His lawyer from his prior criminal case didn't respond to a call seeking comment Thursday. Please enter valid email address to continue. Last Updated March 23, 2021 1:17 PM. 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. 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. 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. 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. By Gangsters Inc. The interaction was captured by audio/video. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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. U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts, Leader of Worcester Latin Kings Chapter Sentenced on Drug Distribution Charges, https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf, 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 Sentenced On Drug Distribution Charges. 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. 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. 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 . A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 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. Worcester Sen. 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 . Applications for Worcester Technical High School Close this Week. Mojica, 32, was sentenced to three years of supervised release on a drug distribution charge. Prosecutors had asked a judge for an 18-month prison sentence. ), First published on December 5, 2019 / 5:05 PM. Worcester:508-368-0100. 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 lock ( FBI Boston (@FBIBoston . 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. Sentencing for Mojica is scheduled to take place on October 28. 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 . Bristol County Jail and House of Correction had 41 Latin Kings members and dozens of inmates. 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. We also thwarted plots to kill at least 8 people in MA, CT & FL. 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. "Queen India," and Hector Manuel Vega, a.k.a. A locked padlock Boston, MA 02210, Boston:617-748-3100 Authorities also seized dozens of firearms, thousands of dollars worth of cash, drugs and vehicles and three properties in the crackdown. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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. pic.twitter.com/7qJPTrDRYN. 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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. 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Mojica, also known by the name "King Humble," was arrested in December 2019. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. See children missing from Worcester County. A 31-year-old Fitchburg man pleaded guilty in federal court to several drug trafficking charges related to distribution of cocaine and fentanyl. 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. He also served seven months in federal prison this year during court proceedings in 2020. Mojica admitted to distributing some 14 grams of cocaine to a cooperating witness in May 2019. I had 5 Latin Kings line up and lay pipe in my rancid venereal diseased pass . 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. The deadline for student applications to attend Worcester Technical High School for the 2023 - 2024 school year is Wednesday, March 15. 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. 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). Alvin Mojica, 32, of Worcester, plead guilty in federal court on Wednesday, July 15, to one count of distributing cocaine. Dozens of Latin Kings members face racketeering, drug and firearms charges https . 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. Federal authorities said Mojica sold about 14 grams of cocaine to a person who was cooperating with investigators. Worcester Latin Kings Leader Sentenced for Drug Distribution, Holy Cross Football Hosts Harvard at Polar Park in September. A lock ( At the time, he was the leader of the Worcester based Chapter of the Latin Kings. The investigation had been ongoing over the last four years. 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. Worcester Sen. $MMT = window.$MMT || {}; $MMT.cmd = $MMT.cmd || [];$MMT.cmd.push(function(){ $MMT.display.slots.push(["a1cd6ec6-740d-49ec-bd36-0032eef2b5f0"]); }). 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. 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,. Mojica was arrested and charged in December 2019, at which time he was the leader of the Worcester based Chapter of the Latin Kings. 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. "Queen India," and Hector Manuel Vega, a.k.a. "It will be extremely difficult for the gang to regroup in the region.". 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. Alvin Mojica, aka "King Humble", pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine in July 2020. Have a question about Government Services? In July 2020, Mojica pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine. The Latin Kings are reportedly a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. Mojica is the second defendant sentenced in this case. He is set to be sentenced on Oct. 28. Mojica is the third person to plead guilty in the case. The charges will include RICO, drug trafficking conspiracy and firearms related charges. Prosecutors said Mojica admitted to selling roughly 14 grams of cocaine to a cooperating witness in May of 2019. A locked padlock Official websites use .gov Boston Office: 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. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf. 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 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. Police also seized a vehicle owned by Mojica as part of a drug forfeiture allegation. Music, arts and crafts and food are some of the main attractions of the festival, which has . 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. 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. 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. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. They say the leadership approach has become a model for other Latin Kings regions in the country. Alvin Mojica, a/k/a King Humble, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine. Mojica is the third defendant to plead guilty in this case. 1 Courthouse Way, Suite 9200 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. Applications for Worcester Technical High School Close this Week. Mojica, also known by the name King Humble, was arrested in December 2019. Alvin Mojica's arrest came in a December sweep of Latin Kings gang members across New England. 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS District of Massachusetts In July 2020 . 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. 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. See children missing from Worcester County. All of those arrested are expected to face federal charges. 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. Alvin Mojica, a/k/a "King Humble," 32, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine. $MMT = window.$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. 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. 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Alvin Mojica, 32, was arrested in December in a sweep of Latin Kings gang members across New England. 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. 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. December 5, 2019. Mojica, aka King Humble, was arrested and charged with in December 2019, when he was the leader of the Worcester-based chapter of the Latin Kings, U.S. Attorney Andrew Lellings office said in a statement. 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. "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." An official website of the United States government. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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 . An official website of the United States government. 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. / CBS Boston. Those arrested include leaders, members and associates of the Almighty Latin Kings and . 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. 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. Federal authorities say that Alvin. 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.