By Tifany Williams –
In December 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.
Today, Orlando Santiago-Torres, a/k/a “King Landy,” 27, a former member and Enforcer of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation, is the 59th defendant to plead guilty.
Santiago-Torres pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity and conspiracy to manufacture and distribute controlled substances.
In February 2019, Santiago-Torres assaulted a rival gang member and was captured on video chasing the rival gang member down, pushing him to the ground and kicking him.
In May 2019, Santiago-Torres participated in the assault and shooting of a rival gang member and was captured on video surveillance with other Latin King members, one of whom engaged in a fight with the rival member and fired a handgun at him.
In July 2019, Santiago-Torres fired multiple rounds of ammunition on a New Bedford street at rival gang members as they fled a fight with the Latin Kings.
In September 2019, Santiago-Torres participated in a shooting with other Latin Kings members in which a victim was struck with gunfire and casings from the scene were linked to a firearm recovered from Santiago-Torres’ apartment.
In November 2019, Santiago-Torres and other Latin Kings members assaulted a rival gang member, in which Santiago-Torres dragged the victim out of a vehicle to beat and kick him on the street.
U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled Santiago-Torres to be sentenced on October 13, 2022.
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