19 Alleged Members of Latin Kings Indicted for Conspiracy to Participate in Racketeering Enterprise

Strategic Insights -

Twenty alleged members of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation, also known as the Latin Kings, have been charged with conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise. The indictment was returned under seal yesterday and unsealed today upon the arrests of the defendants. The alleged gang members are accused of engaging in violent crimes, including attempted murders, robberies, and witness tampering.

Key Takeaways:

  • The indictment charges the 19 defendants with conspiracy to participate in the racketeering activities of the Latin Kings, a violent street gang with members operating in Maryland since at least 2007.
  • The defendants, ranging in age from 19 to 44, allegedly conspired to commit various crimes, including attempted murders, robberies, witness tampering, and arson.
  • The Latin Kings use symbols and hand-signs, including a crown shape and exclaiming "ADR" or "Amor De Rey," to demonstrate their affiliation.
  • The gang members allegedly stored guns, gathered materials for firebombing, and hunted rival MS-13 members to shoot.
  • The defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison and are scheduled to have their initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt today.
  • The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Glatfelter and David Salem, and Trial Attorney Lara M. Peirce of the Criminal Division's Gang Unit.
  • The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and other federal, state, and local agencies.
  • The defendants are accused of engaging in gang activity, including organizing into "tribes" and using the Internet and telephone to communicate with other members.
  • The indictment alleges that the Latin Kings members agreed to murder a security guard, burglarized a gun shop, and attempted to murder a victim by beating and stabbing him.

Statistics:

  • 19 alleged members of the Latin Kings have been charged with conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise.
  • The defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
  • The alleged gang members have been engaged in violent crimes, including attempted murders, robberies, and witness tampering, since at least 2007.
  • The Latin Kings have thousands of members scattered across the United States and overseas, with traditional power centers in the Chicago and New York metropolitan areas.
  • The defendants range in age from 19 to 44.

Sources:

  • U.S. Department of Justice press release
  • "Grand Jury Indictment" ( PDF document)
  • U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives