BROOKLYN — José Adolfo Macías Villamar, known as “Fito,” the alleged leader of Ecuador’s Los Choneros gang, pleaded not guilty in federal court in Brooklyn on Monday, July 21, ABC News reports.
Following his extradition from the South American nation, the 34-year-old has been accused of smuggling cocaine and firearms between South America and the U.S., and is facing 20 years to life in prison. The gang reportedly used hitmen and other members to violently target Ecuadorian citizens and law enforcement personnel, allegedly under Macías’ command.
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. stated that Macías had “flooded the United States with drugs.”
A judge ordered his detention until a Sept. 19 trial, citing extraordinary danger. Macías had escaped from an Ecuadorian prison in 2024, and was recaptured in June of this year.
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