Marlon Rivera, 36, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity [RICO] charges in federal court on Tuesday, August 11.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Rivera is the former leader of the Fitchburg Chapter of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation.
The Latin Kings are a national organization believed by authorities to fund its operation through drug distribution.
Federal prosecutors allege that Rivera founded the Devon Street Kings Chapter in Boston and recently was the leader of the Fitchburg Chapter of the Latin Kings. Evidence developed during the investigation included recordings of Rivera taking part in meetings, discussing business of the enterprise, and possessing cocaine base with intent to distribute.
In December 2019, federal prosecutors indicted 62 members of the Latin Kings on charges of racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges.
Rivera is the sixth of those indicted to plead guilty. Alvin Mojica, 32, who was alleged to be the leader of the Worcester Chapter, pleaded guilty in July 2020.
Rivera’s RICO conspiracy charge carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
