A long-time member of Gary’s Sin City Deciples is pleading guilty to federal drug and racketeering charges.

HAMMOND — A long-time member of Gary’s Sin City Deciples is pleading guilty to federal drug and racketeering charges.

Michael Castro Rivera, 64, of Gary, appeared Thursday before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Joshua P. Kolar at a change of plea hearing.

Rivera, also known as “Puerto Rican Mike,” told the court he is guilty of possession of cocaine, marijuana and heroin, and conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity that included illicit drug trafficking.

A federal grand jury Oct. 21 indicted Rivera and 15 other alleged Sin City Deciples.

The indictment identifies Rivera as a veteran member of the club that formed in 1967 and has maintained a clubhouse in the 1300 block of Virginia Street in Gary’s Midtown section.

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