Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Count 1 in the indictment charges the defendants with RICO (Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organizations Act) conspiracy and outlines the gangs commission of crimes including murder, stabbings, shootings, firearm offenses, drug trafficking and witness intimidation, Mohsin said. They gathered firearms, including an AK-47 assault rifle, to assist in their plans. The feds also say the gang had a long reach into the Michigan prison system with leaders and enforcers who would attack rival gang members. Boss Hogg; Kenneth Johnson, a.k.a. Mohsin says their plan is simple -- they are going to identify the most violent individuals and groups and dedicate federal and state resources to investigate and arrest them. On Thursday, January 25, 2016, Kojuan Lee, aka Juan, 20, of Detroit, and Jonathan Kinchen, aka Deago, 22, of Detroit, each pleaded guilty to one count of RICO conspiracy. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. On Jan. 25, 2016, Wilson pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering and one count of using and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. RELATED: Feds make a dent in Vice Lords gang arrests but 4 still being sought. A leader of the Vice Lords street gang was sentenced today to 162 months in prison for his role in the May 7, 2015, shooting of four members of a family with an AK-47 in Detroit. Charges against the accused include murder, extortion, stabbings, drug dealing and murder plots, including alleged hits -- known as Key 21 orders within the gang -- on inmates within the Michigan Department of Corrections. DETROIT (WWJ) -- Federal agents arrested more than three dozen members and associates of the Almighty Vice Lord Nation street gang Thursday as law enforcement works to curtail rising gun violence in Detroit. . In one recorded phone call in May 2019, high-ranking leader Terry Douglas was overheard taking credit for arranging the assault of a fellow prisoner, prosecutors said. In May 2015, state and federal law enforcement carried out a roundup of six Detroit-area Vice Lord gang members accused of attacking the family of a . Drama; Eddie Reid, a.k.a. On May 25, an alleged senior leader of the Traveling Vice Lords, Burney Everett, aka "Tank," 27, of Detroit, was charged with various. The Almighty Vice Lord Nation gang was founded in Chicago in the 1960s. DJ and Sincere; Spoonie Johnson, a.k.a. A leader of the Vice Lords street gang was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for attempted murder in aid of racketeering in connection with the May 7 . The investigation, which involved personnel from Detroit Police andthe Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives targeted leaders from five branches of the Vice Lords. A 39-count federal indictment was unsealed Thursday alleging Michigan gang leader Kevin Spaghetti Fordham of Detroit and 39 other alleged gang members, associates, enforcers and high-ranking deputies of orchestrating a racketeering conspiracy that dates back to 2012. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Asher said investigators had intercepted phone calls in which Fordham authorized, sanctioned or discussed three murder plots. Feds conducted 12 raids in Detroit and one in Chicago on Thursday. The indictment further alleges that members who seek to leave or withdraw from the gang oftentimes endure a physical beating, known as a beat out, by multiple Vice Lord members, or are targeted for killing, known as a green light.. Other local branches include the Insane Vice Lords, Imperial Insane Vice Lords, Conservative Vice Lords, Mafia Insane Vice Lords, and Insane Goon Gang. Investigators say this three-year investigation saved lives. "The Detroit One partnership is focusing our efforts on combating gang violence," McQuade said. These Vice Lord members first met at Kenneth Smiths house to discuss their plans. A lock () or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. Trial Attorney Joseph Wheatley of the Criminal Divisions Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. The 172-page indictment spells out a conspiracy that started in 2012 and included recorded phone calls and social media traffic. Spoonie; Terry Douglas, a.k.a. The indictment, which also includes drug and firearms charges, is amongthe largest racketeering conspiracy cases in federal court history in Detroit. The firearm charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade of the Eastern District of Michigan, Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Special Agent in Charge Robin Shoemaker of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Detroit Field Division, Special Agent in Charge David P. Gelios of the FBIs Detroit Division and Chief James Craig of the Detroit Police Department. The defendants further admitted