Racketeering Charges Rock Latin Kings in Northwest Indiana

HAMMOND, IN – In a massive crackdown on the Latin Kings, 12 members of the notorious gang have been indicted on federal racketeering charges in the Northern District of Indiana.

The indictment alleges a complex web of crimes, including retaliatory arsons, murders, and sex trafficking. Named in the indictment are:

• Jeremiah Shane Farmer, 35, of Hammond, IN
• Lazaro Francisco Delgado-Gonzalez, Jr. a/k/a “Pollo Loco”, 27, of Highland, IN
• Timothy Maurice Diaz a/k/a “Slice”, 34, of Hammond, IN
• Sean Michael Pena a/k/a “Big Body”, 34, of Hammond, IN
• Marquis Sean Medellin a/k/a “Kilo”, 30, of Hammond, IN
• David Ulmenstine a/k/a “Silent”, 25, of Harvey, IL
• Jorge Esqueda a/k/a “Silent”, 22, of East Chicago, IN
• Juan Alcaraz a/k/a “Silent”, 28, of Hammond, IN
• Miguel Angel Marines a/k/a “Egg”, 22, of East Chicago, IN
• Rafael Cancel, 35, of Hammond, IN
• Kash Lee Kelly, 28, of Hammond, IN
• Eduardo Ivel a/k/a “Little Smiley”, 21, of Hammond, IN

Law enforcement arrested 8 of the defendants, while 2 others were already in state custody and 2 are considered fugitives.

The indictment alleges new overt acts in furtherance of the Latin Kings’ illegal objectives, including:

• Retaliatory arson on Durbin Street in Gary on January 5, 2013
• Retaliatory arson on Sherman Street in Gary on March 22, 2013
• Murder of Martin Hurtado Sr. on October 28, 2014
• Murder of Travis Nash on July 18, 2011
• Sex trafficking offenses

The indictment is part of the ongoing effort by local and federal law enforcement to remove criminal organizations from the streets of northwest Indiana.

United States Attorney David Capp said, “As I have repeatedly stated, if we can identify and dismantle these gangs, we can make our communities safer for everyone.”

The public is urged to contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 317-595-4000 or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives at 1-800-ATF-GUNS with any information regarding the whereabouts of fugitives Timothy Maurice Diaz and Sean Michael Pena.

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