latin kings members latin kings members

InDecember 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. He has also been a general assignment and political reporter. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice. 5400 Federal Plaza, Suite 1500 He was arrested May 12 at his home on Frederick Street as part of a sweeping raid in which local and federal authorities seized more than 100 guns and arrested 17 reputed gang members and their associates. ), San Antonio Chapter Inca Joe Pierce (aka Dro) (252 mos.) The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty in court. According to court records, the defendants have operated a criminal enterprise in Central Texas for ten years beginning in 2005. margin-left: 0; 45.9K subscribers. The five pointseach point stands for something. Northern District of Indiana The size of the gang and its penetration of communities outside of its epicenter, along with its propensity for violence, qualify it for an "8" on a 10-point scale of threat severity. As stated during the plea hearing, Nieves served as the Inca, or leader, of the Lowell Chapter of the Latin Kings. He is currently The Sun's enterprise editor, overseeing major projects and day-to-day newsroom operations. #gallery-1 .gallery-caption { } In 2012, Latin King Members attempted to murder a rival gang member by shooting at individuals standing in front a residence, causing a non-gang member to be hit by a stray bullet. "It will be extremely difficult for the gang to regroup in the region.". If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. New Bedford, Member (Former) The three suspects were given bond and put on house arrest. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Have a question about Government Services? The three-page list of rules for the Latin Kings street gang was quite serious though. Authorities said Cecchetelli and other gang leaders ran the gang with a Mafia-style hierarchy, with a council of leaders and as many as 11 chapters across Massachusetts alone. Bonavolonta said the gang distributed drugs and shot music videos boasting about their exploits from the New Bedford, Massachusetts, properties while the property owner helped launder money and conceal their operations. WebThe indictments allege that members of the Latin Kings violently enforced discipline within its ranks and retaliated against rivals and former members to prevent cooperation with Viral cellphone video showed the rapper on the floor of the locker room while three men kicked him. However, the motive for the gym assault remains unclear. Uzar, whose brother, father and uncle were also swept up in the raid, faced a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found athttps://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. Lock He has won numerous awards for investigative and breaking news reporting. Gold is supposed to represent like Life for the members. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS An "Inca" is the "1st Krown" of a chapter and is considered to be the "president.". This count carries over unchanged from the first indictment. These significant sentences take dangerous gang members off the streets and weaken the larger illicit organization. The majority of Thursday morning's arrests took place across Massachusetts, but some gang members and associates were also arrested in Rhode Island and Connecticut, Bonavolonta said. Another cellphone video showed 6ix9ine appearing to reenter the gym after the attack, with no shoes on and blood dripping down his face. } One of the men arrested for allegedly attacking rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine at a South Florida gym was identified by police as a high-ranking Latin Kings gang member. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. He was allegedly involved in violent attacks that targeted rivals. Alfred Nieves, a/k/a King Alfy, 33, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conducting enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. The indictment alleges that, on Oct. 28, 2014, James shot and killed Hurtado Sr. believing that he was Martin Hurtado Jr., whom James believed was a rival gang member. DEL RIO, Tx -A federal judge has sentenced 33 members and associates of the Austin, San Antonio and Uvalde Chapters of the Latin Kings Central Region of Texas from 45 to 288 months in federal prison for their roles in racketeering scheme, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Steven S. Whipple, U.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden, FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) Director Steven McCraw, and Uvalde Police Chief Daniel Rodriguez. Authorities say the Stamford Chapter of the Latin Kings held weekly meetings in the apartment, where police seized a Remington 12-gauge shotgun, shotgun shells and 9-millimeter ammunition. More than 60 members of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation commonly known as the Latin Kings are facing federal charges after the FBI and other Todays indictments are the latest in our ongoing enforcement effort to eliminate these criminal organizations from Northwest Indiana. