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. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. 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 . 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 . 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. 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 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. 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 . Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. A 31-year-old Fitchburg man pleaded guilty in federal court to several drug trafficking charges related to distribution of cocaine and fentanyl. Alvin Mojica's. The deadline for student applications to attend Worcester Technical High School for the 2023 - 2024 school year is Wednesday, March 15. 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. ___This story has been updated to correct the number of arrests to more than 60, instead of more than 90. A locked padlock 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. The United States Attorney's Office says Mojica was also known as "King Humble. By Gangsters Inc. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. He pleaded guilty to the drug distribution charge in July. At the time, he was the leader of the Worcester based Chapter of the Latin Kings. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for Oct. 28, 2020. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. Federal authorities say that Alvin. At the time, he was the leader of the Worcester based Chapter 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.. Official websites use .gov Mojica is the second defendant sentenced in this case. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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 lawyer who represented Cecchetelli in a prior federal case didn't respond to an email seeking comment. Mojica, also known by the name "King Humble," was arrested in December 2019. He is set to be sentenced on Oct. 28. Mojica is the third defendant to plead guilty in this case. 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. pic.twitter.com/7qJPTrDRYN. A lock ( The deadline for student applications to attend Worcester Technical High School for the 2023 - 2024 school year is Wednesday, March 15. The deadline for student applications to attend Worcester Technical High School for the 2023 - 2024 school year is Wednesday, March 15. December 5, 2019. 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. (Shutterstock) WORCESTER, MA A Worcester man identified by federal prosecutors as a local Latin Kings gang leader was sentenced on drug distribution charges Wednesday. 31-Year-Old Fitchburg Man Pleads Guilty to Several Drug Charges. Patch editor Dave Copeland contributed to this report. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. 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. Admission is free. 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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." 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. 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. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. "It will be extremely difficult for the gang to regroup in the region.". 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. 1 Courthouse Way, Suite 9200 Bristol County Jail and House of Correction had 41 Latin Kings members and dozens of inmates. 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. District of Massachusetts "Queen India," and Hector Manuel Vega, a.k.a. 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. 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. 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. Boston, MA 02210, Boston:617-748-3100 Worcester:508-368-0100. Have a question about Government Services? Last Updated March 23, 2021 1:17 PM. 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. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. 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. In July 2020, Mojica pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine. 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. Boston, MA 02210, Boston:617-748-3100 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. 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. 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. Mojica is the third person to plead guilty in the case. At this time it is not clear what specific charges Mojica will face. 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. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. 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 interaction was captured by audio/video. FBI Boston (@FBIBoston . 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. 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. ), First published on December 5, 2019 / 5:05 PM. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. A lock ( All Rights Reserved. See children missing from Worcester County. 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. 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. Worcester Sen. Boston Office: ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 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. Bonavolonta said the multi-year investigation involved an informant who infiltrated the gang's high level meetings. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nations illegal drug supply. 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. Those arrested include leaders, members and associates of the Almighty Latin Kings and . Worcester Sen. The government recommended a sentence of 18 months incarceration. Applications for Worcester Technical High School Close this Week. 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. 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. Mojica, the Worcester man swept up in the arrests, is facing a single count of distribution and possession of cocaine. 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. 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. 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 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 adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization.. 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 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. Mojica, 32, was sentenced to three years of supervised release on a drug distribution charge. All rights reserved (About Us). An official website of the United States government. 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 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. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. 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. Alvin Mojica's arrest came in a December sweep of Latin Kings gang members across New England. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Springfield:413-785-0235 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Official websites use .gov 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. Applications for Worcester Technical High School Close this Week. $MMT = window.$MMT || {}; $MMT.cmd = $MMT.cmd || [];$MMT.cmd.push(function(){ $MMT.display.slots.push(["a1cd6ec6-740d-49ec-bd36-0032eef2b5f0"]); }). 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. Mojica is the third person to plead guilty in the case. All of those arrested are expected to face federal charges. 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:508-368-0100. 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. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. Mojica admitted to distributing some 14 grams of cocaine to a cooperating witness in May 2019. Mojica, also known by the name King Humble, was arrested in December 2019. 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. He also served seven months in federal prison this year during court proceedings in 2020. Prosecutors said Mojica admitted to selling roughly 14 grams of cocaine to a cooperating witness in May of 2019. 32-year-old Alvin "King Humble" Mojica got time served (approximately seven months) and three years of supervised release. His lawyer from his prior criminal case didn't respond to a call seeking comment Thursday. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Worcester Man One of Sixty-Two Latin Kings Arrested, Holy Cross Football Hosts Harvard at Polar Park in September. In July 2020 . Mojica is the second defendant sentenced in this case. The gang's operations also stretched into New York, New Jersey and Maryland. A locked padlock 1 Courthouse Way, Suite 9200 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. The Latin Kings is a gang suspected of having a nationwide network headquartered in Chicago. Music, arts and crafts and food are some of the main attractions of the festival, which has . Have a question about Government Services? 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. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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 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. Applications for Worcester Technical High School Close this Week. "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." Prosecutors had asked a judge for an 18-month prison sentence. Sentencing for Mojica is scheduled to take place on October 28. 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). Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Mojica is the third defendant to plead guilty in the case. Federal authorities say that Alvin Mojica sold cocaine in Worcester. Other high-ranking members arrested in the sweep included East Coast Crown Council chairwoman Esther Ortiz, a.k.a. "King Demon," a Crown Council member from Connecticut. Others face gun possession charges. Worcester Sen. Authorities said they used some of the. Mojica is the second defendant to be sentenced in this 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. 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]. 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 . Alvin Mojica, 32, of Worcester, plead guilty in federal court on Wednesday, July 15, to one count of distributing cocaine. Please enter valid email address to continue. Other high-ranking members arrested in the sweep included East Coast Crown Council chairwoman Esther Ortiz, a.k.a. 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. District of Massachusetts 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. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Follow us on The016.com, the social network for Worcester and you! 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. Alvin Mojica, a/k/a "King Humble," 32, 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. 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 feds came down hard on the Latin Kings this weekend in New Bedford and Worcester. The judge has scheduled sentencing for October 28. The charges will include RICO, drug trafficking conspiracy and firearms related charges. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for Oct. 28, 2020. 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. Mojica was arrested and charged in December 2019, at which time he was the leader of the Worcester based Chapter of the Latin Kings. Police also seized a vehicle owned by Mojica as part of a drug forfeiture allegation. Police also located two missing children during the raids: a 14-year-old from New Bedford, and a 16-year-old from Fall River. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 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. All rights reserved (About Us). Mojica, who went by the name "King Humble," was already in the Worcester County Jail, according to federal court documents. 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. A 31-year-old Fitchburg man pleaded guilty in federal court to several drug trafficking charges related to distribution of cocaine and fentanyl. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. 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 . 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. Mojica is the second defendant to be sentenced in this 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.