Investigators said the Gangster Disciples organization is extremely rigid and planned. He was also familiar with the accusations set out in the indictment, which alleges Gangster Disciple leaders instruct them to, "assault an innocent, unsuspecting citizen in order to prove their toughness, dedication, and willingness to follow orders.". Attorneys Beth Boswell and Annie Christoff of the Western District of Tennessee and Trial Attorney Shauna Hale of the Criminal Division Organized Crime and Gang Section are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. . Juan Cisneros, 36, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, on April 12, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge Samuel H. Mays Jr., sentenced Cisneros to 121 months; 5 years supervised release. Memphis, Tennessee serves as the Southern headquarters for Tennessee based street organizations in the Southern United States. 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. Gangster Disciples described as a 'highly organized and ruthless gang' An indictment filed in federal court in Atlanta named 32 people and a second indictment in Memphis, Tennessee, charged 16 more Years later, and now a high-ranking Black Disciple, Tony got caught with possession of guns and drugs within 1,000 feet of a school. In Atlanta, leaders said the Gangster Disciples have groups, called "counts" or "decks,'' in more than 30 states, especially in the southeastern United States. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today. Investigators said Wednesday'sindictments and arrests are significant because they strikeblows to the gang's leadership. During the change of plea hearing on June 7, 2019, Crawford admitted that he ordered the shooting of rival gang members for retaliation and to maintain his position within the Gangster Disciples, and that he participated directly and indirectly in the activities of the gang, including acts of attempted murder and narcotics trafficking. Reducingviolent crime by networking withlocal programs that targetviolent crime and providing these programs with tools to be successful. Demarcus Deon Crawford, 36, was sentenced Monday after he pleaded guilty in June to racketeering conspiracy for serving as the gang's "chief enforcer" for Tennessee . The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering, and violent organizations. Sign up for our morning and evening editions, plus breaking news. A 37-year-old Memphis man, a "regional enforcer" for the Gangster Disciples in Tennessee, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise . The Gangster Disciples are part of the "Folk Nation." Some members will claim to be members of "Growth and Development" and out of criminal activity. Marcus Joyner, 35, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, on July 12, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge Samuel H. Mays sentenced Joyner to 30 months; 2 years supervised release. The Department of Justice joined local law enforcement in Memphis on Wednesdayto announce a major break in an investigation known as Operation 38 Special. Witnesses said they heard Robinson tell Gangster Disciple members . 1 North memphis. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, . This sentencing is the latest reckoning in a large RICO conspiracy case, "Operation .38 Special", which was originally indicted in May, 2016, charging a total of 16 members of the Gangster Disciples criminal enterprise with racketeering. Memphis, TN - Demarcus Deon Crawford, 36, a/k/a/ "Trip," has been sentenced to 300 months in federal prison for conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise. 1.2 East Memphis. Marco Antonio Cruz, Jr., 30, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, on July 18, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Cruz to 51 months. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. The scope of the Gangster Disciples crimes is wide-ranging and consistent throughout its national operation. Outside of the original South Memphis hoods, south I-240 is the areas of Westwood, Walker Homes, Blackhaven (Whitehaven), Riverside, Castalia, and expanding as far as Southeast Memphis (East Memphis), with numerous Memphis gangs like Pirus, Hoovers, Grape Street Crips, Neighborhood Crips, and more. In the 1970's, the leaders of two different Chicago-based gangs, Memphis, TN - The "Gangster Disciples" Chief of Security involved in the violent shooting that occurred at Hillview Apartments was sentenced to 263 months in federal prison. Memphis Gangs Key: Red = Blood/Vice Lords | Blue = Crips/Gangster Disciples | Black = Unknown | Dark Purple = Mixed | Green = former housing projects . According to the Shelby County Sheriff's Department in 2010, there were approximately 182 gangs with 8,400 gang members in the county. A pair of black tights are a necessity, rather than just an accessory, to stay stylish and comfortable when temperatures drop. At the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, you will find a palate-dazzling smorgasbord of cuisines and cocktails in which to indulge. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. At the time, the leaders of two different groups, the Black Disciples and the Supreme Gangsters, aligned their groups and created the Gangster Disciples (GD). Protecting children by combating the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes. In addition to Tennessee, the gang reportedly operates in more than 35 states. Here's an explanation of the extensive coordination and organization of the infamous gang. to McLemore to South Parkway, which were the citys first all-black neighborhoods, but also the former home of projects like LeMoyne Gardens, Fowler Homes, Foote Homes, and Cleaborne Homes. 