BOSTON, Massachusetts – In a shocking turn of events, Joel Francisco, a/k/a ‘King Casper,’ 42, a leader of the Rhode Island Chapter of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy charges in a Boston federal court.
The charges stem from a massive narcotics conspiracy involving the distribution of cocaine in Massachusetts. Francisco was arrested in December 2019 and charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine. He is the 22nd defendant to plead guilty in the case.
According to the indictment, Francisco conspired with others to purchase cocaine from members of the Latin Kings in New Bedford for resale. On September 4, 2019, Francisco was captured in a video recording purchasing approximately 186 grams of cocaine from members of the New Bedford Chapter in a deal facilitated by a co-conspirator.
The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. 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.
Francisco admitted to the charges during the plea proceedings and faces up to 20 years in prison, supervised release for a minimum of three years, up to life, and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Francisco is scheduled to be sentenced on March 3, 2021. United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling, Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, and Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction made the announcement today. The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Francisco’s arrest and conviction are a major blow to the Latin Kings operation in Massachusetts. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to dismantle and disrupt organized crime groups that threaten the state.
In related news, the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices provided valuable assistance in the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard and Mark Grady of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Related Federal Cases
- Richard Magee, Cocaine Distribution and Firearm Possession, ME, 2023 · Illinois
- Sharik Mendes, Heroin Distribution, Massachusetts 2024 · Rhode Island
- Donald Vigue, Cocaine Distribution Conspiracy, ME 2024 · Rhode Island
- Eric Thomas King, Cocaine Conspiracy, Massachusetts 2019 · Rhode Island
- Richard Petit-Frere, Fentanyl Distribution, Massachusetts 2024 · Rhode Island
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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