In a recent development, a former member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) has been sentenced for racketeering. Josue Carrasquillo, also known as “King Playboy,” has been sentenced to time served (approximately five months in prison) and three years of supervised release by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel. This sentencing marks the conclusion of a larger case, with Carrasquillo being the 60th and final defendant to face legal consequences. The Latin Kings, a violent criminal enterprise spread across the United States, engage in drug distribution and employ violence to maintain their influence and protect their territory. Carrasquillo played a significant role in the gang’s violent activities and drug distribution operations.
Latin Kings Member Sentenced for Racketeering Conspiracy
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Background
The recent sentencing of a former member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat organized crime. Josue Carrasquillo, also known as “King Playboy,” was sentenced for racketeering, marking the conclusion of a lengthy investigation into the criminal activities of the Latin Kings.
Defendant Sentenced
Josue Carrasquillo, aged 28, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to time served, which amounted to approximately five months in prison. In addition to his prison term, Carrasquillo will also be subject to three years of supervised release. His sentencing is not only a significant milestone in the case, but it also serves as a strong deterrence against future criminal activities by members of the Latin Kings.
Nature of the Latin Kings
The Latin Kings are a nationwide criminal enterprise with thousands of members spread across the United States. The organization operates according to a national manifesto and possesses an internal judiciary system. It employs sophisticated communication methods to maintain its hierarchical structure. Drug distribution is a primary revenue generator for the Latin Kings, and they resort to violence against witnesses and rival gangs to protect their territory and assert their influence.
The Indictment
In December 2019, a federal grand jury indicted 62 leaders, members, and associates of the Latin Kings on charges of racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy, and firearms offenses. Josue Carrasquillo was implicated in these charges, which were presented against the defendants due to their involvement in the criminal activities of the Latin Kings. The indictment outlined the extensive criminal operations conducted by the accused individuals, shedding light on the scope and impact of the Latin Kings’ activities.
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Remaining Defendants
While Josue Carrasquillo was the 60th and final defendant to be sentenced in this case, two individuals charged in the original indictment are still at large. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend these fugitives and bring them to justice. The pursuit of the remaining defendants is a testament to the commitment and determination of law enforcement agencies to hold all members of the Latin Kings accountable for their crimes.
Announcement of Sentencing
The official announcement of Josue Carrasquillo’s sentencing came from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts. The announcement was made jointly by key figures, including representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Massachusetts Department of Correction, and the New Bedford Police Chief. Public notification of the sentencing serves as a warning to other criminal enterprises and sends a message that law enforcement agencies are relentless in their pursuit of justice.
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Assistance from Other Agencies
The successful prosecution and sentencing of Josue Carrasquillo would not have been possible without the invaluable assistance provided by other agencies. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Correction, played a crucial role in gathering evidence and supporting the prosecution’s case. Additionally, the Bristol and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices extended their cooperation, highlighting the importance of interagency collaboration in combating organized crime.
Prosecution and Sentencing Process
The prosecution of the Latin Kings members involved in the racketeering conspiracy was led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit. The prosecution process involved meticulous investigation, collection of evidence, and preparation of a strong case against the defendants. Factors such as the nature and extent of the accused individuals’ involvement in the criminal activities of the Latin Kings were carefully considered throughout the proceedings. The sentencing decision was ultimately made by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel, who took into account various factors and imposed a sentence that appropriately reflects the seriousness of the crimes committed.
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF)
The operation to dismantle the Latin Kings and bring its members to justice falls under the purview of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF is a nationwide initiative aimed at identifying, disrupting, and dismantling high-level criminal organizations that pose a significant threat to the United States. By employing a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach, OCDETF addresses the complex challenges posed by organized crime and ensures the effective coordination of law enforcement efforts.
Presumption of Innocence
Despite the successful prosecution and sentencing of Josue Carrasquillo, it is important to reiterate the principle of presumption of innocence for the remaining defendants who are yet to be apprehended. Until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law, the two remaining defendants in the Latin Kings indictment retain the presumption of innocence. The ongoing efforts to locate and apprehend them will continue until they are brought before the court to face their charges.
In summary, the recent sentencing of a Latin Kings member for racketeering conspiracy underscores the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies in combatting organized crime. Through the collaborative efforts of various agencies, 60 defendants have been sentenced, and the Latin Kings operation has been significantly disrupted. The sentencing of Josue Carrasquillo serves as a warning to criminal enterprises and reaffirms the commitment of the justice system to hold accountable those who engage in illicit activities that threaten the safety and well-being of communities.