'The Gangster Disciples are a highly organized and ruthless gang that recognizes no geographical boundaries,' said Britt Johnson, head of the FBI's Atlanta field office. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) A leader of the Gangster Disciples street gang in Tennessee has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison, federal prosecutors said. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today. WASHINGTONSix alleged members of the violent Gangster Disciples Gang have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in the attempted murders of five teenagers in South Memphis, Tennessee. Were very pleased to deliver justice and to accomplish that, U.S. Attorney Michael Dunavant said. Gangster Disciples in particular, is from the testimo ny of State witness Robert Walker, a f ormer chief of s ecurity f or the Memphis Gangster Disciples. The "Treasurer" assists the governor in collecting dues for each state for the national Treasurer. Also Choppa gang ran by the rapper Pooh Shiesty, "Think Gangs Are Only In Memphis' Poorest Neighborhoods? Dotson showed no emotion, looking straight ahead as the verdict was announced. Copyright 2016 WMC Action News 5. Take this simple test to calculate your risk of a heart attack or stroke in next 10 years, 'Nobody is laughing at your awkward misogyny': Idaho lawmaker sparks FURY after comparing women to COWS while joking about female healthcare and reproductive rights, Amy Robach is seen meeting up with estranged husband Andrew Shue in Manhattan to hand off their beloved Maltipoo Brody before heading to rendezvous with T.J. Holmes, Trump brands rape accuser E. Jean Carroll, 'mentally sick' and a 'nut job' over claims he attacked her in Bergdorf Goodman in newly unsealed depositions: Also insisted accuser 'isn't his type', And Just Like That Aidan is BACK! 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. [9], According to the Governor's Public Safety Forum on Tennessee Gangs, gangs operate in Memphis' rural communities like Millington, Mason, and, Northaven, and in low income neighborhoods of North Memphis, South Memphis, Raleigh, Frayser, Whitehaven, Binghampton, Orange Mound, Hickory Hill and Riverside.[10]. Legal Statement. One of those indicted included former police officer Vancito Gumbs, who tipped off fellow gang members about police attempts to catch them and claimed he acted as a hit man for the gang. It was the next day, March 3, before police were called and found Dotson Jr. in the bathtub. "They also committed assaults, kidnappings, and attempted murders against individuals they believe to be rival gang members," Stanton added. The defense was disappointed in the speed of the verdict, said attorney Marty McAfee. Play it now! Memphis Police Officer B. Johnson stares off into the distance while responding to a homicide call in North Memphis Sept. 17, 2020. Operation Gangsters Paradise finally came to a close Thursday with the law enforcement giving out time to 34 people. Regional leaders, who oversee several states, are called governors of governors. The State of Tennessee was divided into specific area codes that defined the separate divisions or "sets" of the Gangster Disciples. Memphis, TN 38104 (901) 726-0555; Public Inspection File. This office is proud to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to disrupt the Gangster Disciples gang and punish their leaders and members for the violence and lawlessness that they perpetrate across West Tennessee. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Jackson Police Department Gang Enforcement Team, Memphis Police Department, Shelby County Sheriffs Office, 28th Judicial District West Tennessee Drug Task Force, 26th, 25th, and 30th Judicial District Attorneys General Offices, Sheriffs Offices for Tipton, DeSoto, Madison and Fayette Counties, Police Departments of Bartlett, Germantown and Columbia, TN. If the prospect proves himself during an unprovoked attack on an innocent person, he is admitted to the gangsomething the teen refused to do. GD hasa very structured hierarchical organization. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Most shockingly, a former Atlanta-area police officer described as a 'bad apple' was also indicted. Focused mostly on crime and drug trade in Memphis, authorities zeroed in on the Gangster Disciples. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Twenty-six people have been arrested as the result of a six-month cocaine trafficking investigation in North Memphis, law enforcement officials announced Thursday. Jurors concluded Monday after less than two hours of deliberations that Jessie Dotson, 35, shot his brother in the head during an argument, then used two guns to kill five other people, including two young nephews, trying to eliminate all witnesses. He also told someone he killed people as a hit man for the gang. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Derrick Crumpton, whowas in charge of issuing orders to kill rival gang members and coordinating criminal activity. No media access was given to family members after the verdict, but Lepone said they were pleased with the decision. Im really pleased to say that we have the ability to do that.. "This is a very serious threat. The Knoxville set was known by its area code "865," Chattanooga by its area code "423," Nashville by its area code "615," Columbia by its area code "931," Jackson by its area code "731," and Memphis by its area code "901." One of the survivors, Cecil Dotson Jr., now 11, was found in a bathtub with a 4-inch knife blade embedded in his skull. