New Bedford Latin Kings Enforcer Admits to Racketeering

NEW BEDFORD — A New Bedford gang member who organized violence against rival gangs and instilled discipline in fellow gang members has pleaded guilty this week to racketeering and drugs-related charges.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said 27-year-old Latin Kings member and enforcer Orlando Santiago-Torres, known as “King Landy,” admitted to the charges in federal court on Tuesday.

In his role as enforcer and officer of the New Bedford chapter of the Latin Kings, Santiago-Torres also organized the security for the gang's apartment buildings, also known as "trap houses," where members distributed cocaine and crack cocaine.

On Tuesday, Santiago-Torres admitted to participating in several violent acts and shootings in New Bedford for the Latin Kings.

Get our free mobile app

The U.S. Attorney's Office said in February 2019, Santiago-Torres was captured on video assaulting a member of a rival gang by chasing him down and kicking him.

Santiago-Torres and other Latin Kings members also assaulted and shot a rival gang member in May 2019.

In another incident in July 2019, Santiago-Torres fired multiple times at rival gang members as they fled a fight with the Latin Kings in a New Bedford street.

Just two months later, in September 2019, he and other gang members shot and struck a victim with a gun later found in Santiago-Torres' apartment.

Santiago-Torres also dragged a rival gang member out of a vehicle to beat and kick him in a November 2019 assault.

On Tuesday, he pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and conspiracy to manufacture and distribute controlled substances.

He faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million.

Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 13.

The Latin Kings gang spans the United States, using drug distribution to generate revenue and using violence to further its influence and protect its territory.

Santiago-Torres is one of 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings caught in a December 2019 sweep called Operation Throne Down.