Nothing seemed to have changed in his hometown since he was arrested in the 1990s. ", Clean-up crews: These are enforcement teams who work for the Chief Enforcer, administering discipline (including assault and murder) to members who violate the rules. You always have naysayers, he says. Warren Griffin, 51, of Lancaster, Kentucky, an alleged national Board Member, is charged with RICO conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and related firearms crimes. 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. The gang employs a structured hierarchy, with leadership positions such as national Board Members and state Governors. Each of the defendants is alleged to be a member or leader of the Gangster Disciples and to have conspired to conduct the gangs affairs through a pattern of racketeering. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Identification: Symbolism plays a large part in the Gangster Disciples' culture. DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the information obtained using InfoTracer searches may not always be accurate and up to date as we do not create, verify, or guarantee the accuracy or the amount of information provided through our service. The wars ceased when Larry and David formed together as a . The Black Disciples Gangster Nation initiate new members with beat-downs by fellow gang members, murders, and other violent crimes. They use front organizations to integrate themselves in the communities they live in. The scope of the Gangster Disciples crimes is wide-ranging and consistent throughout the national operation. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Jeremy Franker and Conor Mulroe of the Criminal Divisions Organized Crime and Gang Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ali M. Summers of the Southern District of Illinois, with substantial investigative support from th U.S.Attorneys Offices for the Eastern District of Missouri and the Northern District of Illinois. 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. Racketeering, such as the alleged charges today, brazenly facilitates all kinds of illegal dealings that negatively affect the community. Have a news tip? Official websites use .gov Gangster Disciples leaders sentenced to prison Gangster Disciples: A Gang Profile | Office of Justice Programs About 900 gang factions operate in Chicago today, police say. The Memphis RICO conspiracy indictment names the following defendants and their alleged roles within the Gangster Disciples: Byron Montrail Purdy, aka Lil B or Ghetto, 37, of Jackson, Tennessee, served as Gangster Disciples leader in Tennessee; 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; Rico Terrell Harris, aka Big Brim, 43, of Memphis, served as leader of security in Tennessee; Shamar Anthony James, aka Lionheart, 37, of Memphis, held the rank of governor of a region in Memphis; Demario Demont Sprouse, aka Taco, 35, of Memphis, held the rank of chief of security of a region in Memphis; Robert Elliott Jones, aka Lil Rob or Mac Rob, 36, of Memphis, held the rank of governor of a region in Memphis; Denton Suggs, aka Denny Mo or Diddy Mo,40, of Memphis, held the rank of chief of security in a section of Memphis; Santiago Megale Shaw, aka Mac-T, 23, of Jackson, was a member of the security team or blackout squad in Jackson; Tarius Montez Taylor, aka T, 26, of Jackson, was a member of the security team or blackout squad in Jackson; Tommy Earl Champion Jr., aka Duct Tape, 27, of Jackson, held the rank of chief of security of Jackson; Cory Dewayne Bowers, aka Bear Wayne, 32, of Jackson, was associated with the Gangster Disciples and acted as a member of the security team in Jackson; Gerald Eugene Hampton, aka G30, 30, of Jackson, held the rank of assistant chief of security and was a member of the security teams blackout squad in Jackson; Daniel Lee Cole, aka D-Money, 37, of Jackson, acted as assistant governor and assistant education coordinator for the Gangster Disciples in Jackson; and. Gangster Disciples Prison Gang Profile & Structure - InfoTracer As part of our response to the coronavirus, I prioritized sending nutritious food from our farmers to families in need throughout America.. 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. The Black Disciple Gangster Nation changed from a community organization back into a gang with an influx of drugs into the area. Yates says he thinks more Americans than ever support moves to rehabilitate ex-offenders, which led to the passage of the First Step Act. 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. 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. After a somewhat-quiet offseason, the Fire are widely picked to finish near the bottom of the Eastern Conference and miss the playoffs again. 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. If you can restore, reshape, revitalize Black men, they can strengthen Black families, and Black families can strengthen Black blocks, he says. Before that, he spent several years working for the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in Chicago, as the Special Agent in Charge during the early 2000s, describing the gang as having ranks, like a military. 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. Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney John A. Horn of the Northern District of Georgia, U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III of the Western District of Tennessee, Special Agent in Charge J. Britt Johnson of the FBIs Atlanta Division and Special Agent in Charge A. Todd McCall of the FBIs Memphis Division made the announcement. Certain defendants were also charged with murder, attempted murder, and various firearms crimes. Hoover is seeking a reduction in his life prison term. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms says the Black Disciple Gangster Nation remains strong, with 30,000 members around Chicago and in 30 other states. You've got grandfathers, fathers and sons all members of a gang, said Jeffersontown Police Chief Rick Sanders. Black blocks can strengthen Black communities, cities and states.. The Drug Enforcement Administration Cape Girardeau Resident Officeinvestigated this case with theATF, 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. Gangster Disciples boss Larry Hoover directed gang appointments from 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 charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The violence perpetrated by the Gangster Disciples in this district and nationwide has long been a particular focus of our top law enforcement agencies. On April 28, 2018, Clemon, Maxwell, and Harris, on orders from Smith, allegedly killed Leroy Allen as part of a leadership dispute at a Gangster Disciples meeting in Bridgeton, Missouri. Glass was also sentenced for firearms crimes. According to court documents, the Gangster Disciples are a violent gang with a decades-long history of lawlessness and a presence throughout the United States, including in state and federal prisons. Because, I gotta admit its good.. Tackling issues related to criminal enterprises and gang-related activities are paramount to addressing violence in any city. 