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Everyone in town expected this to be a whipping. Theotis Evans, 42, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, on May 31, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Evans to 24 months; 3 years supervised release. SHELBY COUNTY, Tenn. A federal grand jury indicted fourteen alleged members and associates of the Traveling Vice Lord/Junk Yard . Attacking this from a structural standpoint of a gang is usually what were focused on, dealing with that organized crime, Dunavant said. The message from these cases is clear: No matter what your role is in the conspiracy, or what your position, title, or gang nickname is, if you are a member of a criminal gang, your days are numbered and there will be a reckoning.". Both sets of indictments are a result of Operation 38 Special, but DOJ leaders stressed that the investigation is happening in other areas across the country. [1][2], Gangs in the Memphis area are concentrated in high crime black neighborhoods like College Park, Hollywood, Hickory Hill, Parkway Village, Westwood, Raleigh, Frayser, Orange Mound, Whitehaven, Binghampton, Klondike and Smokey City; their presence is also felt in the suburbs of Tipton County, Tennessee. The fact that this star is known as the Star of David pays homage to co-founder David . She previously was a reporter at The Commercial Appeal. Attorneys Beth C. Boswell and Annie Christoff of the Western District of Tennessee and Trial Attorney Shauna Hale of the Criminal Division Organized Crime and Gang Section prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A three-year federal drug trafficking investigation has been completed, with dozens of gang-affiliated drug traffickers being sentenced. Protecting children by combating the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes. Farm Heroes Saga, the #4 Game on iTunes. "[5] In May 2013, high school students warned Memphis City Schools against a proposed school merger of Booker T. Washington High School and Carver High school. Reducingviolent crime by networking withlocal programs that targetviolent crime and providing these programs with tools to be successful. Do not sell or share my personal information. By FOX13Memphis.com News Staff. 2018. 38-year-old Demario Sprouse, a/k/a "Taco," pled guilty on June 19, 2019 to the RICO conspiracy. Tiffany Harper, 48, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, on March 13, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Samuel H. Mays sentenced Harper to time served, 24 months supervised release. Rodney Taylor, 41, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana, on August 21, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Taylor to 8 months; 3 years supervised release. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Crawford, during the time period covered in the superseding indictment, held the rank of Enforcer for the entire State of Tennessee for the Gangster Disciples. Baffling 'nursing assistant' puzzle proves so complex even AI couldn't work it out (but one Twitter user thinks HE has cracked it), How old is YOUR heart? Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. These guilty pleas are the latest convictions in a large RICO conspiracy case, "Operation .38 Special", which was originally indicted in May, 2016, charging a total . Demario Sprouse, 38, a/k/a "Taco," pled guilty on June 19, 2019 to the RICO conspiracy. Federal Agencies and Law Enforcement Partners. 'Its members have for too long indiscriminately preyed upon and infected the good people of our communities like a cancer.'. Gangster Disciples long have been the predominant gang in the Englewood neighborhood. Roy Rodgers, 54, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, on March 12, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Rodgers to 27 months; 3 years supervised release. It comes after the Memphis riots on Wednesday night. Underneath the Chairman are "Board Members," who maintain contact with state and regional leaders--the "Governor-of-Governors," "Governors," and"Assistant Governors.". YG QT [400 Murda Gang]For every four men in Memphis, two will eventually join a gang. The DOJ said it had not used RICO in WestTennessee since sentencing Memphis drug lord Craig Petties in 2008. (AllHipHop News) On March 13th the Memphis Police Department uncovered 10 loaded guns, drugs and cash as they arrested 28 people at rapper MoneyBagg Yo's mixtape release party. Law enforcement officials said GDis a highly organized and sophisticated gang. Memphis, TN - Tarius Montez Taylor, a/k/a "T," 30, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/16-alleged-gangster-disciples-members-indicted-federal-racketeering-charges. They are internally governed according to an established hierarchy. Market data provided by Factset. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; JPD Gang Enforcement Team; Memphis Police Department; Shelby County Sheriffs Office; 28th District West Tennessee Drug Task Force; 26th, 25th, and 30th Judicial District Attorneys Generals Offices; Sheriffs Offices for Tipton, DeSoto, Madison, and Fayette Counties; and the Police Departments of Bartlett, Germantown and Columbia. Shiesty, `` Think Gangs are Only in Memphis, Tenn. a federal., rewritten, we have the ability to do that.. & quot ; pled guilty on June 19 2019. The speed of the infamous gang authorities zeroed in on the Gangster Disciples long have the! Very pleased to say that we have the ability to do that.. quot! The national Treasurer Disciple members a pair of black tights are a necessity, rather than just an,. 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