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GREENSBORO — Gang leader Jorge “King Jay” Cornell and five of his alleged associates pleaded not guilty Tuesday to federal racketeering charges.

They were denied bail, however, and will remain locked up.

About a dozen supporters and family members showed up at the U.S. Middle District courtroom in the L. Richardson Preyer Federal Courthouse. A small crowd with drums and placards in support of the defendants remained outside.

“I think it was an injustice what happened,” said a man identifying himself as King Trigger. “Each one of those men — they’re a family man; they’re an activist in the community; they’re religious and attend church. And they’re trying to do something positive, bringing everybody together for peace.”

Cornell — who is “Inca” or head of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation in North Carolina — and 12 other men were indicted last week. The government alleges they participated in a conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, arson and extortion.

The hearing began shortly after 10 a.m. Cornell, wearing a blue Forsyth County Detention Center jumpsuit and glasses, was led into the courtroom in chains. Seated with him were alleged conspirators Russell “King Peaceful” Kilfoil and Luis Alberto “King Speechless” Rosa.

In testimony at the hearing, FBI special agent Doug Rentz revealed that the government had interviewed about 10 witnesses, mostly former Latin King members, and had about 100 to 200 hours of audio recordings, four clips of which were played.

One clip is alleged to feature the gang members talking in May 2010 about making bombs and Molotov cocktails to attack the home of a disenchanted Latin Kings member.

The prosecution handed transcripts to the defense attorneys, but those in the courtroom said they had trouble understanding the recordings.

“All I heard was a bunch of noise and a few words,” said Tracy “Queen Smiley” Weyman, a supporter of the defendants.

Michael Aus, Kilfoil’s attorney, dismissed what was heard as “tough talk.”

“It’s like some guys at a bar talking about somebody they 'want to get,’” he said.

Michael Patrick, Cornell’s attorney, presented a letter to Judge P. Trevor Sharp signed by four local clergymen: the Revs. Cardes Brown, Gregory Headen, Nelson Johnson and Randall Keeney. They asked the court to consider a reasonable bond for Cornell.

“We have seen the charges brought against Mr. Cornell. They are serious charges,” the letter says.

“However, we believe a broader story will surface in the course of his trial. We know this young man, and we do not believe that Jorge Cornell is a danger to the community.”

Kilfoil’s brother Raymond testified, saying he would be willing to keep an eye on Russell should he make bail.

Rosa’s stepfather, Jesus Vazquez, also testified, saying he would make sure that his stepson stayed out of trouble.

Sharp said he believes the three pose a danger to the community, and they should remain in detention.

“These recordings demonstrate a willingness to commit dastardly crimes in the Middle District of North Carolina,” he said. “Maiming crimes, killing crimes.”

Tears were shed by several in the courtroom, and Vazquez reached out to kiss Rosa on the cheek as the three defendants were led away.

Court resumed about 2:30 p.m. when Samuel “King Hype” Velasquez, Charles Lawrence “King Toasty” Moore and Richard “King Focus” Robinson were led into the courtroom, also wearing jail jumpsuits and chains. They also were denied bail after an hourlong hearing.

Contact Robert C. Lopez at 691-5091 or robert.lopez@news-record.com