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From King Clumsy to Queen Dream, more than 60 alleged East Coast Latin Kings members arrested in ‘Operation Throne Down’
[MassLive] More than 500 federal, state and local authorities arrested more than 60 people in the Northeast early Thursday morning, including 47 people across Massachusetts, on racketeering, drug distribution and firearms charges. All were connected with the Latin Kings’ East Coast network, authorities announced Thursday morning.Authorities seized dozens of firearms Thursday morning, including a submachine gun, a sawed-off shotgun and an AR-15 rifle, U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling said during a news conference. A handful of firearms, including a hot pink gun, were placed on display inside the Boston federal courthouse as the charges were announced. Officers also seized $38,000 in cash, six cars, six motorcycles, three jet skis, an ATV and various drugs. “Anyone who tries to fill the void left by today’s arrears should know, we’re not going to tolerate those who terrorize our neighborhoods and put innocent people at risk,” said Joseph Bonavolonta, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Boston Field Division. At least 46 of those people were charged with racketeering and 17 of those were charged with drug-related offenses. Others faced charges for being felons in possession of firearms and ammunition. During their investigation, authorities prevented eight murders, Lelling said. ALLEGATIONS OF MURDER, ROBBERY AND ASSAULT Alleged Latin Kings members attended regular meetings where they planned, discussed and executed murder, robberies, assault, drug distribution and other crimes, according to the indictment. Like other gangs, they’re accused of recruiting minors and using them to commit crimes for the gang and hazing new members by assaulting them. 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 said they used some of the drug money to pay their dues. DRUGS AND GUNS ALLEGEDLY STORED IN 'TRAP HOUSES’ Members hid their firearms, known as “nation” guns, and drugs in “trap houses,” according to the indictment. One alleged associate, Robert Avitabile, obtained “de facto” control of several apartment buildings in New Bedford where contraband was stored and meetings were held. The indictment doesn’t elaborate on how Avitabile allegedly obtained control of the buildings. Authorities said Avitabile was aware of the criminal activity and tried to launder the drug money into renovation projects at some of the properties. LATIN KINGS HAS 10 CHAPTERS IN MASSACHUSETTS Massachusetts is home to 10 chapters of the Latin Kings network, according to the indictment. Prosecutors said there are chapters for Fitchburg, Lowell, Worcester, Springfield, the Lynn/Salem/Chelsea area, New Bedford, the Devon Street in Boston and the Morton Street Bricks area in Boston. They were overseen by a “state team,” which answered to the East Coast leadership. In prison, Latin Kings members followed a similar hierarchy, according to the indictment. The gang also had a “crown council” in Massachusetts that was tasked with resolving disputes among chapters, the indictment states. Related: Latin Kings: 2019-02-01 The Mayors Of The Worst Cities In America Are Running For President Latin Kings: 2007-01-24 Madrid clashes over Latin gangs Latin Kings: 2006-10-17 Border Patrol, lawmen outgunned by cartels Related: New Bedford: 2016-09-09 Illegal alien charged in daughter's ‘chilling’ slaying New Bedford: 2016-03-05 Why nearly 100,000 people are calling for Bill Clinton's arrest New Bedford: 2014-07-15 Friends of accused Boston bomber told FBI backpack was dumped Posted by: trailing wife 2019-12-07 |
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