The gang has over two-hundred members in the state. It operates in great secrecy and strongly promotes violent culture. The operation, dubbed Operation Crown, cost the city over one million dollars and took 19 months to complete. The sentences they are likely to. In addition to narcotics offenses, the trio were also charged with conspiring to shoot a rival. CONTACT: Latino Community Foundation - 235 Montgomery Street, Suite 1160, San Francisco, CA 94104. info@latinocf.org | 415-236-4020 The oath goes on to say that members stand behind one another for better or worse. Following the release of Fernandez, a joint operation of the FBI, New York City Police Department (NYPD), Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), New York State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) came to a close with the arrests of 92 suspected ALKQN members, half of whom the Latin Kings leadership insisted were not members. [54], On August 20, 2006, thirty-nine leading Latin Kings members every known leader of the gang in Florida were arrested after law enforcement officers raided a high-level meeting at a rented club in Tampa. As reported by The Washington Post, a member of the Latin Kings was sentenced for murdering a young transgender woman. [82], An investigation by the FBI into gang activity in Rhode Island found that the Providence chapter of the Latin Kings, made up of approximately 100 members, has been active in narcotics trafficking, gunrunning, extortion and murder since at least September 1994. 120 in knowledge . [66], Operation Dethrone was an investigation by the Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force, consisting of the FBI, the Chicopee Police Department, the Hampden County Sheriff's Department, the Holyoke Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, the Springfield Police Department, and the West Springfield Police Department. As is common in corrupting correctional staff, the two hitmen got permission from the cellhouse guard to use the basement for the going away party. They proceeded to use their homemade weapons. Seeking such goals has attracted a wide variety of females who had been drug addicted, victimized and/or neglected by families, spouses and partners. The gang has a strict way of how meetings are conducted. They even have specific gestures for when they are in trouble, such as when a member is put on probation, he or she must "throw up a probation crown and say amor" (via theNYPD). Sociologists studying the Latin Kings and Queens have observed the different methods in which both groups attempt to "reclaim and regulate" their environments. 66.7 percent are willing to die for their gang friends. The NYPD further notes that "members should never become involved in a physical relationship with another member's spouse." Black represents death and gold represents life. [57], On September 18, 1997, fourteen Latin Kings members and associates were charged with running a drug operation that distributed $6 million worth of crack and powder cocaine, marijuana and heroin throughout Chicago. Clearly, all evidence points to one thing: the officers were doing their job, and that meant they were a threat to the inside drug business of the Latin Kings. "The Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation," byDavid C. BrothertonandLuis Barrios, notes that rule exceptions are made for those who incarcerated, "when both parties mutually agree to start new lives." n/a. Or do we believe the gang that killed him? At the beginning, the family prayer is recited followed by members throwing up the "Amor de rey" sign (via theNYPD). Three inmates were indicted for the murder of Officer Kush: William Cabrera, David Starks, and Salvatore Giancana. Other funds are raised from membership dues and extortion both from the community and inside correctional facilities. We first learned of this true story in 1992. Membership is estimated to be as large as 7,500, divided among several dozen tribes operating in 15 cities across five states. Where the A.L.K.Q.N first began. [89], Another police crackdown on the Milwaukee faction resulted in forty nine Latin Kings members being indicted on October 12, 2005 on federal racketeering charges for crimes that include four murders, 38 attempted murders and widespread drug trafficking. The History of the Latin Kings begins in the 1920s or 1930s, but at this time they were known under a different name. [79], A dozen Latin Kings members were among thirty-four people indicted on drug charges following a year-long investigation called Operation Royal Flush by the FBI, Cleveland Division of Police (CDP) and Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office. Vallodolid was sentenced to life in prison on November 25, 2019. The decision to join the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation is one that affects every aspect of your life as well as everyone in it. The last of the gang members was sentenced on November 27, 2018. The initial network helped Latino immigrants to integrate into a new life, assisting with employment, finding housing, and offering practical advice but also protecting against racial violence and police repression. Officers are supported by a "Crown Council" of the 5 Crowns Council members. 