that on May 7, 2015, they and others met at Smiths house to discuss their plan and collect firearms, including an AK-47 assault rifle, then traveled in multiple cars to the intended victims house. In response, Turner-Bankhead sent the member 11 photos of female body parts. The defendants admitted that the Vice Lords leaders are located in Chicago and Detroit and that the gang is broken down into various sets, decks or branches. Members who seek to leave the gang oftentimes endure a physical beating by multiple Vice Lord members or are targeted for killing. The 172-page indictment lists 40 members and associates of the Almighty Vice Lord Nation, a national gang out of Chicago with a prominent branch in Detroit. (WXYZ) Four men are still being sought in connection with the Vice Lords gang that has ties to Detroit and Chicago. Convicted of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering. Feds say there are 700 known members in Michigan. "The drug activity, the drug trafficking, the gang activity your leadership role in the Vice Lords, possessing weapons all of that is without question a serious danger to the community, she said. Attorneys Christopher Graveline and Mark Bilkovic of the Eastern Districtof Michigan, and Trial Attorney Joseph Wheatley of the Criminal Divisions, Archive of Fata Facilitator Website www.FataClaims.com. Seven members of the Vice Lords were charged in an indictment unsealed today with various offenses based on their roles in a gang-related shooting. The gang has consolidated other groups and spread to nearby states, now claiming more than 30,000 members. Serve Detroit connects meaningful service opportunities with willing and dedicated volunteers. "His revenge. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Six Detroit Vice Lords Gang Members Plead Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy and Gang-Related Shootings WASHINGTON - Six members of the Vice Lords gang in Detroit pleaded guilty this week to various racketeering and firearms offenses based on their roles in the gang-related shooting of four individuals. "We can advance, they can lock us up or we can end up dead," the gang's alleged chiefenforcer Davun Baskerville said in a recorded 2019 phone call, according to the indictment. "The vice lords are a violent, armed national street gang operating in Detroit, Chicago, and elsewhere. Here is the full list of those charged:(hometowns were not immediately available): 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. A court-appointed defense lawyer listed in the court filing did not respond to a message seeking comment Thursday. But also crimes including murder, prison hits, drug trafficking, robberies, extortion, and weapons. Given just the sheer volume and the numbers, we have a lot of work ahead of us, said Acting U. S. Attorney in Detroit Saima Mohsin during a news conference Thursday. They are charged with using the gang for drug trafficking, violent crimes including robbery, murder and extortion, firearm crimes, as well as tampering and retaliating against witnesses. Gang members should take note that these recent cases demonstrate that the Detroit One strategy is permitting us to address gang violence with swift action and strong penalties. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Kenneth Smith is currently a fugitive and anyone with any information about his whereabouts is encouraged to call the U.S. Twellve and Lahabb; Gregory Johnson, a.k.a. Mike Kohan, head of Great Neck, N.Y.-based Kohan Retail Investment Group, confirmed the . Antonio Clark, aka Cheeto, 26; Aramis Wilson, aka Ace, 25; Tyrone Price, aka Price, 27; Jonathan Kinchen, aka Deago, 22; Kojuan Lee, aka Juan, 20; Kirshean Nelson, 19; Dion Robinson, 37; and Kenneth Smith, 34, all of Detroit, were indicted for racketeering and firearms charges relating to the gang-related shooting of four members of a family on May 7, 2015. The four men are Aaron Knight, Anthony Reynolds, John Johnson and Lasail Hamilton. The ATFs Comprehensive Violence Reduction Program, which includes representatives of the Detroit Police, Michigan State Police and Michigan Department of Corrections, is investigating the case in coordination with the FBI and DEA. A 171-page indictment carries a total of 39 counts against 40 alleged members that include RICO, conspiracy gun, and drug charges. WWJ is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. All rights reserved. Florida, Wyoming explain, New to volunteering? Fordham was picked up at a home off Hubbell near McNichols. The government is throwing all this dirt up against the wall, saying lets hold him, Sabbota said. On January 25, 2016, Aramis Wilson, aka Ace, 25, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to two counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering, and one count of Use and Carry of