Chicago police officer Alex Guerrero, 42, and three members of the Almighty Latin Kings Nation – Brandon Clay, 26, Antonio Gudino, 30, and Jason Ortiz, 30 – pleaded guilty to a racketeering conspiracy and other related charges in a superseding indictment involving alleged members or associates of the Latin Kings.
The guilty pleas were announced by Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney David Capp of the Northern District of Indiana.
Guerrero pleaded guilty to counts one, two, 14 and 15 of the third superseding indictment charging him with conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana; interference with commerce by threats or violence; and use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to crimes of violence and drug trafficking. As part of his plea agreement, Guerrero acknowledges that a 19-year prison sentence is appropriate.
The third superseding indictment, which charged 21 defendants, was returned by a federal grand jury in the Northern District of Indiana on Nov. 16, 2011, and was unsealed on Nov. 18, 2011. According to the third superseding indictment, the Latin Kings is a nationwide gang that originated in Chicago and has branched out throughout the United States, including to Texas.
The Latin Kings is a well-organized street gang that has specific leadership and is comprised of regions that include multiple chapters. Guerrero admitted in the plea agreement that he is responsible for possession of and distribution of 150 kilograms or more of cocaine as alleged in count two. He also admitted in the plea agreement that he physically restrained the victim in the course of the offense alleged in count 14. Guerrero admitted that he abused a position of public trust in a manner that significantly facilitated the commission or concealment of the offense.
Clay and Gudino each pleaded guilty to count one of the third superseding indictment charging them with conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity. As part of their plea agreements, Clay and Gudino have each acknowledged that a prison sentence is appropriate – 30 years for Clay and 10 years for Gudino. Ortiz pleaded guilty to the same count as Clay and Gudino and has acknowledged that a 25-year prison sentence is appropriate.
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