Former Second-in-Command of Boston Street Gang Sentenced In Racketeering
By a Biometrica staffer
Alexis Peguero also known as “King Lexi” and “King Looney,” the former second-in-command of the Boston-based Devon Street Kings Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) was sentenced on Feb. 25 on racketeering charges.
Judge Rya W. Zobel sentenced him to 21 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In August 2020, Peguero pled guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy, according to a Justice Department release.
The Latin Kings, comprising thousands of members across the United States, are a violent criminal enterprise that adheres to a national manifesto, employs an internal judiciary and uses a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization.
As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.
Peguero, who is only 29, served as the “Cacique” or second in command of the Devon Street Chapter — named for its origin in Devon Street, Boston and also called the DK5 Chapter of the Latin Kings — provided information, structure, funds and other resources to further the Latin Kings goals and directives in the state.
Court documents allege that Peguero produced various music videos touting his allegiance to the Latin Kings, distributed controlled substances and threatened rival gang members.
During the investigation, meetings were covertly recorded where Peguero and members of the Devon Street Kings discussed the business of the racketeering enterprise.
In addition, Peguero was present during meetings where members were beaten and violence against rival gangs was discussed and decided upon.
Peguero, who was one of 62 alleged gang members indicted in December 2019, faces 20 years in prison. Authorities said that there were 11 chapters of the gang in Massachusetts with more than 400 active members, making them this the largest gang in operation in the state.
“It’s a big hit precisely because we are able to take out all of the leadership,” U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling was quoted as saying by CBS Boston when he described the five-year investigation by the FBI and the state Department of Correction dubbed “Operation Throne Down.” “It will be extremely difficult for the gang to regroup in the region.”