Latin Kings member accused of plotting to murder border patrol chief appears in court

CHICAGO — An alleged member of the Latin Kings in Chicago who is charged with soliciting the murder of U.S. border patrol chief appeared in court Tuesday.

Juan Espinoza Martinez, 39, remains in federal custody and charged in the murder for hire plot against Gregory Bovino, the head of the border patrol’s Operation Midway Blitz. 

Agents say they took Martinez into custody on Monday in Burr Ridge.

The criminal complaint called him a high-ranking gang member, who goes by the name “Monkey.”

Agents said Martinez used the social media app, snapchat, to put out a bounty.

The messages that allegedly came from Martinez show Bovino’s picture and offering $2,000 for information on his location and $10,000 to kill him.

Investigators say he hatched the plan after a federal agent shot a 31-year-old woman during another incident on Saturday in Brighton Park.

Court records allege Martinez directed fellow gang members to arm themselves and patrol near 26th and Drake in Chicago to protect gang territory.

In court, prosecutors said Martinez is not a U.S. citizen but has lived in the U.S. for at least a decade.  Regardless, they believe he’s a flight risk and ask that he be held until his trial.

Martinez is expected back in court on Friday morning for a detention hearing. He faces upwards of 10 years in prison if convicted.