Marlon Rivera, RICO Conspiracy, Massachusetts 2019
Former leader of Fitchburg Chapter of Latin Kings pleads guilty to racketeering conspiracy charges
BOSTON, MA - In a shocking turn of events, Marlon Rivera, a/k/a 'King Pluto', 36, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy.
Rivera, who was serving a related state sentence when he was charged in December 2019, is the sixth defendant to plead guilty in the case. As alleged in court documents, the Latin Kings, a violent gang comprised of thousands of members across the United States, use drug distribution to generate revenue and are motivated by a desire to further their influence and protect their turf from rival gangs.
The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary, and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the criminal organization. Evidence developed during the course of the investigation included recordings of Rivera participating in meetings, discussing business of the enterprise, and possessing cocaine base with intent to distribute.
According to the RICO conspiracy charge, Rivera faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Rivera's sentencing is scheduled for December 2, 2020, before U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard and Mark Grady of U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling's Criminal Division.
The Latin Kings case is a significant blow to the gang's operations in the region. The FBI North Shore Gang Task Force, the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney's Offices, and other law enforcement agencies have worked tirelessly to dismantle the gang's infrastructure and bring its leaders to justice.
Marlon Rivera, 36, of Fitchburg, MA
Crimes: Conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity (RICO conspiracy)
City and State: Fitchburg, MA
Date: December 2019 (charged), December 2, 2020 (sentencing)
Sentence: Up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Organized Crime|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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