 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.