Theres been a need for years.. LOUISVILLE, Ky. A group of seven men were indicted on federal racketeering charges in connection to the violent Gangster Disciples gang including an alleged high-ranking member originally from Kentucky, according to a release from the United States Department of Justice. A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Sanders said the city must be able to recognize that gang influence is in the streets and identifying that may be the first step in curtailing the trend of unprecedented violence. It also says Dobbins, 53, whos from downstate Troy, a suburb of St. Louis, and Griffin, 51, from Lancaster, Kentucky, threatened to kill anyone who resisted their authority, though it doesnt say how authorities got that information. Because, I gotta admit its good.. The indictment filed by federal prosecutors accuses Griffin, also known as GG and 'Big Head' of murdering a rival Gangster Disciples board member in Chicago back in 2018. May 4, 2016 1:29 PM PT. In Georgia, for example, the Gangster Disciples brought money into the gang through, among other things, drug trafficking, robbery, carjacking, extortion, wire fraud, credit card fraud, insurance fraud and bank fraud. After a somewhat-quiet offseason, the Fire are widely picked to finish near the bottom of the Eastern Conference and miss the playoffs again. Count: The geographic divisions of the Gangster Disciples are called "counts" or "decks.". They are heavily organized, using code language to communicate, and have been reported in the news to use children as young as 8 years old to smuggle guns and drugs and carry out gang executions. Ronald Safer, a defense lawyer who was a federal prosecutor on the Gangster Disciples case, has said hed still prosecute Yates and other ranking members of the gang but would seek significantly less prison time for most. On May 18, 2018, Dobbins and Griffin shot and killed Earnest Don Smokey Wilson, 65, a rival Gangster Disciples board member, in the 7100 block of South Euclid Avenue in Chicago, according to the East St. Louis indictment. "he was responsible for violence drug trafficking and murders, including orchestrating the murder of a . He wasnt supposed to come home at all. Gangster Disciples co-founder Larry Hoover (center) with top gang lieutenant Gregory Shell (left) and gang associate Keith McCain. Hoover has asked a federal judge in Chicago to reduce his life sentence under a reform measure called the federal First Step Act, which allows people convicted of crack-cocaine offenses to challenge their sentences in light of subsequent changes in federal sentencing guidelines. I had this strong desire to come back here and try to correct or fix some of the stuff that we played a part in messing up, Yates says as he directed a crew unloading boxes of food from trucks earlier this month as part of the Revitalization of Robbins Initiative he has started. The GD are involved in criminal activity in more than 30 states. (WMC) - The Gangster Disciples is a dangerous gang founded in the 1970's in Chicago, Illinois. Utilizing firearms to injure or intimidate others cannot be tolerated and there is no question that the public is safer today because of the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of all of the agencies that played a part in this investigation., Todays indictment is a result of investigative efforts in our Fairview Heights Resident Agency and strong partnerships with federal, state and local law enforcement partners, said Sean Cox, FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge. Within Georgia, the leadership of the Gangster Disciples resided mostly in metro Atlanta, yet the reach of the crimes committed extended into far south and west Georgia. But there are far fewer people with the wherewithal to lead organizations like the Gangster Disciples. Tennessee Gangster Disciples member known as 'Creeper da Reeper of Corrections, Gwinnett County PD, and Marietta PD), Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, United States Marshal's Service and United States Postal Inspection Services. Vancito Gumbs, 25, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, was a member of the Gangster Disciples while at the . "This is a different Louisville and if we don't pay attention and do something about it then it's going to be out of control.". Seven alleged members of the violent Gangster Disciples gang, including top national and state leaders, are in custody after multiple arrests this morning for their alleged participation in a years-long interstate racketeering conspiracy involving multiple murders, drug trafficking, and other crimes. Assistant governors collect dues from individual groups, called "counts" or "decks.". Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Among the crimes alleged in the indictment are two gang-related murders. They'll usually deal cocaine and heroin, according to the Department of Justice. Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover appointed 2 gang leaders from prison, feds say They're now charged with killing a rival 'board member' of the notorious street gang in 2018 on the South Side. This investigation demonstrates ATFs commitment and the commitment of our law enforcement partners to ensure that Missouri and Illinois communities remain a safe place to live, work and raise families. There are a lot of people out there willing to join gangs, and eager to get easy money from criminal activity. An estimated 2,000 people have been identified by police as members of gangs. By using InfoTracer you agree to comply with the conditions set forth in the InfoTracer terms of service. Other acts of violence alleged as part of the conspiracy include a nightclub stabbing in East St. Louis, Illinois, a nonfatal shooting in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and multiple unsuccessful murder plots. Boxes containing a mattress and toys are piled in the arms of a volunteer unloading a truck during an Oct. 15 giveaway in Robbins. Frank Smith, 47, of Naperville, Illinois, an alleged national Board Member, is charged withRacketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO)conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and related firearms crimes. The gang employs a structured hierarchy, with leadership positions such as national "Board Members" and state "Governors." "The long list of violent crimes alleged in this indictment - including two murders and multiple violent assaults - make plain the threat to our communities posed by criminal organizations like the Gangster Disciples," Nicholas L. McQuaid, Acting Assistant . This case results from investigations by ATF, FBI, Federal Bureau of Prisons, IRS Criminal Investigation, Missouri Department of Corrections, Illinois State Police, the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, Bridgeton Police Department, Cape Girardeau Police Department, and Chicago Police Department. The judge hasnt ruled. The Atlanta RICO conspiracy indictment names the following defendants and their alleged roles within the Gangster Disciples: Shauntay Craig, 37, of Birmingham, held the rank of Gangster Disciples board member; Alonzo Walton, 47, of Atlanta, held at different relevant times the positions of governor of Georgia and governor of governors, the latter position controlling Georgia, Florida, Texas, Indiana and South Carolina; Kevin Clayton, 43, of Decatur, Georgia, was the chief enforcer for the state of Georgia; Donald Glass, 26, of Decatur, served as a first coordinator of the eastside group of the Gangster Disciples; Lewis Mobely, 38, of Atlanta, was an enforcer; Vertious Wall, 40, of Marietta, was a first coordinator for the Macon Gangster Disciples group; Adrian Jackson, 37, of San Jose, California, was the national treasurer for the Gangster Disciples; Terrence Summers, 45, of Birmingham, held at different relevant times the positions of governor of Alabama and governor of governors for Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and Florida; Markell White, 43, of Atlanta, was a regional leader in Macon; Ronald McMorris, 34, of Atlanta, was first coordinator of the Atlanta group; Perry Green, 29, of Decatur, was a member of the Gangster Disciples and acted as enforcer of a Gangster Disciples group; Dereck Taylor, 29, of Macon, was a member of the Gangster Disciples and acted as security for a Macon group; Alvis ONeal, 37,of Denver, was a senior member of and money launderer for the Gangster Disciples; Jeremiah Covington, 32, of Valdosta, Georgia, was a first coordinator for the Valdosta region; Antonio Ahmad, 33, of Atlanta, was the chief of security for the state of Georgia; Eric Manney, 39, of Atlanta, was a member of the Gangster Disciples and stored multiple guns at his house; Quiana Franklin, 33, of Birmingham, served as treasurer for the state of Alabama; Frederick Johnson, 37, of Marietta, was a chief enforcer for a Gangster Disciples group; Charles Wingate,25, of Conyers, Georgia, was chief of security for a Covington, Georgia group; Vancito Gumbs, 25, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, was a member of the Gangster Disciples while at the same time serving as a police officer with the DeKalb County Police Department; Thomas Pasby, 42, of Cochran, Georgia, was a member of the Gangster Disciples; Denise Carter, 41, of Detroit, was a member of the Gangster Disciples; Carlton King Jr., 25, of Cochran, was a member of the Gangster Disciples; Kelvin Sneed, 26, of Cochran, was a member of the Gangster Disciples; Arrie Freeney, 32, of Detroit, was a member of the Gangster Disciples; Myrick Stevens, 26, of Madison, Wisconsin, was a member of the Gangster Disciples; Curtis Thomas, 45, of Cochran, was a member of the Gangster Disciples; Yohori Epps, 36,of Marietta, was a member of the Gangster Disciples; and. Copyright 2016 WMC Action News 5. Information obtained through InfoTracer is not to be used for any unlawful purposes such as stalking or harassing others, or investigating public officials or celebrities. Hoover is serving a life sentence in a super-max prison in Colorado. Racketeering, such as the alleged charges today, brazenly facilitates all kinds of illegal dealings that negatively affect the community. This prosecution underscores that coordinated criminal activity will be met with a coordinated and focused law enforcement response by the Criminal Division and our law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local level. The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A locked padlock Governors typically coordinate much of the criminal activity that occurs within a particular state. The U.S. attorney in Atlanta announced on Wednesday a sweeping racketeering indictment against the Gangster Disciples, a multistate criminal organization accused or murder, extortion, drug. Eleven Alleged Members of the Gangster Disciples Indicted in He and seven other high-ranking members of the Gangster Disciples have been released from prison under the 2018 law, signed by President Donald Trump with bipartisan support, intended to promote rehabilitation and cut the costs of incarceration. The gang protected its power and operation through threats, intimidation and violence, including