Related Federal Cases
Justin Anaya Sentenced to 420 Months in Prison for Latin Dragon Nation Racketeering
HAMMOND, Indiana – Justin Anaya, 21, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced to 420 months in prison by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon for his guilty plea to conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity as a member of the Latin Dragon Nation street gang.
The sentencing occurred after Anaya pleaded guilty to participating in the affairs of the LDN street gang, which included the shootings of suspected rival gang members and associates. In July 2017, Anaya stole a car in Hammond, Indiana, with another Latin Dragon member. The next day, they drove the stolen car through a rival gang neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois, where another Latin Dragon member shot at a vehicle occupied by suspected rival gang members, resulting in the death of a minor child. In November 2017, Anaya was in a vehicle with other Latin Dragon members chasing another vehicle in Chicago, Illinois, and he fired several shots at the occupants, fatally shooting a man.
As part of his involvement in the gang, Anaya also participated in the LDN’s illegal drug and firearms trafficking activities. The Latin Dragon Nation is a notorious street gang with ties to Chicago and the surrounding areas.
‘As this case demonstrates, this Office will vigorously prosecute persons who conduct illegal activities on behalf of criminal street gangs,’ said United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson. ‘I thank all of our federal and state law enforcement partners who worked with this office on this case as, in my view, this joint effort has increased public safety for Northern District of Indiana citizens.’
Justin Anaya, a 21-year-old member of the Latin Dragon Nation, was sentenced to 420 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release for his role in the gang’s racketeering activities. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Chicago Police Department Criminal Enterprise Unit; and other local, state, and federal agencies.
The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin F. Wolff and Michael J. Toth, with prior assistance from former Hammond Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph A. Cooley. This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.
The sentencing of Justin Anaya is a significant blow to the Latin Dragon Nation and its efforts to terrorize the streets of Northwest Indiana and Chicago. The case serves as a reminder that the FBI, ATF, and other law enforcement agencies will continue to work together to disrupt and dismantle violent street gangs and hold their members accountable for their crimes.
Key Facts
- State: Indiana
- Category: Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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