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Suffolk County District Attorneys Offices. The Two-Six case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Nozick and Thomas M. McGrath of the Northern District of Indiana and Trial Attorney Andrew Creighton of the Criminal Divisions Organized Crime and Gang Section. It alleges that the following individuals were participants in a racketeering conspiracy that involved murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, kidnapping, sex trafficking and narcotics distribution: Anton Lamont James aka Ghost, 19, of Hammond; Jason Christopher Brown aka Midnight, 21, of Merrillville; Rodolfo Carlos Flores aka Big Head, 29, of Hammond; Francisco Gamez aka Frank Nitti, 30, of Portage; Joseph Uvalle aka Little Foot, 33, of Crown Point; Pierre Java Forest aka Joker, 21, of Harvey, IL; Keith Trevor Manuel aka Smiley, 26, of Gary; Aldon Perez aka Spooky, 20, of Hammond; Jose Antonio Sanchez aka Sly, 26, of Hammond; Julian Robert Rebeles aka King Porky, 24, of Hammond; Mario Resendiz aka Spank, Rio, 23, of East Chicago; Alberto Tirado aka B Murda, 25, of East Chicago; Raymond Fazekas aka Pirate, 26, of Lake Station. Appended transcription of the internal records of the Albany Park Chapter of the Latin Kings for a 6-month period in 1990, 2 figures, and 13 notes, Territories Financial Support Center (TFSC), Tribal Financial Management Center (TFMC). The Lake County Prosecutors Office also has provided assistance. ), First published on December 5, 2019 / 5:05 PM. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. His son, 23-year-old Octavious Medina, and 25-year-old Anthony Maldonado were also arrested, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Colors & Hand Signs in the Latin Kings. Court documents said the rapper later told deputies that the suspects also stole his white Balenciaga tennis shoes, iPhone and the key fob to his Lamborghini. The indictment alleges that, on or about October 6, 1999, Laviena and Joshua shot and killed Guzman for the purpose of maintaining and enhancing their positions within the gang. This paper reviews the history, characteristics, and threat of the Latin Kings, a gang that began in Chicago more than three decades ago and now has influence in 34 States. "It certainly appears to be a retaliation case," former Miami-Dade Police Sergeant Luis Cristobal, who has worked on street crimes for roughly 30 years, told NBC6. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Their full title is Almighty Latin Kings Nation, so it is very common to see the letters ALKN tattooed somewhere on a gang members body. The sentencing of these 33 violent Latin King gang members sends a clear message to all who engage in violent criminal activity: DEA and our law enforcement partners will bring them to justice, no matter where they are or how long it takes, stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Whipple, Houston Field Office. Simply put, they cannot be allowed to run unchecked in our streets, stated U.S. Attorney Sofer. He also said Thursday's indictment includes a former Boston high school dean already serving a prison sentence for shooting a student he'd recruited to deal drugs in the school. When he graduated in 1984, he was hired full-time as a regional reporter in the Nashoba Valley. Anthony Uzar, the reputed Stamford Latin Kings member arrested in May during a swing of raids throughout southwestern Connecticut, was sentenced Friday to 37 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a felon. A locked padlock The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. Alleged Latin Kings member Anthony Uzar sentenced to 37 months in prison, Here are your picks for the Best of the Capital Region 2023. An official website of the United States government. The Latin King members commemorate three times throughout the year. This is for their alleged roles in the killing of Albert Greeny Guzman. Gold is supposed to represent like Life for the members. In one indictment, seventeen members or associates of the Latin Kings, all Indiana based, were charged with racketeering and other offenses. The Latin Kings was formed in the 1950s in Chicago and is one of the largest Hispanic and Latino street gangs in the world. U.S. Attorney Capp stated, We have repeatedly announced that if you are a member of a violent street gang we are coming after you. BOSTON A former leader of the Lowell Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) pleaded guilty Thursday to Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( The members of the group are So its like Love, Unity, Knowledge, Respect and Honesty. Members subscribe to the group's religious The virtues expressed by this symbolism suggest a strict discipline if not moralism, although this may be relative to who they are interacting. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In addition Melinda Milton, 35, of East Chicago and Joseph Uvalle were charged with various counts of sex trafficking by fraud or coercion and interstate transportation for prostitution. Communities and neighborhoods which this gang has impacted through drug dealing and violence deserve to be able to peacefully go about their daily lives without fear.. Head coach, several players out at Albany Empire after pay issues, USS Slater kept afloat by shrinking number of volunteers, Bride dies at beach when speeding DUI driver slams golf cart, Saratoga Springs firefighters want chief out. New Video Shows Tekashi 6ix9ine Bloodied After Attack in South Florida LA Fitness, Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine Hospitalized in South Florida After Being Attacked in LA Fitness, Man Found Guilty of Murder in 2017 Plantation Love Triangle Killing, Check Your Change! These cases are the result of the investigative efforts of; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the East Chicago Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Gary Police Department, the Hammond Police Department, the Lake County, Indiana, Sheriffs Department and Lake County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area officers and agents. Nearly five years later, Schoharie limo families ready for trial, WFP line in Rensselaer County's 2021 races key in FBI case, Three more Rensselaer County officials charged in FBI probe, Family still seeking answers in Schenectady woman's disappearance, Deaf man killed on Ballston road remembered as funny, loving. Rafael Medina Jr., 43, was arrested this week on assault and robbery charges in connection with the March 21 attack. