How The Latin Kings Gang Actually Works | How Crime Works | Insider

Insider18 minutes read

Andy Domingo Pellerano reveals his involvement in a drug-trafficking network as a former Latin Kings soldier, highlighting the organization's hierarchical structure, rivalries with other gangs, initiation process, and strict rules. Despite his troubled past, he found redemption through a church-mandated rehabilitation program, leading to a new life dedicated to helping and mentoring others.

Insights

  • Latin Kings started as an organization focused on empowerment rather than just a gang, with a structured hierarchy and strict initiation process involving a physical test of endurance.
  • The Latin Kings, despite being involved in criminal activities and rivalries with other gangs, also had a religious aspect that incorporated Christian symbolism and rituals, emphasizing concepts of love and loyalty, alongside their territorial and organizational operations.

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Recent questions

  • What is the Latin Kings organization?

    A gang turned organization empowering the Latin race.

  • How did Latin Kings initiate members?

    Through a beating by five men.

  • What were the rules of the Latin Kings?

    No touching family, homosexuality, or leaving without protocol.

  • How did Latin Kings operate territorially?

    Each block had its own affiliation.

  • What was the religious aspect of Latin Kings?

    Focused on linguistic symbolism and Christian concepts.

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Summary

00:00

Former Latin Kings Soldier Reveals Drug Network

  • Andy Domingo Pellerano, former Latin Kings soldier, details his involvement in a drug-trafficking network in New Orleans in 1995.
  • Latin Kings initially aimed to uplift their people, functioning as an organization rather than a gang, with a strict initiation process.
  • Initiation involved being beaten by five men for two to three minutes, testing one's readiness to become a Latin King.
  • The Latin Kings had a hierarchical structure, including positions like Inca, president, vice president, warlord, council, and treasurer.
  • The organization originated in Chicago to empower the Latin race against oppressive influences, with chapters in New York, Miami, and eventually New Orleans.
  • Latin Kings identified themselves through gang signs, colors (black and gold), and tattoos of a five-pointed crown symbolizing love, honor, respect, obedience, and loyalty.
  • Rivalries existed with gangs like Banks Street Posse, Hoover, 31st Hoovers, Folks, and Crips, leading Latin Kings and Bloods to align under the People's Nation.
  • The gang operated territorially, with each block having its own affiliation, and members needed street cred and power to survive in the streets.
  • The Latin Kings had strict rules against touching family members, homosexuality, and leaving the organization without following protocol.
  • The religious aspect of the Latin Kings focused on linguistic symbolism, with phrases like "amor de rey" reflecting a connection to concepts of love and royalty in Christianity.

12:50

Latin Kings: Initiation, Meetings, Prison Dynamics, Redemption

  • The initiation process for the Latin Kings involves a baptism and meetings referred to as mass, held in a cemetery.
  • Chapters in New Orleans and Kenner follow the same manifesto as Chicago, opening meetings with prayer and discussing necessary actions.
  • Dues are collected in a basket or hat to support incarcerated Kings or the organization, although the ultimate destination of these funds is uncertain.
  • In prison, Latin Kings and Bloods, both under the People's Nation, meet to address issues, recruit new members, and ensure compliance with rules for organized structure.
  • In prison, dominance is achieved through reputation, violence readiness, and connections with guards for access to resources.
  • After multiple prison stints, the individual found purpose in a church-mandated rehabilitation program, leading to a new life focused on helping and mentoring others, including through music and ministry.
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