74.7 percent have fired a gun at someone to defend their gang turf. [64], Latin Kings member Darrick Vallodolid was convicted in May 2018 of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana. Did Carlos really escape one day before his parole? ", According to Department of Justice District of Massachusetts, the gang relies heavily on drug distribution. Another rule more clearly states that allrival graffitihas to be removed, as per the Chicago Tribune. He designated himself as Inca and Supreme Crown of the state of New York. I was not in agreement with him, you can deal with him on the outside is what I tried to argue, I suggested sending Kush pictures of his wife and children. In 1981, the leader of Chicago's southside chapter, one Raul Gonzalez (AKA "Baby King") of the Latin Kings had a "run in" with a member of the northside chapter of the Latin Kings. In 2019, as reported byMichigan Live, a substantial rise in graffiti messages was noticed after a local gang leader was taken to prison in Holland, Michigan. After the proving phase, the real initiation takes place, with gang members taking their turns beating the initiate. 9.0 - Age first "bullied" by someone in school. : The content of these gang profiles are compiled from years of investigations, training, gang member and subject matter expert interviews, confiscated gang paraphernalia, historical research, etc. [78] Nine were convicted of various crimes under the RICO act in August 2013, including Jorge Peter "King Jay" Cornell founder of the Latin Kings in North Carolina who was sentenced to serve twenty-eight years in prison. The general male members are called Reyes or Kings; their wives or girlfriends are called Queens. As the authors detail, this means that they must be employed or at least looking for work, they must attend a school, should show family responsibility, and be interested in Latino cultural history. They often have Puerto Rican background, but during the last 20 years when they broadened to Europe, there became more and more people with also Hispanic, Portuguese or Italian background members. The letters had been copied and stored by the NY Department of Corrections, who were not aware of the significance of the letters until a federal task force was formed that included NYPD homicide investigators, FBI agents, and DOC investigators. [25][26], The Latin Kings were founded in the Humboldt Park area of Chicago in 1954 by Ramon Santos as the Imperials, a Puerto Rican progress movement with the goal of overcoming racial discrimination. By March 2011, all nineteen defendants had either pleaded guilty or been convicted for the roles in a racketeering conspiracy. [84], In January 2016, Latin Kings member Juan "Chino" Rodriguez was sentenced to serve four-to-fifteen years in prison after being convicted of carrying out a drive-by shooting that injured a man in St. Johnsbury on July 15, 2014. According to the New York Police Department(NYPD), their graffiti helps mark their territory. Membership is predominantly Ecuadorian, although other Latin American and Spanish youths have also been recruited. 64.8 percent have been "violated" by their own gang. Lining up plans in Tustin? As the two whackos placed the body parts into plastic bags, a "diversion" fight was staged. [46], The evolution of the ALKQN has been viewed by outside sources as being assisted by the addition and greater role in which Queen Loki and Queen Vailor have played, exposing the ALKQN to a greater range of cross-class supporters than would have been possible prior to their integration. [31] The pending charges against Fernandez were dropped in early 1998. When a member is absent for the fourth time without a valid excuse, they are discharged from the organization. In Catalonia, the 200 persons including Queen Tragedy and King Zeus and the rest of the Latin Kings and Queens tribe was designated as the Cultural Association of Latin Kings and Queens of Catalonia. The way the "hit" was carried out was quite clever. Starks was spared the death penalty (see: Jerry Shnay, "Inmate is spared death penalty: Prisoner convicted in guard's death awaits sentencing",Chicago Tribune, March 15, 1994). 