Another Guilty Plea in New Bedford Latin Kings Case

Another member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings street gang has pleaded guilty in Boston Federal Court.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, 34-year old Tanairy Ruiz, also known as "Queen Tanairy," plead guilty on Wednesday to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base.

Prosecutors say Ruiz resided in one of many trap houses or multi-unit apartment buildings in New Bedford that were controlled by the Latin Kings. According to court documents, her apartment was used as a location where cocaine was "cooked" or manufactured into a cocaine base.

Ruiz was among dozens of Latin Kings members, leaders, and associates indicted by a Federal Grand Jury in December 2019, charging them with racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy, and firearms violations. She is the 51st defendant to plead guilty in the case.

Ruiz faces up to 20 years in prison. Her sentencing is scheduled for January 5.

Information from the US Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts