Alleged Gang Leader Offered Bounty To Kill Immigration Officer, Federal Officials Say
Juan Espinoza Martinez allegedly sent Snapchat messages targeting Border Patrol agent during 'Operation Midway Blitz'
Federal agents in Chicago on Monday arrested a suspected
Latin Kings leader accused of offering cash bounties to capture and kill a senior immigration officer working with "Operation Midway Blitz."
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois unsealed a criminal complaint Monday charging 37-year-old Chicago resident Juan Espinoza Martinez with a single count of
murder for hire.
Martinez was taken into custody Monday morning, though his initial court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros called the alleged plot "an attack on the rule of law."
"Putting a price on the life of a
law enforcement officer is an attack on the rule of law," Boutros said. "The defendant’s actions in this case demonstrate a profound contempt for human life and public safety. Under my leadership, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago will hold defendants accountable for their grave criminal actions and ensure that no federal officer has to fear for their life for doing their job."
According to the complaint, Martinez is a ranking member of the Latin Kings, a gang notorious for
violent crimes and drug trafficking across Chicago.
The complaint alleges Martinez sent Snapchat messages that read, "2k on information when you get him" and "10k if you take him down."
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L-R: Anthony Ian Santos Ruiz and Marimar Martinez. (Department of Justice)
Federal agents arrested Chicago resident Juan Espinoza Martinez for allegedly offering $10,000 to kill a Border Patrol officer involved in Operation Midway Blitz.
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