July 22, 2008
Chicago Latin King Leader Convicted
Today, a federal jury convicted Fernando King, the "chief operating officer" of the Chicago Latin Kings street gang, of drug conspiracy and attempted cocaine distribution. King, also referred to as the "supreme Inca," is the reputed number two in the Latin King chain of command. King has been in custody since December 2006 and is scheduled to be sentenced December 3. He faces a minimum of 20 years in prison. The jury caused a bit of stir because the note they handed the judge with their verdict also expressed concern for their own "security and safety," causing the defense to motion for a mistrial which was denied by the judge.
After court, King's lawyer, Joseph Lopez, said the note raised concerns that the jury may have been influenced by evidence that wasn't part of the trial.The jury apparently was worried "without anyone ever threatening them or giving them a mean look," Lopez said after the verdict. "Apparently they thought more about their safety than they did about the case."
Prosecutors declined to comment on the jury's note.
King was convicted largely on testimony by informant Jesse Guajardo, who recorded much of the gang's drug activities.
Photo by Pam Morgan
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They still found him guilty. If they were afraid of retribution wouldn't they have a motive to find him not guilty? The fact that they acknowledged possible security and safety issues and found him guilty should just strengthen the guilty verdict not nullify it.
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That note says to me that someone attempted to contact a juror or jurors in which case there should be a mistrial.
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I don't think it is much of a stretch to listen to recordings and testimony about gang activity, find a top leader guilty, and fear for your safety without a direct threat. You would have to be one big country hayseed to not entertain the idea of retribution.
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See now I don't know what to think, I didn't know Latin Kings were into gardening or dog protection other than the pitpull for fighting, when kings ley down the law I guess they lay down the law in all matters killing, gardening, drugs, and pets
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Keep your pomeranian outta my hibiscus, biyatch!