Jorge Rodriguez, Racketeering and Cocaine Trafficking, Massachusetts 2020
BOSTON - In a devastating blow to the Latin Kings gang, Jorge Rodriguez, also known as 'King G,' pleaded guilty to racketeering and cocaine trafficking charges in a federal court in Massachusetts.
Rodriguez, 32, was the second-in-command of the Massachusetts chapter of the Latin Kings and had held leadership positions in the New Bedford Chapter.
The Latin Kings are a violent gang with thousands of members across the United States, known for their sophisticated system of communication and internal judiciary. The gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue and is motivated by a desire to further its influence and protect its turf from rival gangs.
Rodriguez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, also known as RICO conspiracy, and conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. He faces 15-25 years in prison and three years of supervised release.
The charges against Rodriguez stem from a 2019 investigation that revealed his vast cocaine base distribution network in New Bedford, which used multi-unit apartment buildings known as 'trap houses' to distribute narcotics. Members of the Latin Kings dealt drugs in the trap houses, obtaining their supply of cocaine base from Rodriguez.
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 New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement.
The sentencing is scheduled for October 16, 2020.
Mandatory Facts: Defendant: Jorge Rodriguez, Exact Criminal Charges: RICO conspiracy and cocaine trafficking, City and State: Boston, Massachusetts, Exact Date: October 16, 2020, Sentence: 15-25 years in prison and three years of supervised release.
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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