United States v. Garcia, No. 13-1370 (7th Cir. 2014)
Annotate this CaseThe Latin King gang operated under a constitution that included an elaborate governing hierarchy. Zambrano had the highest post, Corona, 2000 to 2008. Several defendants had the next-highest position, Regional Inca, and others were called “Section Inca.” Regional Enforcers reported to the Regional Incas. Criminal activities fell into categories: murder; attempted murder and indiscriminate shootings; drug distribution; extortion; and violent punishments of disobedient gang members. In an 80-count superseding indictment returned in September 2009, nine gang members were charged with participating in a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy, 18 U.S.C. 1962(d). The underlying crimes included conspiring to commit extortion, 18 U.S.C. 1951 assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, 18 U.S.C. 1959(a)(3), using and carrying a firearm during an assault, 18 U.S.C. 924(c), conspiring to distribute cocaine, 21 U.S.C. 846, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1). A jury found Zambrano, Vicente Garcia, Guzman, and Chavez guilty on all counts. The other five defendants pleaded guilty. The district court sentenced all nine to substantial prison terms. The Seventh Circuit affirmed the convictions and sentences of Zambrano, Garcia, Guzman, and Chavez, and the sentences of King, Garcia, and Ramirez, but vacated the sentences of Zamora and Gutierrez.
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