The Black Disciples Gangster Nation initiate new members with beat-downs by fellow gang members, murders, and other violent crimes. Gangster Disciples history and positions of authority, Judge sets bond for 76-year-old woman accused of killing terminally ill husband, Memphis and Atlanta announced a major bust. Hoover is serving a life sentence in a super-max prison in Colorado. 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. 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. Tackling issues related to criminal enterprises and gang-related activities are paramount to addressing violence in any city. Official websites use .gov Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. 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. Other high-ranking members of the gang have been released from prison under the same law. Gangster Disciples Gang Initiation and Colors, a political action committee dubbed V.O.T.E. It had a compilation of video captured by police cameras that illustrated the influence gangs had on the streets of Chicago. 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 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. Police search for suspects in string of armed robberies in Radcliff, Louisville man killed days before signing record deal, mother seeking justice, 'We got multiple calls': Suspect in car break-in turns himself in after WHAS11's Crime Stoppers report. Imprisoned Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover, who says hes no longer involved with the gang and is asking for an early release from his life sentence, promoted two men to top posts in the gang while locked up in a federal super-max prison in Colorado, according to an indictment unsealed Monday in East St. Louis. 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. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, and Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, were vocal advocates for the law, and Kanye West lobbied for it during a White House visit. Because, I gotta admit its good.. He is currently in prison, but still communicates with other gang leadership. The health and well-being of our citizens is one of my highest priorities, the presidents letter said. 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 charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. "They were very disciplined, very organized," Sanders said. The indictment alleges he was conspiring with Anthony Dobbins, another board member, who was among those arrested. Many were recruited while in prison. The organizational culture of the Gangster Disciples - ajc "Right in front of the camera. And I said, Absolutely. . That is why it is so significant that todays indictments charge top leaders within the Gangster Disciples. EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Steven D. Weinhoeft, announced today that seven alleged members of the violent Gangster Disciples gang, including top national and state leaders, have been charged in a federal indictment accusing them of a years-long interstate racketeering conspiracy involving multiple murders, drug trafficking, and other crimes. To have his name continuously thrown into the affairs of others and to be used as a scapegoat for criminal activity he has no connection to needs to cease.. He's currently being held at a federal prison in Ashland, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. 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. 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. Forty-Eight Alleged Members of Gangster Disciples Indicted on Federal Hoover is seeking a reduction in his life prison term. Robinson was revered for breaking the color barrier, but dont forget about those who followed. sweeping racketeering indictment against the Gangster Disciples. The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, are committed to seeing this campaign through, and once and for all putting an end to the Gangster Disciples' reign of violence.. Kentucky man, others facing federal charges for gang activity - WTOL 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. 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. 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 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. A 12-count indictment was returned by a grand jury on April 27, and unsealed today in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Georgia. 2023 InfoPay, Inc. All Rights Reserved. East St. Louis, Ill. The United States Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Steven D. Weinhoeft, announced today that seven alleged members of the violent Gangster Disciples gang, including top national and state leaders, have been charged in a federal indictment accusing them of a years-long interstate RICO conspiracy involving multiple murders, drug trafficking, and other crimes. Experts theorize that flooding the market with drugs was intentional by politicians to imprison community-oriented blacks and hippies to suppress any dissent and prevent them from voting. 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. We aint looking back. 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). Hoover was born on November 30, 1950 in Jackson, Mississippi. He reached in to a box and pulled out a copy of a letter from Trump on White House letterhead. 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. With the charges unsealed today, we are taking an important, powerful step in the fight to disrupt and dismantle gangs operating in this region. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Urban Dictionary: Gangster Disciples Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( The Black Disciple Gangster Nation re-created themselves as a business organization opening community centers and offering jobs to local people. 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. 