Alleged one-time leader of Springfield Latin Kings sentenced
The man prosecutors say was once known as the “Inca” of the Springfield Latin Kings gang has been sentenced to 20 months in prison and three years of supervised release for distributing 300 bags of heroin. Jose Cartagena, 38, of Springfield, was sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Springfield after he pleaded guilty to drug distribution charges on July 31.Prosecutors had asked that he be sentenced to three years, above the 10-16 month guideline, due to his alleged gang ties. Cartagena’s attorney, William O’Neil, said that although his client pleaded guilty, he did not have a leadership role within the Latin Kings, as the government contends. According to O’Neil, Cartagena was once a member of the Latin Kings, but no longer is a part of the gang, though “he still has contact with other members of the Latin Kings.”The information stating otherwise is based on “one cooperating witness” and is not reliable, O’Neil said. The federal investigation into the Latin Kings in Springfield and Holyoke began in October 2014, when disputes with rival gangs over criminal activity and drugs led to armed assaults and murders, according to a statement from the U.S. District Attorney’s office.Cartagena was one of 12 alleged Latin Kings members arrested in connection with drugs and firearms charges in November 2015. According to court documents, law enforcement was assisted in the investigation by a longtime member of the Latin Kings who had intimate knowledge of the gang’s inner workings. The informant assisted investigators by making controlled purchases of drugs and firearms and provided investigators with a copy of the gang’s “Manifesto,” which, according to court documents, every member is “provided and tasked with learning.” The informant also provided investigators with information about the hierarchy system within the gang. The term “Inca” refers to the highest ranking officer in a Latin Kings chapter, according to the affidavit. “Cacique” is the term for the second in command, and “enforzador” is the title of the individual in charge of security. Local chapters also have a designated treasurer and secretary.
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