Virgilio Adorno, Distribution of Cocaine Base, Massachusetts 2017

A member of the notorious Latin Kings street gang has pleaded guilty to distributing crack cocaine in the heart of New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Virgilio Adorno, also known as “Trigga” and “Goyo,” pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine base, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The 30-year-old New Bedford resident was caught selling crack cocaine to a cooperating witness in the Bonneau Court area, a hotspot for drug dealing and violent crime, as part of a long-term investigation into drug trafficking in the area.

The investigation revealed that the Bonneau Court area had been overrun by drug dealing and violent crime, with Latin Kings gang members and associates regularly using a section of the street known as “The Pit” as a site for drug trafficking and other illicit activities.

Adorno was also found to be in possession of additional crack cocaine at his residence, which was seized by authorities.

Co-defendants Rafael Reyes and Jonathan Garcia have previously pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing, while Avimael Ortiz has also pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. Reyes is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb praised the efforts of law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the New Bedford Police Department, for their role in bringing the case to justice.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kunal Pasricha and Glenn A. MacKinlay are prosecuting the case, which is part of the U.S. Attorney’s Organized Crime & Gang Unit.

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