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. Volunteers unload hundreds of boxes containing food during an Oct. 15 giveaway in Robbins. Gangster Disciples leader from Birmingham gets 40 years for - al 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. 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. Criminal Investigation is proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners in this case to bring these criminals to justice.. Murder in aid of racketeering is a death- eligible offense. Chairman: the national leader, who is currently in prison but still communicates with gang leadership, the indictment claims. Why does it take Donald Trump to do something like this? Harrell, who spent time in prison for financial crimes about 20 years ago, says his goal is to feed people and help rehabilitate ex-offenders like himself. 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. 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. The results of that poll, in a word: Oof. 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 notorious gang started was founded by Larry Hoover in Chicago in the 1960s but has since spread to at least 31 states and 110 cities, according to the Department of Justice. 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. "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.". You always have naysayers, he says. Harrell walked up to one of the food boxes that were being given away in Robbins. In addition to the RICO conspiracy, all 16 defendants are charged with a cocaine-distribution conspiracy, and Crawford, Shaw, Taylor, Champion and Bowers are charged with seven counts of attempted murder in aid of racketeering and using a firearm during the commission of those offenses. 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. Sanders shared a presentation with WHAS11 News that he created in the early 2000s. An official website of the United States government. But U.S. Attorney John Lausch urged U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber last year to keep Hoover in federal prison for the rest of his life. 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. See GD. Certain defendants were also charged with murder, attempted murder, and various firearms crimes. We also wanted to know or did we? Walton, Ahmad and Laderris Dickerson, 45, of Chicago, are also charged with carjacking and Walton and Dickerson are charged with a related firearms offense. You have to harm or kill somebody as part of your initiation, there's a lot of torture that might be involved, Sanders said. Emailassign@whas11.com, visit ourFacebook pageorTwitter feed. The case was unsealed today in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. 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. A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The Black Disciple Gangster Nation changed from a community organization back into a gang with an influx of drugs into the area. Further, Gangster Disciples members would teach other members how to commit certain crimes, including frauds and would provide drugs on discount to other Gangster Disciples members for resale. Example video title will go here for this video. 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 violence perpetrated by the Gangster Disciples in this district and nationwide has long been a particular focus of our top law enforcement agencies. A 16-count indictment was returned by a grand jury on April 22, and unsealed today in the U.S. District Court of the Western District of Tennessee. 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 newspaper, however, acknowledged the power of Hoovers political activism to combat systemic racism, which then included a political action committee dubbed V.O.T.E. 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. 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. 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 lawlessness these gangs bring to our cities is terribly destructive and oftentimes difficult to prosecute. "They know when we make the arrest of a 12-year-old, it's going to not really go very far.". The gang is well known for the distribution of narcotics and white collar crimes. 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. The DEA labeled Hoovers conviction as the beginning of the end for the Black Disciples Gangster Nation. On May 18, 2018, Griffin and Dobbins allegedly killed Ernest Wilson, a rival Board Member, in Chicago, Illinois. Fifteen individuals were taken into custody today and one remains at large. Khalalah Jackson, whose husband was freed from prison under the First Step Act in November, was among those at the Robbins food giveaway. One shows an incident in 2003 of how gangs use children to distribute drug. 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. Barry Boyce, 44, of Charleston, Missouri, an alleged member of the gang, is charged with RICO conspiracy. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Craig was a Board Member, the highest-ranking position in the Gangster Disciples. Alleged Leaders of Gangster Disciples Indicted on Federal Racketeering Among the crimes alleged in the indictment are two gang-related murders. The Black Disciples Gangster Nation is one of the primary drug-dealing organizations in the Midwest, selling up to $100 million in drugs per year. By using InfoTracer you agree to comply with the conditions set forth in the InfoTracer terms of service. 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. Count: The geographic divisions of the Gangster Disciples are called "counts" or "decks.". 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. 