former Connecticut Latin Kings Chapter member convicted of racketeering conspiracy | USAO-MA
BOSTON — A former member of the Connecticut chapter of the all-powerful Latin King and Queen Nation of Massachusetts (Latin Kings) was convicted yesterday of racketeering.
Esther Ortiz, aka “Queen India”, 50, was sentenced by US District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to time served (approximately 72 days in prison) and three years of supervised release. The government recommended a sentence of 21 months in prison. On October 12, 2021, Ortiz pleaded guilty to conspiring to conduct the business of the company through a racketeering business model, more commonly known as the RICO conspiracy.
The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise made up of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judicial system, and use a sophisticated communications system to maintain organizational hierarchy. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to bolster its influence and protect its turf.
Ortiz was a member of the Latin Kings and the Crown Regional Council of the Latin Kings. As a member of the Crown Regional Council, Ortiz advised management, heard evidence regarding manifesto violations, and determined punishment for members who violated the rules of the Latin Kings. One of these trials, which took place in March 2019, was filmed. This lawsuit involved complaints against Angel Roldan, aka “King Big A”, the former second in command, or Cacique, of the Latin Kings in Massachusetts, who allegedly stole drugs from other gang members and did not failed to repay drug debts owed to the New Bedford chapter leader.
In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering, drug conspiracy, and firearms conspiracy charges against 62 Latin Kings leaders, members, and associates. Ortiz is 42n/a defendant to be sentenced in the case in the case. Roldan pleaded guilty and was sentenced in July 2021 to seven years in prison.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, special agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction made the announcement. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI’s North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an operation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OECDTF). The OECDTF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OECDTF program is available at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. Other defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by a court.
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