USA v. Carlos Padilla, Jr. — 7th Cir. (Sep 14, 2026)
The Seventh Circuit hears related appeals from four defendants in a federal Latin Kings racketeering prosecution in Chicago. Prosecutors accused the gang's Southeast Region of using violence to enforce its rules and retaliate against rivals. At trial, witnesses described Miguel Denava ramming a rival's car, after which other gang members pulled the man out and beat him. A jury convicted Denava of racketeering conspiracy and a violent crime in aid of racketeering, while Juan Jimenez was convicted of racketeering conspiracy.
USA v. Carlos Padilla, Jr. (No. 22-2907) — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, argued September 14, 2026.
Sources
Argument audio — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit (public domain, 17 U.S.C. § 105):https://media.ca7.uscourts.gov/sound/external/dab.22-2907.22-2907_09_14_2026.mp3
Argument listing — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit:https://media.ca7.uscourts.gov/oralArguments/oar.jsp?amonth=09%2F2026&aMonth=List+case%28s%29
Indictment background — U.S. Department of Justice:https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndil/pr/thirty-four-alleged-gang-members-charged-participating-racketeering-conspiracy
Denava post-trial ruling — U.S. District Court:https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCOURTS-ilnd-1_16-cr-00463/pdf/USCOURTS-ilnd-1_16-cr-00463-4.pdf
Jimenez post-trial ruling — U.S. District Court:https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCOURTS-ilnd-1_16-cr-00463/pdf/USCOURTS-ilnd-1_16-cr-00463-3.pdf
Violent crimes in aid of racketeering statute — U.S. Code:https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?edition=prelim&num=0&req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title18-section1959
- 0:00Introduction
- 12:25Violent crimes in aid of racketeering