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; 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. Gangster Disciples (Folk Nation): Prison Gang Profile 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 DEA labeled Hoovers conviction as the beginning of the end for the Black Disciples Gangster Nation. Two leaders of the Gangster Disciples, a national street gang with roots in Chicago, were sentenced on Friday for a racketeering conspiracy involving murder. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Yates volunteered at some of them. Criminal Investigation is proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners in this case to bring these criminals to justice.. Hoover is serving a life sentence in a super-max prison in Colorado. Sanders launched a task force in the early 2000s with the DEA in Chicago focusing on taking out the Top 21 major players in organized crime, Gangster Disciples included. 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. But he still opposes the release of Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover, whos also trying to get out of prison under the First Step Act. The results of that poll, in a word: Oof. Other high-ranking members of the gang have been released from prison under the same law. Rapper Kanye West appealed to President Donald Trump in 2018 for Hoovers release. Contact reporter Heather Fountaine athfountaine@whas11.comand follow her onTwitter (@WHAS11Heather)andFacebook. ATLANTA -- Alleged members of the Gangster Disciples, including high-ranking leaders and a former Atlanta-area police officer who prosecutors say claimed to be a . Violators may be subject to civil and criminal litigation and penalties. "They were one of the biggest gangs in Chicago dealing drugs.". 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. It also promoted the Gangster Disciples enterprise through member-only activities, including conference calls, birthday celebrations of the gangs founder, the annual Gangster Ball, award ceremonies and other events. If Leinenweber decides Hoover has served enough time in federal prison under the life term he was handed in 1997 for running a criminal enterprise, Hoover still faces a 200-year Illinois state court sentence from 1973 for ordering the killing of a gang member he suspected was stealing from him. The gang is well known for the distribution of narcotics and white collar crimes. Attorneys Kim S. Dammers, Ryan K. Buchanan and Stephanie Gabay-Smith of the Northern District of Georgia. They then recruited heavily in Chicago, within jails and prisons, and across the United States. 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. ForAppleorAndroidusers. They are also represented by a black flag (bandana). Dismantling violent gangs at the highest levels remains a priority for the U.S. Attorney's Office., Today's Gangster Disciple arrests across nine states merely marks the first wave of the FBIs strategic campaign to dismantle this violent criminal organization, said Special Agent in Charge Johnson. The lawlessness these gangs bring to our cities is terribly destructive and oftentimes difficult to prosecute. Boxes containing a mattress and toys are piled in the arms of a volunteer unloading a truck during an Oct. 15 giveaway in Robbins. Alleged Gangster Disciple Leader Arrested at New Orleans, Louisiana And I said, Absolutely. . 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. An estimated 2,000 people have been identified by police as members of gangs. 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. That is why it is so significant that todays indictments charge top leaders within the Gangster Disciples. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Perry Harris, 29, of Cape Girardeau, an alleged Treasurer and Chief of Security for the state of Missouri, is charged with RICO conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and related firearms crimes. Prosecutors claim Griffin had discussions with Dobbins intending to kill members of their own gang that were resisting the new leadership for a chapter in East St. Louis. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to eliminate the terror gang members inflict upon our communities, and will exhaust every available resource, including the federal RICO statute, to bring them to 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. "They were very disciplined, very organized," Sanders said. 2023 InfoPay, Inc. All Rights Reserved. "He's pulling a gun from his waistband," Sanders said. how interested you are in the Fire, whose season begins Saturday against New York City FC at Soldier Field. Anthony Dobbins, 53, of Troy, Illinois, an alleged national Board Member, is charged with RICO conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and related firearms crimes. 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. According to the indictment, the Gangster Disciples is a violent street and prison gang founded in the 1960s that has engaged in large-scale drug trafficking and violence throughout the United States. The Gangster Disciples (often abbreviated as the GD's, formerly GDN) are an African American street and prison gang, which was formed in 1969, by Larry Hoover and David Barksdale. 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 dealing on a large scale, prostitution, financial fraud and more. A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. April 4, law enforcement in Memphis and Atlanta announced a major bust which they said resulted in the arrest ofdozens of leaders in GD. The leader of each count is called a "First Coordinator" or "First C."A "Regent" is a leader responsible for several counts within a state. "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.". James Yates was sentenced two decades ago to life in prison after a jury found that he was a governor of the Gangster Disciples in charge of distributing drugs for the street gang in Chicagos south suburbs.