8.9- Age first met someone who was in a gang. Murder rates plummeted. Members must set a good example to other gang members, as well as Latino community in general. The Latin Queens are believed to focus more on their private space issues such as home life and protection and nurturing of their bodies, as opposed to the Latin Kings, who are more concerned with loss of public spaces in their own communities. Members of their own gang, cooperating upstairs in the cell house, helped next. Latin Kings believe Once a King, always a King and subscribe to an all for one mentality. He was not like Officers ____ and ___ who were shake-down artists, who really started it, they started fucking with Lord Gino, Lord Gino told themI was doing time before you were born, so fuck off, they didn't back off, in fact they searched Lord Gino's cell, Lord Gino had a strainer in his cell used for mixing and preparing cocaine and it had cocaine residue on it, Kush wrote up Gino, then Gino told our mob:I want Kush hit today.". Attacked from behind with pipes and other weapons, Kush would die a day later, but was one of 30 officers on a "hit list" prepared by the Latin Kings (see: Jerry Thomas, "Gangs a Rising Threat to Prison Guards",Chicago Tribune, November 28, 1993). wisdom, strength, knowledge and understanding; three hundred-sixty degrees of strong King wisdom. [50], An investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force and Hartford Police Department Vice and Narcotics Division into narcotics trafficking and associated violence in Hartford's South End by the Latin Kings resulted in two gang members being convicted for drug trafficking. As one member put it, the Manifesto is "considered our Bible", and reading it is to go "from the darkness to the light". Some inmate chow hounds were pleasantly surprised to find so many friendly Latin Kings and GD's offering their entre for the evening meal to other hungry inmates. "Lord Gino") is considered the "SUN" of the Almighty Latin King Nation in Chicago. The charter establishes the Ten Commandments, the royalties, guidelines for establishing a chapter, election of officers, and disciplinary procedures. $3,292. A KINGS RESPECT IS 360 DEGREE STRONG. If this rule is broken, the member is first warned by having to do "50 push-ups or stand in push-up position for 10 or 20 minutes." [74] On June 29, 2018, Japhet Lopez was sentenced to fifteen years' imprisonment, Kiele Lopez was sentenced to seven years', and Rodriguez was sentenced to eight years'. And to our knowledge the Illinois Department of Corrections still lists the victim as an "escapee". If there is any confusion, they must find a fellow member who can clarify it. As witnesses told the court, the Latin King member knew she was transgender as he dated her for quite a while, but because this was a serious violation of the gang's rules, he claimed that "Well, it was my life or his.". Founded in the 1940's by a small group of Hispanics in the Chicago, Illinois area, the purpose of the organization was to help the Hispanic community achieve a better way of life by preserving the Hispanic culture and promoting education. A fee is also charged if a member comes in late $1 for every 15 minutes of delay. This type of serious activity must be "approved" of by the top gang leaders. [41], The Latin Kings operate under strict codes and guidelines that are conveyed in a lengthy constitution, and they follow the teachings of the King Manifesto. And another prohibits police cooperation. [52], The Latin Kings are one of the few organized street gangs operating in the state of Delaware. This is a story of how ruthlessness one gang, the Latin Kings, can be in disciplining its own members. 91.0 percent indicated "I believe in God", and 28.2 percent expected to go to hell in the afterlife. The colors associated with, and often worn by, the Latin Kings are black and gold. 57 ALKQN members have been indicted. Shortly before the bells rung for the inmates to go to evening chow in the inmate dining room, two gangs already had much advance warning about what not to eat that night. What happened was that the leader "Baby King" was basically "disrespected" by an inmate known as Carlos Robles. It also does not have various prayers and the set of rules. The 2 days will be on the 11th & 12th of every . Their legacy can still be found in the so-called Kingism Ideology: a set of ideas and beliefs that regulate the life of each member of the gang and of the group itself. On the six points I do swear Forever for life I do bare The pledge of honor to you from me The beloved King of all the Gs Your blood was spilled and tears were shed I remember this and what you said A G is a G and always a G I give you honor forever to you the King of me 4.10 G forever for always Everyone present at the meetings must pay the membership fee of $7 per meeting. King Angelico gained the status of an "ancient