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy M. Hail prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. The Latin King indictment charges 17 members and associates with a criminal conspiracy that spanned a time period from 2003 until November 2015. Authorities say Shaun Harrison was a full-fledged Latin Kings member who continued his gang activity behind bars, helping the gang try to identify police informants. The RICO conspiracy charge provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. On January 5, 1991, Jesus Fuentes, who recently plead guilty in federal court to racketeering, and others shot an killed Miguel Fernandez, a Latin King member, in East Chicago during an attempted robbery. Christopher Scott has been a member of the Sun staff since 1981, when he was a journalism student at Northeastern University. Maldonado was a member of the gym and brought the Medinas in as his guests, the court documents said. Thanks to the hard work of Assistant United States Attorney Amy Hail, and the extraordinary efforts of HSI, DEA, and the Texas DPS, our community is safer. Their most famous symbol is likely the five-point crown, which often appears as a tattoo. That individual suffered nonlife threatening injuries. Inside The Life Of A Latin Kings Gang Member Show more. GET BREAKING NEWS IN YOUR BROWSER. A lock ( ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. } Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. A previous Latin King indictment had charged Anton James, 19, of Hammond, with murder in aid of racketeering and murder resulting from the use of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged role in the murder of Martin Hurtado Sr. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and Lauren Graber of Mendells Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. The Latin Kings Prison Gang Profile & Structure - InfoTracer Anthony Uzar, the reputed Stamford Latin Kings member arrested in May during a swing of raids throughout southwestern Connecticut, was sentenced Friday to 37 WebLatin kings, Latin Kings, or The Latin Kings may refer to: Kings of Alba Longa, a series of legendary kings of Alba Longa, an ancient city in Latium, or their predecessors. Sign up for NBC South Florida newsletters. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Most face federal racketeering charges for allegedly trafficking drugs, laundering money and committing assaults, robberies and other violent crimes and conspiring to commit more than ten murders. } HSI, FBI, DEA, TXDPS and the Uvalde Police Department investigated this case. In 2011, Latin King Members engaged in a fight with rival gang members at a bar over a gang dispute, which resulted in the death of a Latin King member. They say the leadership approach has become a model for other Latin Kings regions in the country. Bonavolonta said the multi-year investigation involved an informant who infiltrated the gang's high level meetings. Domestic Cannabis Suppression / Eradication Program, Red Ribbon Toolkit - Resources For Your Community, DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Intelligence Research Specialist Job Announcements, Schedule A Hiring Authority: Intelligence Research Specialist, Privacy Impact Assessment and Management Information Systems, Victim Witness Assistance Program Resources. Main Office: Xavier Valentin-Soto, King X. The primary source of information for this report was from cooperative gang members. In 2009, Latin King Members conspired to shoot a rival gang member in retaliation for the stabbing of a Latin King member and supplied the gun for the retaliatory shooting. An official website of the United States government. A lock ( In a separate indictment, two additional members of the Two Six Nation were indicted for murder in aid of racketeering. Its either a 3 or 5 point Crown.It depends on the gang. In 2009, Latin King members struck a rival gang member in the head with a brick, and then brandished a shotgun while stating Im going to kill you over a gang related dispute. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Latin Kings: Springfield Latin Kings gangster King Legend sentenced to 10 years in prison New Bedford Latin Kings member gets over 8 years in prison for racketeering involving shooting, beatings ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 22K views 3 months ago. In a separate indictment involving the Two Six Nation criminal organization, Anthony Laviena, 35, of Staten Island, New York, and Deaundra L. Joshua aka D Ruff, 45, of Gary, Indiana, were charged with murder in aid of racketeering and use of a firearm in connection with a crime of violence. In 2008, Latin King Members assaulted a rival gang member by beating about his head, face and body with rocks, bats, and glass bottles. The sentences announced today ensure that these gang members will no longer be in a position to shoot, rob, extort or peddle poison in the Western District of Texas.. The gangs that have more Puerto Ricans use the 5 point Crown., The existence of so much symbolism in gang iconography is part of the bonding of the gang. CLICK HERE TO TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS. 443. According to "The Size and Ethnic Origin. The Latin Kings and Queens Nation is primary spread in Illinois, Texas, and Florida and of