murder, attempted murder, assault and obstruction of justice. I am especially grateful for the support of the ATF and the many dedicated law enforcement officers at all levels of government who contributed to this investigation., ATF has no higher priority than investigating violent crime and ensuring that those who use firearms in furtherance of their criminal activities are held accountable, said Fred Winston, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Kansas City Field Division. James Yates, a former high-ranking member of the Gangster Disciples, formed the Revitalization of Robbins Initiative after his life prison sentence was overturned and he was released in April under the federal First Step Act. As part of this investigation, we took those concerns to Louisville Metro Police Chief Erika Shields, who sent this statement: Working to curb violent crime is one of my top priorities at LMPD. Basically, they got de facto life sentences for drugs, Khalalah Jackson says of her husband and his co-defendants. This investigation demonstrates ATFs commitment and the commitment of our law enforcement partners to ensure that Missouri and Illinois communities remain a safe place to live, work and raise families. Male members of GD are referred to as "Brothers of the Struggle," and female members are referred to as "Sisters of the Struggle.". The Black Disciple Gangster Nation (BDGN) is a gang that was formed in the south side of Chicago in 1960 when two rival gangs, the Black Disciple Nation (led by David Barksdale) and the Gangster Nation (led by Larry Hoover) combined to become one group under co-leadership. Gangster Disciples leaders sentenced to prison The Gangster Disciples is a violent gang that began in Chicago in the 1970s when the Black Disciples and the Supreme Gangsters merged, the Atlanta indictment says. The Black Disciples Gangster Nation initiate new members with beat-downs by fellow gang members, murders, and other violent crimes. They organize community clean-up events, "Stop the Violence" rallies, and events to feed the homeless as a way to mask their criminal activities. Sometimes they wear Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox and other teams clothing from their original city, though they do not always match colors. David Barksdale continued to try and improve the Englewood neighborhood, while Larry Hoover put out a hit on a man who was subsequently shot in the head multiple times. Lock Other high-ranking members of the gang have been released from prison under the same law. The Governor-of-Governors and Governors set member recruitment goals, enforce gang rules, collect and disperse dues and funds, and approve criminal activity to be carried out by gang members. Law enforcement officials said GDis a highly organized and sophisticated gang. Moving swiftly after winning convictions of Gangster Disciples leader Larry Hoover and other high-ranking gang members two weeks ago, authorities indicted eight additional men Friday in a. Life on a third straight one-year contract with the mega-talented Astros isnt bad at all. It is the very of core of law enforcements mission to ensure that everyone feels safe in their homes and neighborhoods, and it is a hard reality that many people across our country simply do not enjoy this basic sense of security because of gangs like the Gangster Disciples, said Assistant Attorney General Caldwell. You've got grandfathers, fathers and sons all members of a gang, said Jeffersontown Police Chief Rick Sanders. Alleged Leaders of the Gangster Disciples Indicted on Federal "He's checking the money to make sure it's real," Sanders detailed. The federal indictment was unsealed today in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. "They were very disciplined, very organized," Sanders said. On May 18, 2018, Griffin and Dobbins are accused of killing Ernest Wilson, a rival Board Member, in Chicago, Illinois. They're controlled by a chairman of the board, and then they have a board of directors, one in prison, one outside below those people are the governors and they control the territories," Sanders said. Ex-Gangster Disciples 'governor' James Yates now distributes food boxes The results of that poll, in a word: Oof. An official website of the United States government. Feds indict ex-officer, alleged gang members - FOX 5 Atlanta With the charges unsealed today, we are taking an important, powerful step in the fight to disrupt and dismantle gangs operating in this region. The BOPs intelligence component appreciates the opportunity to assist our federal partners in detecting and disrupting criminal activity related to inmates in the BOP's custody., Investigating organized crime and related financial schemes are a top priority for CI, said Tamera Cantu, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation (CI), Chicago Field Office. The BOP'sintelligence componentappreciates the opportunity to assist our federal partners in detecting and disrupting criminal activity related to inmates in the BOP's custody., Investigating organized crime and related financial schemes are a top priority for CI, said Tamera Cantu, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation (CI), Chicago Field Office. The counts' Chief Enforcers additionally head up "enforcement teams" and "clean-up crews," comprised of members who enforce the rules and administer discipline against those who do not. Harrell walked up to one of the food boxes that were being given away in Robbins. A different world.. Robinson was revered for breaking the color barrier, but dont forget about those who