BOSTON — Federal agents led raids across New England Thursday, scooping up 60 alleged gang members including a Lynn man and Peabody woman they claim are involved in a criminal organization called the Latin Kings, engaging in murder, robbery, assault, extortion and other charges.
According to an indictment filed in U.S. District Court on Wednesday, Sandra Correa of Peabody and Israel Rodriguez were among Latin King members and associates arrested by 500 law enforcement agents at 24 locations across Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island.
A Justice Department press release stated that 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.
“As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and is motivated by a desire to further its influence and to protect its turf from rival gangs. This has fostered a culture of institutional violence and secrecy,” stated the release.
During the four-year investigation, law enforcement developed evidence that the Latin Kings trafficked drugs, conspired to murder more than 10 victims, and committed violent crimes including numerous incidents of robbery, shootings, stabbings and witness intimidation.
Charges outlined in the indictment include firearms and drug law violations. The 43-page indictment describes the Latin Kings organization in Massachusetts as subdivided into 10 chapters, including a Lynn/Salem/Chelsea chapter.
The indictment describes Correa as a former secretary in one level of the gang’s organizational structure with the gang name “Queen Dream.” The indictment describes Rodriguez, gang name “King Imperial,” as an Inca or upper-level leader for the Latin Kings in Massachusetts.
The indictment charges carry sentences ranging from three years to life in prison. The Justice Department release and indictment did not state when the individuals named in the indictment will be arraigned in court.