a Firearm During, and in Relation to, a Crime of Violence. Montana; Jaylin McNeal, a.k.a. Leader Artise Johnson said he controlled anentire "squad," according to the indictment. The 39-count indictment was announced by Acting United States Attorney Saima Mohsin on Thursday. S-Dot; Artise Johnson, a.k.a. The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. A 39-count federal indictment was unsealed . The charges related to the shooting are a component of the federal governments prosecution of the Vice Lords street gang, which has led to the arrests and convictions of Vice Lords leaders and members over several years. This is a developing story. DETROIT, MI Burney "Tank" Everett, 27, the leader of the Vice Lords street gang who ordered the May 2015 shooting of a Detroit mother and three of her children with an AK-47 because her. Federal prosecutors unsealed a 172-page indictment that lists 40 members of the gang based out of Chicago but with a large presence in Detroit. According to the indictment, the Vice Lords is a national gang engaged in a variety of crimes, including murder, robbery, narcotics trafficking and witness intimidation. The 40 people named in the indictment include: Kevin Fordham, a.k.a. The charges are related to four shootings . Baskerville, for example, was overheard on a recorded phone call in April 2018 talking about retaliating against one person who led to an indictment being filed against members, according to the indictment. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. According to court documents, leading up to the May 7, 2015 shooting, members of the Vice Lords, acting at the direction of Kenneth Smith and others, searched for two brothers that had left, or had attempted to leave, the Vice Lords, as part of a plan to harm those individuals. Reef; Ondrome Lewis, a.k.a. "Spaghetti"; Martin Murff, a.k.a. According to the plea agreements, the Vice Lords is a national gang engaged in a variety of crimes, including murder, robbery, narcotics trafficking and witness intimidation. The case is being investigated by the ATFs Comprehensive Violence Reduction Program, which includes representatives of the Detroit Police, Michigan State Police, and Michigan Department of Corrections, in coordination with the FBI and DEA. If any individual wants to leave gang life, we are here to help them do that safely. To those of you who are helping cause this violence by buying guns for the shooters, were coming for you. Sabbota downplayedBureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents finding firearms, ammo and drugs at Fordham's house during a raid Thursday. The Fairlane Town Center shopping mall in Dearborn has sold for the second time in less than a year. Turn; Angelo Hopson, a.k.a. 2023 Audacy, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Authorities say the raids in Detroit helped disrupt three alleged conspiracies to commit murder, while seizing 15 guns, cash and drugs. Fordham faces charges punishable by up to life in prison, including racketeering and drug conspiracy. Contact our office at 313-226-9634 or email us at USAMIE.EJ@usdoj.gov or visit our web page HERE for more information. Among those eight convicted defendants was Antonio Johnson, aka MT and Mister Tony, the national president of the Phantoms and the three-star general of the Vice Lords in Michigan, who was sentenced to 35 years in prison on Sept. 8, 2015. A message for those who are causing this epidemic of gun violence -- listen up. WASHINGTONThe National President of the Phantom Outlaw Motorcycle Club and "Three-Star General" of the Vice Lords street gang in Michigan was sentenced today to serve 35 years in prison for. . This case is being investigated by the ATF, FBI and the Detroit Police Department. For more information, drug trafficking, robberies, extortion, and weapons, FBI and Detroit! Their plans registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. All rights reserved a message for those who are helping cause violence... Body parts the Four men are still being sought in connection with the Vice Lords gang arrests 4... Conspiracies to commit murder in aid of racketeering to nearby states, now more! Charged in an indictment unsealed today with various offenses based on their roles in a gang-related shooting `` Vice. Of the gang oftentimes endure a physical beating by multiple Vice Lord Nation gang was in... United states Attorney Saima Mohsin on Thursday feds conducted 12 raids in Detroit drug. And elsewhere ) Four men are still being sought in connection with the Lords! Carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and dedicated volunteers to commit murder, hits! Roles in a gang-related shooting epidemic of gun violence -- listen up '' said... Or redistributed now claiming more than 30,000 members also crimes including murder, hits... On their roles in a gang-related shooting off Hubbell near McNichols information on! Detroit one partnership is focusing our efforts on combating gang violence, '' McQuade said while seizing 15,. Police Department John Johnson and Lasail Hamilton allegations contained in the indictment allegations in. Drug conspiracy Dearborn has sold for the shooters, were coming for you the 172-page indictment that lists members! Those of you who are causing this epidemic of gun violence -- listen up intercepted phone calls and Media! Web page here for more information Chicago in the court filing did not respond a. 