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. Lancaster is in Garrard County, about 100 miles east of Louisville. The Atlanta case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Hans B. Miller of the Criminal Divisions Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Conor Mulroe and Jeremy Franker 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 the U.S. Attorneys Offices for the Eastern District of Missouri and the Northern District of Illinois. The Black Disciples Gangster Nation colors are blue and black, and they use a Star of David-like tattoo with tridents protruding from the upper angles as their symbol. But there are far fewer people with the wherewithal to lead organizations like the Gangster Disciples. According to the indictment, the Gangster Disciples is a violent street and prison gang founded in the 1960's that has engaged in large-scale drug trafficking and violence throughout the United States. Cases like these make a difference, and I want to thank all the law enforcement and U.S. Attorney Office and Organized Crime and Gang Section prosecutors who worked so hard to build this case., Atlanta has historically been resistant to the incursion of these national gangs, but unfortunately todays indictment shows how this landscape has changed in just the last few years, as the Gangster Disciples are only one of several gangs that now boast a strong foothold, said U.S. Attorney John Horn. The other shows a gang-related shooting captured by police cameras in the middle of the day. Gangster Disciples: A Gang Profile | Office of Justice Programs Larry Hoover is a founder and former leader of the Chicago street gang the Gangster Disciples, and was the Vice President of the Black Gangster Disciple Nation when he combined his gang with the Black Disciple Nation temporarily. how interested you are in the Fire, whose season begins Saturday against New York City FC at Soldier Field. ", Ninjas: Oftentimes members of the enforcement teams are known as "ninjas" or "UFOs.". Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover appointed 2 gang leaders from Tennessee Gangster Disciples member known as 'Creeper da Reeper 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. Illinois paroled double-ax murderer, dozens more killers in a decade This is just one of the more than three dozen gangs found all over Tipton County. The gang also provided financial and other support to members charged with or incarcerated for gang-related offenses and members who were fugitives from law enforcement were provided safe houses in which to hide from police. Among those arrested were Anthony Dobbins, 53, of Troy, and Warren Griffin, 51, of Lancaster, Kentucky, both alleged members of the Gangster Disciples' board who have been operating out of East . . Barksdale died in 1974 of complications from internal damage suffered in a shooting. 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. 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. These are the people who keep gangs like the Gangster Disciples alive, year in and year out, generation after generation. Lock Board Members: highest-ranking members after the Chairman. He wasnt supposed to come home at all. An estimated 2,000 people have been identified by police as members of gangs. Official websites use .gov 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. 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. Some of these teams have names, such as "Hate Committee" or "Blacc Team. Violators may be subject to civil and criminal litigation and penalties. The indictment also alleges various acts of drug trafficking by Gangster Disciples members, including an ongoing scheme to smuggle the synthetic drug K2 into Missouri state prisons. "Responsible for seeing that punishment, including 'Kill on Sight' (KOS) orders and 'greenlights,' which authorize physical punishment, are effectuated for Gangster Disciples who violate gang rules. ", 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Governor of Governors: Regional officer in charge of the governors. An official website of the United States government. 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. Gangster Disciples - Blackfacts.com The availability and accuracy of information is largely dependent on various public sources from which the information is aggregated. 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. With the charges unsealed today, we are taking an important, powerful step in the fight to disrupt and dismantle gangs operating in this region. Gangster Disciples represent with the colors blue and black. 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. Moms carted away boxes of food, clothing and blankets. Vancito Gumbs, 25, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, was a member of the Gangster Disciples while at the . 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. In addition to the RICO conspiracy, Glass and Mobely are each charged with committing or attempting to commit murder in aid of racketeering and using firearms during those crimes. "He's pulling a gun from his waistband," Sanders said. 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. For Yates, 20 years in prison was enough, according to Safer. Copyright 2016 WMC Action News 5. of Corrections, Gwinnett County PD, and Marietta PD), Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, United States Marshal's Service and United States Postal Inspection Services. Rapper KTS Dre was member of Gangster Disciples & used name KUTTHROAT (FBI/Contributed, YHN) Two leaders of the Gangster Disciples, a notorious national gang, were sentenced on Friday in federal court for a racketeering conspiracy involving murder . 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. To introduce the criminal nature of the Gangster Disciples to a new member, older members and leaders in the various local groups ordered newer members to commit crimes, including murder, robbery and drug trafficking. Warren Griffin, 51, an alleged Board Member in the Gangster Disciples is originally from Lancaster, Kentucky, according to a federal indictment unsealed in January.