course in New York and Chicago. Although they have many allies they are still the third largest gang in Chicago and people say that it is the biggest and most influential Latino gang in the world. The court documents stated Medina Jr. confessed to the attack in a call with an informant. In taking advantage of political corruption, the gang fits the more classic pattern of organized crime. Then they have the 5 Point Crown. border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. During the course of the conspiracy in June 2019,Nieves requested permission from the state and regional leadership of the gang to assault a relative of a Latin Kings member. In the ensuing years Scott covered many communities in Greater Lowell and Lowell City Hall. U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Indiana, Latin King and Two Six Nation Gangs Indicted, Mishawaka Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison, Gary Man Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison, South Bend Man Sentenced to 36 Months in Prison. #gallery-1 { 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This paper provides information on the genesis of the Latin Kings, its symbols, the chapter infrastructure, a statistical profile of the typical Latin King members, the female auxiliary unit, gang allies and enemies, financial records, and threat rating. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The gang's operations also stretched into New York, New Jersey and Maryland. Official websites use .gov Subscribe. Authorities also seized dozens of firearms, thousands of dollars worth of cash, drugs and vehicles and three properties in the crackdown. The Latin Kings are believed to have about 900 more members outside prison including 500 in Central Florida, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. T&A Crips member sentenced to 30 years in prison after killing Bloods gangster who disrespected gang. Uzar, 27, of Stamford, known as "Ant" and "Hollywood," pleaded guilty to the charge on June 15 before a federal judge in New Haven. Surveillance video shows them heading straight to the locker room and leaving with a pair of tennis shoes a few minutes later. We tallied the votes from this years Best of the Capital Region contest in 100 categories. The overall threat rating notes that the Latin Kings are a Level Three gang organization; the gang is a centralized, authoritarian, violent formal organization complete with a written constitution and by-laws. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. Charges included conspiracy to violate the Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO) statute to include ten attempted murders, approximately ten assaults and various other acts of violence committed as a result of a prospect initiation, leaking of sensitive information to a non-Latin King member, breaking an organizational rule, retaliation against rival gang members, and for unpaid drug distribution debts. The coded message was intercepted and deciphered by investigators. Official websites use .gov Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. pic.twitter.com/7qJPTrDRYN. Hammond, IN 46320, Telephone: (219) 937-5500 They're spirits of loved ones, Lowell High boys tennis players happy to revive the program. Guerreo and McMichael were each charged with obstruction of justice under a separate indictment. In 2010, Latin King Members used two females to lure two rival gang members to a residence where they were stabbed, punched, kicked, and beaten with a baseball bat. Latin Tekashi 6ix9ine was taken to a local hospital after he was attacked in the sauna of a South Florida gym, according to the rapper's attorney. Jose Antonio Sanchez aka Sly, 26, of Hammond; Julian Robert Rebeles aka King Porky, 24, of Hammond; Mario Resendiz aka Spank, Rio, 23, of East Chicago; Secure .gov websites use HTTPS BOSTON (AP) More than 60 members of the Latin Kings have been arrested on federal racketeering, drug and firearms charges, including the leaders of the street The indictment alleges that these defendants were members of various Latin Kings factions in Hammond, East Chicago and Gary. Although they have many allies they are still the third WebInside The Life Of A Latin Kings Gang Member. #gallery-1 img { A total of 22 individuals are named from New Bedford as members of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation in the indictment filed by FBI Special Agent BOSTON A former leader of the Lowell Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) pleaded guilty Thursday to racketeering charges. None of 6ix9ine's injuries were life-threatening, but court documents stated a security guard at his gated community said the rapper was worried the men will continue to hurt him. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. WebThe Latin Kings, abbreviated TLK, was a Swedish hip hop group from the municipality of Botkyrka in the southern suburbs of Stockholm, Sweden.. Prior to the firearm charge, he had been convicted of second-degree assault. He allegedly acquired the firearms from relatives and fellow members of the Latin Kings branch in Stamford, according to a 20-count indictment issued in federal court. Only 166 Latin Kings were registered as inmates by the Florida Department of Corrections in 1997. December 5, 2019 / 5:05 PM Gang Unit detectives said Medina Jr. is an Inca within the Palm Beach County chapter of the Latin Kings. Please enter valid email address to continue. DEL RIO, Tx - A federal judge has Tejada pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and admitted he was a Latin Kings Regional Officer for South Florida and former head of the gang's Broward tribe. The