Federal prosecutors say a Latin King gang chief supplied a $10,000 bounty for the killing of a senior immigration enforcement officer after an ICE agent shot a girl in Chicago this weekend. A supply aware of the investigation recognized the meant goal as Commander Gregory Bovino, who has been main the Border Patrol’s high-profile “Halfway Blitz” operation within the metropolis.
Juan Espinoza Martinez, 37, identified by the road identify “Monkey,” is accused of providing $10,000 reward for Bovino’s homicide and $2,000 for details about Bovino’s location.
The case, unsealed on Monday, outlines how Martinez allegedly used social media, encrypted messaging, and his place throughout the Latin Kings to rally members of the gang after a police-involved taking pictures involving Border Patrol in Brighton Park on Saturday.
A federal supply instructed investigators that Martinez dispatched gang members to the realm of the taking pictures scene, instructing them to amass weapons and guard Latin Kings territory close to twenty sixth Avenue and South Drake Avenue.
In response to the criticism, Martinez despatched a Snapchat message exhibiting a photograph of Bovino alongside a Spanish-language caption that translated to: “$2,000 on data while you get him.” One other message, prosecutors mentioned, confirmed the Latin Kings’ involvement in plotting the assault.
Investigators linked Martinez to the communications via subscriber data and a cellphone quantity tied to his CashApp account. Surveillance groups later noticed him driving a pink 2014 Ford pickup truck registered in his identify close to the gang’s stronghold in Little Village.
The criticism states Martinez has the authority to order violent acts together with homicide and notes the gang’s long-standing popularity for finishing up “hits” in opposition to rivals and regulation enforcement.
Martinez is charged with murder-for-hire.
Authentic reporting you’ll see nowhere else, paid for by our readers. Click on right here to assist our work.