followed. Craig was a Board Member, the highest-ranking position in the Gangster Disciples. Illinois paroled double-ax murderer, dozens more killers in a decade Official websites use .gov The indictment alleges he was conspiring with Anthony Dobbins, another board member, who was among those arrested. "For a long time, Louisville denied we had gangs, and I said it then, and I say it now, we have to recognize and be transparent that we have gangs, and they're committing a lot of this violence," Sanders said. The indictment. Gang members had suspected the second man might do the same, prosecutors said. If convicted of the racketeering conspiracy charged in Count 1, each defendant could receive as much as life in prison and a $250,000 fine. Gangster Disciples (Folk Nation): Prison Gang Profile Warren Griffin, 51, an alleged Board Member in the Gangster Disciples is originally from Lancaster, Kentucky, according to a federal indictment unsealed in January. ForAppleorAndroidusers. Yates says he was dumbfounded when he returned to Robbins after getting out of prison. Yates and Harrell see it as ironic that Trump, who has refused to denounce white supremacists, signed the law that allowed Yates, a Black man, to leave prison. Forty-eight alleged members of the violent Gangster Disciples Gang including the top leaders in Tennessee and Georgia have been charged in two indictments and accused of conspiring to participate in a racketeering enterprise that included multiple murders, attempted murder and drug crimes. Sean Clemon, 50, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, the alleged Governor of the state of Missouri, is charged with RICO conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and related firearms crimes. The RICO conspiracies charged here include attempted murder, narcotics trafficking, extortion, firearms crimes, obstruction of justice and other crimes in furtherance of the Gangster Disciples enterprise and to raise funds for the gang. Warren Griffin, 51, of Lancaster, Kentucky, an alleged "Board Member," is charged with RICO conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and related firearms crimes; Anthony Dobbins, 53, of Troy, Illinois, an alleged "Board Member," is charged with RICO conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and related firearms crimes; Sanders shared a presentation with WHAS11 News that he created in the early 2000s. GD hasa very structured hierarchical organization. According to court documents, the Gangster Disciples is a national gang active in more than 24 states with a highly organized structure including board members and governor-of-governors who each controlled geographic regions; governors, assistant governors, chief enforcers and chiefs of security for each state or regions within the state where the Gangster Disciples were active; and coordinators and leaders within each local group. Dominque Maxwell, 28, of Cape Girardeau, the alleged Assistant Governor of the state of Missouri, is charged with RICO conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and related firearms crimes. Gangster Disciples: A Gang Profile | Office of Justice Programs As a street gang, the Gangster Disciples had a board of directors, governors, regents, coordinators and, of course, soldiers to do the dirty work. Gangster Disciples - Blackfacts.com The other shows a gang-related shooting captured by police cameras in the middle of the day. He said, I want to give back to Robbins, Roberson says. Some of these teams have names, such as "Hate Committee" or "Blacc Team. We are committed to dismantling violent gangs like the Gangster Disciples and holding their members accountable for criminal conduct., These charges target national and state leaders of one of the most notorious street gangs in America, said Steven D. Weinhoeft, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. While in state prison for ordering the killing of a gang member in Chicago in 1973, he was sentenced in 1998 to life in federal prison for running a criminal enterprise the Gangster Disciples . BOS, SOS: Brothers (or sisters) of the struggle. Four dozen members of the violent Gangster Disciples gang, including a leader in California and a police officer in Georgia who acted as a . Sanders said hes happy to be back policing in his hometown of Louisville, but shakes his head at the uptick of killings as of late. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Yates says he thinks more Americans than ever support moves to rehabilitate ex-offenders, which led to the passage of the First Step Act. Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. He is currently in prison, but still communicates with other gang leadership. Two leaders of the Gangster Disciples, a national street gang with roots in Chicago, were sentenced on Friday for a racketeering conspiracy involving murder. Khalalah Jackson, whose husband was freed from prison under the First Step Act in November, was among those at the Robbins food giveaway. The FBIs Safe Streets Gang Task Forces recognize no boundaries either, and we are committed to identifying, disrupting and dismantling the most violent gangs that seek to harm our communities. Sanders has been in law enforcement for 40 years and previously served as the Kentucky State Police Commissioner. Governor: Head of the state organization, or "count," of the Gangster Disciples. Attorneys Kim S. Dammers, Ryan K. Buchanan and Stephanie Gabay-Smith of the Northern District of Georgia. The long list of violent crimes alleged in this indictment including two murders and multiple violent assaults make plain