Reputed Latin King member pleads guilty

HAMMOND | A Chicago man changed his plea to guilty Tuesday night for his role in the Latin Kings racketeering conspiracy, admitting to robbing drug traffickers with two former Chicago police officers and helping distribute more than 150 kilograms of cocaine.

Hiluterio "Tails" Chavez, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering and possessing with the intent to distribute the cocaine and more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana as part of a plea deal.

He is one of 15 alleged Latin King member or cohorts indicted last November for participating in a racketeering conspiracy in crimes dating back to 1989.

Chavez's charges carry maximum combined sentences of up to life in prison and more than $10 million in fines. He already is about three years into a seven-year sentence for a separate gang-related drug conviction in Texas.

According to court documents, Chavez helped former Chicago police officers Alex Guerrero and Antonio C. Martinez rob a Chicago drug trafficker of about $40,000 for the Latin Kings. The three entered the trafficker's home under the guise of a legitimate law enforcement operation, and Chavez handcuffed an individual while claiming to be an officer.

The Latin Kings allegedly paid each about $6,000 for the armed robbery.

Martinez entered into a plea deal with prosecutors last month, while Guerrero's trial and that of the remaining co-defendants is scheduled for March 19.

In exchange for his plea, the government agreed to give Chavez credit for accepting responsibility and to request the minimum sentence within his calculated guideline range.

"I think both sides were happy we were able to submit the plea last night," said Catherine Lake, Chavez's attorney.