New Bedford, MA – Josue Carrasquillo, a former foot soldier in the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation, walked out of court a relatively free man this week. Known on the streets as “King Playboy,” Carrasquillo, 28, received a sentence of time served – roughly five months – plus three years of supervised release, bringing an end to a sprawling federal investigation into the notorious gang. While Carrasquillo’s individual punishment might seem light, federal prosecutors are declaring the case closed with his sentencing as the 60th and final defendant to face justice.
The case, which began with a December 2019 grand jury indictment, laid bare the brutal and calculated operations of the Latin Kings. The gang, a national criminal enterprise with roots stretching across the United States, isn’t just a street crew. It operates with a rigid hierarchy, a written manifesto, and even its own internal court system. The feds painted a picture of a sophisticated network fueled by drug distribution and maintained through intimidation and violence.
Carrasquillo’s role, according to the indictment, was significant. He wasn’t just a face in the crowd; he actively participated in the gang’s violent activities and played a key part in moving drugs. The indictment detailed a conspiracy to distribute narcotics and use firearms in furtherance of their criminal enterprise, charges that have now been levied against dozens of Latin King members and associates. The feds have been systematically dismantling the New Bedford chapter, but two defendants remain fugitives, still dodging capture.
The Latin Kings aren’t shy about using force to protect their turf and silence anyone who threatens their operation. Witnesses who cooperate with law enforcement, rival gang members, and even those perceived as disloyal face the risk of violence. This pattern of intimidation is a hallmark of the gang’s control, and federal prosecutors aimed to break that cycle with this investigation. The goal wasn’t simply to lock up individuals, but to dismantle the entire structure of the New Bedford chapter.
U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel handed down the sentence, bringing a formal end to this phase of the crackdown. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts announced the sentencing, with representatives from the FBI, the Massachusetts Department of Correction, and the New Bedford Police Department all present to underscore the collaborative nature of the investigation. This wasn’t a solo effort; it was a coordinated strike against a deeply entrenched criminal organization.
The successful prosecution relied heavily on the combined resources of multiple agencies. The FBI led the investigation, while the Massachusetts Department of Correction provided crucial support. District Attorneys from Bristol and Suffolk counties also chipped in, demonstrating the power of interagency cooperation. But the work isn’t over. While Carrasquillo’s sentencing marks a victory, the feds are still hunting the two remaining defendants, determined to bring every member of this violent gang to account. The message is clear: crossing the Latin Kings might bring short-term gains, but eventually, the feds will come knocking.
The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) played a pivotal role in coordinating the resources and intelligence needed to bring down the New Bedford chapter. This multi-agency task force is designed to target high-level drug traffickers and dismantle the organizations that support them, and the Latin Kings case is a prime example of its effectiveness.
It’s important to remember that Carrasquillo, like all defendants, is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, the evidence presented during the investigation and subsequent trial clearly established his involvement in the Latin Kings’ criminal activities, leading to his conviction and sentencing. This case serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by organized crime and the tireless efforts of law enforcement to protect our communities.
RELATED: Latin Kings Member Sentenced for Racketeering Conspiracy
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