AUSTIN -- Among 61 Latin Kings gang members arrested within recent days for their roles in a racketeering and drug distribution scheme across Texas, three live in Austin, according to the Department of Justice.
The arrests come after a collaborative effort between state, local and federal law enforcement agencies focusing on one gang in particular, the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation, also known as the Latin Kings. In a four-year investigation, authorities believe they took out a good chunk of the Latin Kings hierarchy from Uvalde, San Antonio and Austin.
Facing federal and state charges, the men have allegedly attempted to murder, committed assault with a dangerous weapon, extorted and robbed. They have also been arrested for distributing drugs such as marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine. Those facing federal charges are subject to imprisonment of up to life.
The Austin residents arrested for involvement with the Latin Kings includes 36-year-old Pete Perez, one of the leaders of the Central Texas region, 35-year-old Michael Ray Arriago, also known as "Fez," and 33-year-old Albert Guadalupe Mendoza, also known as "Rantick."
Officials told KVUE's sister station, KENS5, that what's most destructive is their recruitment efforts targeting youngsters in middle school. The U.S. Marshals said that's a call-out to parents to keep a close watch.
According to the federal grand jury indictments, the defendants have operated a criminal enterprise in Central Texas since 2005.
