Springfield, Massachusetts Latin Kings Head Admits to Federal Drug Charge

Leader of the Latin Kings street gang has pleaded guilty to federal drug charges

The leader of the Latin Kings street gang's Springfield chapter has pleaded guilty to federal drug charges.

Prosecutors say Jose "King Black" Cartagena pleaded guilty Wednesday to heroin distribution charges. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced Aug. 3.

Cartagena was arrested in October after a former Latin King cooperated with government officials in making controlled purchases of drugs and firearms from high-ranking gang members. He was brought in along with several other suspected gang members following a yearlong FBI investigation.

He pleaded guilty to distributing 300 bags of heroin in July 2015.

FBI Special Agent Mark Karangekis says Cartagena is the Springfield Latin Kings chapter's "Inca," or chief gangster.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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