king," meaning that even though he is not active in group activities anymore, the gang will "always ride for him and with him." The Latin King gang is one of the most violent gangs in the United States today, with leaders unafraid to order "hits" on correctional officers and followers unashamed to obey their orders. Central to the Latin King philosophy are the symbols such as the five point crown which represents, Love, Respect, Sacrifice, Honor, and Obedience. Almighty Latin Kings Nation. The first week of March is known as King's Week or The Latin Kings Week of the Sun, which is the gang's annual anniversary celebration, and the last week in October is celebrated as the "Week of Blood" (via Gang Enforcement). The "cultural program" designation was bestowed through government sponsored programs to assist gangs with integration into society and is led by Latin Queen Melody, Erika Jaramillo. One retired detective said in 2004: "When you compare them to other street gangs like the Bloods and the Crips, none compare to the organization of the Latin Kings. Members are specifically required to know their personal cultural history and family lineage. Currently he is serving a life sentence in federal prison due to a 25-count indictment, which includes charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and other drugs. From kissing a crown before the supreme leader to how they cross their arms is all regulated, the authors note. There are several ways to become a member of the group, but a new member must go through a proper initiation before gaining full membership. Do not assume that simply because you are sincere in your desire to be a positive member of the community, that others are sincere in theirs. a Roman Silver Age maxim. In 1986, while in prison, Felipe started his own chapter of the Latin Kings known as the Bloodline. Because Rolez was basically in the same gang, just in a different geographical unit, Baby King approach the leader of the northside chapter of the LKN, Gino Colon, and got his "blessing" to change Carlos Robles permanently before he is released. They often follow a strict and detailed charter or constitution. Mean AgeDevelopmental Factor in the Lifespan of the LK Member. Includes some other documents. Revenues; According to "The Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation," byDavid C. BrothertonandLuis Barrios, their usage of gestures, prayers, and other means of communication and identification are "very precise and highly ritualistic." Contextual translation of "kings of knowledge" into Latin. Latin King Knowledge [SHORTENED] It is still in existence today. 55.1 percent have been in court-mandated psychological counseling or therapy. [30], The Bloodline Manifesto was founded by Luis "King Blood" Felipe in 1986 in the New York State Collins Correctional Facility. [75], Twenty members and associates of the Latin Kings were charged on June 21, 1994 with various crimes including the murders of at least seven of their own members. 44.7 percent have tried to quit the gang. Lord Gino) is considered the "SUN" of the Almighty Latin King Nation in Chicago and has been for a long time.Latin King headquarters is located on Beach and Spaulding in Northwest Chicago. They are also forbidden to have "friendly conversations with correctional staff" and are told to essentially keep to themselves and observe quiet time. 72.8 percent felt "there is hardly anything lower than a person who does not feel a great deal of love, gratitude, and respect for his/her mother", while only 57.5 percent felt the same way about father. One of the two whackos is still serving his life sentence in Stateville. LATIN KING CONNECTION TO F.A.L.N. dudeman5685 15.6 - Age at time we surveyed them for this profile. It was during his time under house arrest that the Latin Queens underwent a shake up in leadership, dismissing many of the leaders in order to bring in more politically focused members. [28] Their greatest membership is within the United States; in the city of Chicago alone, the gang has more than 25,000 members. [99], The inner circle of the Latin Kings in Madrid was dismantled when fifty-four members were arrested during a police operation carried out in February 2010. [60] Zambrano was convicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) of racketeering conspiracy and related charges involving narcotics trafficking and violence. Said another high-ranking source in the LKs: "Gino summoned me to the law library where carried out our executive meetings and he saidI want Kush hit. web pages The KMC faction is active in 41 U.S. states, and the Bloodline faction is active in 5 U.S. states. 2019. 69.3 percent had other family members who are in a gang. 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