Newly unsealed court documents describe federal allegations that a Chicago man connected to the Latin Kings placed a $10,000 bounty on U.S. Customs and Border Protection Cmdr. Gregory Bovino.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported that the affidavit was released at the direction of U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow ahead of a hearing next week, when attorneys for Juan Espinoza Martinez plan to seek his release from custody.
Federal investigators say Espinoza Martinez was a ranking member of the Latin Kings when he offered payments for information on Bovino and a larger reward for killing him.
His attorneys deny that claim and say he has stable employment, strong family connections, and no criminal history.
They portray him as having no gang affiliation.
The case is among the most closely watched matters linked to "Operation Midway Blitz," a federal immigration enforcement effort in the Chicago area.
Federal prosecutors have dismissed at least 10 cases tied to the operation, including an assault charge against a woman who was shot by a Border Patrol agent.
According to the affidavit, Espinoza Martinez allegedly used Snapchat to send a cooperating source a picture of Bovino.
Investigators say the messages offered "2k on info cuando lo agarren," — translated to "when they catch him" — "10K if u take him down," and "LK … on him," which they interpret as references to the Latin Kings and being paid $10,000 for killing Bovino.
The affidavit says Espinoza Martinez agreed to speak with investigators after his arrest.
He allegedly admitted using a Snapchat account known as "Monkey," though he disputed the exact username linked to the messages.
The affidavit says he acknowledged knowing the picture of Bovino was circulating on social media and admitted sending it to others.
Investigators say he told them he did not know Bovino's name but knew he was "a big boss in Chicago involved in immigration enforcement."
The newly released filing says Espinoza Martinez allowed authorities to search his phone.
Agents say the device showed he had been logged into the Snapchat account in question.
They also say the phone contained conversations in which another person addressed him as "King."
Investigators cite a separate text exchange that they say shows Espinoza Martinez discussing the Latin Kings' reaction to immigration enforcement on Chicago's west side.
According to the affidavit, he wrote "my guys are ready in the vill," "saints, sds, and 2six being b----es," and "Chapo has our back bro. if they take one its gunna be bad."
He also allegedly referenced the Sinaloa cartel.
The filing says another person in the exchange wrote, "Just keep dem Ice mfs from taking any of yall ppl."
Agents also highlighted a Snapchat conversation about the possible purchase of a Ruger pistol and a separate message showing a firearm with a gold-covered slide offered for sale.
The affidavit notes a photo stored on his phone in December 2024 that appeared to show a large quantity of cocaine.
Defense attorney Jonathan Bedi declined to comment beyond his previous statements.
Bedi has described his client as a longtime Chicago resident, a father of three, and a union member with a stable work history.
In a motion seeking his release, Bedi wrote that Espinoza Martinez has "deep roots" in the community and an "unblemished record."
He wrote that before the arrest, his client was working, raising his children, and leading a routine life.
"Allegations are not evidence," Bedi wrote.
The plot came to light in early October. Homeland Security agents located Espinoza Martinez and arrested him on Oct. 6.
He faces federal charges for soliciting the murder of a senior law enforcement officer.
"This thug is off our streets and behind bars," DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.
"We will not allow criminal gangs to put hits on U.S. government officials," she added.
Jim Mishler ✉
Jim Mishler, a seasoned reporter, anchor and news director, has decades of experience covering crime, politics and environmental issues.
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