Raymond Shrimp Boy Chow is set to go on trial today on weapons trafficking and money laundering charges, the same case that lead to the downfall and imprisonment of former California state senator Leland Yee.
Five other co-defendants in the case also entered guilty pleas. Chow has vowed to fight the charges and will stand trial alone.
Federal prosecutors allege that the Chinatown organization Chow leads, Ghee Kung Tong, is a front for a criminal enterprise. Chow is also charged in connection with the murder of his predecessor and former gang member
Chow took over the Ghee Kung Tong three years after being released from prison and pledging to lead an honest life.
A government agent infiltrated the Tong and built a case against Chow, a case his attorney Tony Serra says resulted from “outrageous government conduct” by an agent who himself engaged in the crimes Chow is accused of perpetrating.
Chow has become a legend in some circles and a free Shrimp Boy movement has surfaced.
You can read about Chow’s rise to prominence in the Washington Post.