the threat to our communities posed by criminal organizations like the Gangster Disciples, said Nicholas L. McQuaid, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Departments Criminal Division. Derrick Kennedy Crumpton, aka "38," 32, of Memphis, served as Gangster Disciples leader in Tennessee; Demarcus Deon Crawford, aka "Trip," 32, of Jackson, served as leader of security in Tennessee; Henry Curtis Cooper, aka "Big Hen," 36, of Memphis, served as leader of security in Tennessee; The case was unsealed today in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. The Memphis case is being investigated by a multi-agency task force consisting of the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Memphis Multi-Agency Gang Unit; the Memphis PD; the Shelby County, Tennessee Sheriffs Office; the Jackson PD Gang Enforcement Team; the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; the Madison County, Tennessee Sheriffs Department; the 28th District West Tennessee Drug Task Force; the Tipton County, Tennessee, Sheriff's Office; the 26th Judicial District Attorney Generals Office; the 25th Judicial District Attorney Generals Office; the Atascosa County, Tennessee District Attorneys Office; and the Shelby County District Attorney Generals Office. For Yates, 20 years in prison was enough, according to Safer. Opinions differ on how to define Gangster Disciples. Twenty-two members of the Black Disciple Gangster Nation received indictments for murder in 2016 including one county police officer who warned gang members about police raids and acted as a hitman. Hoover who prosecutors have called the most notorious gang leader in Chicagos modern history isnt charged in the indictment, which targets leaders of the Gangster Disciples in downstate Illinois and eastern Missouri in a racketeering case that includes two murders. If convicted of the racketeering conspiracy charged in Count 1, each defendant could receive as much as life in prison and a $250,000 fine. See GD. All rights reserved. If a member violates a gang rule, the ChiefEnforcer must authorize a "Kill on Sight" order or a "green light," which authorizes physical punishment against that member. The Black Disciple Gangster Nation was responsible for the death of Army sergeant Juwan Williams during a brutal initiation beating that included kicks to the head. He pointed out that they came from Trumps U.S. Department of Agriculture. "He's pulling a gun from his waistband," Sanders said. Board Members: highest-ranking members after the Chairman. The gang employs a structured hierarchy, with leadership positions such as national "Board Members" and state "Governors." Polling Place: Is Patrick Kane the greatest Blackhawk ever? Fifteen individuals were taken into custody today and one remains at large. Each state additionally has a "Chief Enforcer," responsible for enforcing the gang's codes and regulations. A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( The Black Gangster Disciples was a gang from chicago that ended up splitting into two separate gangs in the 90s (black disciples (BGDs) and gangster disciples (GDs)).Some gangs still hold the black gangster disciple name out of chicago and never split up. Michael Drummound, 49, of Marietta, was a member of the Gangster Disciples. If you can restore, reshape, revitalize Black men, they can strengthen Black families, and Black families can strengthen Black blocks, he says. These guys have evolved to help the community they harmed.. "Right in front of the camera. The median income of Robbins, a town of 5,400 a few miles south of Chicago, is only $13,000, according to the last census. The results of that poll, in a word: Oof. The Black Disciple Gangster Nation re-created themselves as a business organization opening community centers and offering jobs to local people. Barry Boyce, 44, of Charleston, Missouri, an alleged member of the gang, is charged with RICO conspiracy. You always have naysayers, he says. They then recruited heavily in Chicago, within jails and prisons, and across the United States. The long list of violent crimes alleged in this indictmentincluding two murders and multiple violent assaultsmake plain the threat to our communities posed by criminal organizations like the Gangster Disciples, said Nicholas L. McQuaid, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Departments Criminal Division. He was accompanied to the Oval Office by Hoovers attorney, who explained that Hoover is being held in the Colorado Supermax prison alongside killers for economic crimes and that he was unfairly targeted because he was gaining political power from the Chicago community. Gangster Disciples leader from Birmingham gets 40 years for - al Forty-Eight Alleged Members of Gangster Disciples Indicted on Federal Watch what we do. Have a news tip? The new indictment says one member of the gang, Anthony Dobbins, told another, Warren Big Head Griffin, in September 2014 that Hoover had appointed them as board members the highest rank in the gangs leadership. Chairman: the national leader, who is currently in prison but still communicates with gang leadership, the indictment claims. The Black Gangster Disciples became known as, "a young street organization striving for a place of high recognition and respect in the City of Chicago" (Emery, n.d., p. 11). Coach Ezra Hendrickson, Fire looking to prove doubters wrong, Baseball quiz: Remember what happened after Jackie, Kahleah Copper: Precious mettle for the new-look Sky. Moms carted away boxes of food, clothing and blankets. Here are the key players and concepts, according to the indictment.