two gangs are part of a larger allegiance, the People Nation. Unity is a major part of developing a gang mentality and symbolism can be employed to establish unity as an almost natural state outside of the manipulation of the gang. The Latin Kings are a violent nationwide gang that distributes drugs to generate revenue and engages in violence to further its influence and to protect its turf, Violent gangs like the Latin Kings are made up of members who wake up each and every day intent on committing violence, dealing drugs, breaking our laws and threatening our social fabric. HAMMOND United States Attorney David Capp announced two additional indictments in the ongoing effort against criminal street gangs in Northwest Indiana. margin-top: 10px; The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Departments renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorneys Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. / CBS Boston. margin: auto; According to law enforcement, the Bloods and the Latin Kings have "a rich history" of being allies. Fax: (219) 852-2770. In 2010, Latin King Members assaulted a rival gang member by beating him, striking him with a beer bottle, and stabbing him. In 2009, Latin King Members engaged in a fistfight with rival gang members at a gas station and during that fight one of the Latin King members drove a vehicle into a group of rival gang members. And among the misspelled words was a reference to punishing members who shot innocent "by-standards." The Two Six Nation indictment is being worked in conjunction with the United States Department of Justice, Criminal Division, Organized Crime and Gang Section. HSI will continue to stand united with local, state and federal law enforcement partners to dismantle these criminal organizations in an effort to protect our communities., These federal prison sentences sends a clear message that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to work diligently to disrupt and dismantle gangs and rid our streets of these criminals and the violence associated with their activities, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Combs. Back in 2019, 6ix9ine testified against his own gang, the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods, for a reduced prison sentence in a racketeering case. This morning, over 500 federal, state and local law enforcement officers arrested dozens of Latin Kings members and associates and executed 31 search warrants at 24 locations. The indictment also accused Uzar and others of being involved in the distribution of cocaine and Ecstasy. And black is supposed to be their blackness absorbing the other rival gangs. "This affects future prosecutions of future cases where witnesses may be testifying against different subjects," Cristobal said. ( Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. WebThis paper provides information on the genesis of the Latin Kings, its symbols, the chapter infrastructure, a statistical profile of the typical Latin King members, the female auxiliary WebLatin King gang members rally to show their solidarity with their leader, Luis Felipe during his federal trial in November of 1996 outside the a hispanic young man with facial hair wearing a vest with excessive jewelry stares at the camera - hispanic gang stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images 33 Latin King Members and associates convicted and sentenced to lengthy federal prison terms for racketeering offenses. The indictment also alleges a conspiracy to possess and distribute five kilograms of cocaine and 100 kilograms of marijuana against all of these same individuals, in addition to Sean Yancey aka Demon, 21 of Gary. "Just because they are from different gangs or different sets or cliques, doesnt mean they dont work together," Cristobal said. The Villains. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for July 21. WebThe Latin Kings and Queens Nation is primary spread in Illinois, Texas, and Florida and of course in New York and Chicago. A friend who grew up on the South Side of Chicago explained a few of the meanings of iconography for the gang the Latin Kings: Their colors are gold and black. Medina Jr., also known as "King Leo," is "a documented Latin King member and has held a position of high rank within the Latin Kings for several years," investigators said in the court documents. The arrest stemmed from a joint law enforcement investigation involving Stamford police, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, Norwalk Police Department and the state Department of Correction. and Jacob Mariscal (aka Righteous) (250 mos. There were 54 people apprehended Thursday, of which nine were already in custody and eight others are still being sought in an predawn raid that included more than 500 law enforcement officers, he said. Also, when James was arrested, Dalia Guerrero, 39, of Merrillville, mother of James, used threat of physical force against a witness in order to influence, delay and prevent testimony of a witness in an official proceeding. The Latin Kings gang has a variety of rituals that members must participate in, from celebrating specific holidays to various gang signs they use. The Illinois State prison system currently lacks the capability to deal with such hard-core gang leaders who know how to use their "inmate rights" to continue to administer their gang even while incarcerated. A locked padlock "It's a big hit precisely because we are able to take out all of the leadership," said U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling of the five-year investigation by the FBI and the state Department of Correction dubbed "Operation Throne Down."