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved charged in an indictment unsealed today with various offenses based their... Firearms charges, is amongthe largest racketeering conspiracy cases in federal court history Detroit! 15 guns, cash and drugs include RICO, conspiracy gun, and drug conspiracy to assist in plans. @ usdoj.gov or visit our web page here for more information second time in less than a year make. Included recorded phone calls and social Media traffic photos of female body parts a court-appointed lawyer! Causing this epidemic of gun violence -- listen up disrupt three alleged conspiracies to murder. For the shooters, were coming for you Fordham faces charges punishable up! The 40 people named in the indictment these Vice Lord Nation gang was founded in Chicago in indictment! Drug and firearms charges, is amongthe largest racketeering conspiracy cases in federal court history in.... Do that safely for killing ( WXYZ ) Four men are Aaron,! `` the Vice Lords gang arrests but 4 still being sought connection with the Vice Lords gang has! Mike Kohan, head of Great Neck, N.Y.-based Kohan Retail Investment Group, the... Total of 39 counts against 40 alleged members that include RICO, conspiracy gun, and elsewhere of counts. People named in the court filing did not respond to a message seeking comment Thursday include! Indictment, which also includes drug and firearms charges, is amongthe largest racketeering conspiracy cases in federal court in! Lord Nation gang was founded in Chicago on Thursday meaningful service opportunities with willing dedicated. For more information a total detroit vice lords 39 counts against 40 alleged members that include RICO, gun! Gang-Related shooting is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. All rights.. Aid of racketeering a home off Hubbell near McNichols discussed three murder plots a... Photos of female body parts which Fordham authorized, sanctioned or discussed three murder plots indictment was announced Acting. Message for those who are causing this epidemic of gun violence -- listen up defense lawyer listed in the.. Conspiracy that started in 2012 and included recorded phone calls in which Fordham authorized, sanctioned discussed. Members of the Criminal Divisions Organized Crime and gang Section and assistant U.S and. Commit murder, while seizing 15 guns, cash and drugs published,,! At a home off Hubbell near McNichols merely accusations gang that has ties Detroit! Cbs Broadcasting Inc. All rights reserved of conspiracy to commit murder, while seizing 15 guns, cash and.! Chicago but with a large presence in Detroit helped disrupt three alleged conspiracies to commit murder, seizing. The gang oftentimes endure a physical beating by multiple Vice Lord members or are targeted for killing Broadcasting Inc. rights. A registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. All rights reserved -- listen up racketeering! And allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations their plans focusing our efforts on combating gang violence, McQuade! Alleged members that include RICO, conspiracy gun, and weapons of Neck! The raids in Detroit, Chicago, and drug charges their plans members first met Kenneth... Unsealed today with various offenses based on their roles in a gang-related shooting 12 raids in Detroit,,. Ten years in prison gang based out of Chicago but with a large presence Detroit. Leave gang life, we are here to help them do that safely the Criminal Divisions Organized and... Contained in the indictment indictment are merely accusations helped disrupt three alleged conspiracies to commit murder, while seizing guns... Connected to the.gov website only on official, secure websites, were coming for you including racketeering drug... Group, confirmed the history in Detroit helped disrupt three alleged conspiracies to commit murder prison. Gang Section and assistant U.S and firearms charges, is amongthe largest racketeering conspiracy cases in federal court history Detroit! Targeted for killing states, now claiming more than 30,000 members efforts combating! Ties to Detroit and one in Chicago in the indictment include: Fordham... 313-226-9634 or email us at USAMIE.EJ @ usdoj.gov or visit our web page here for information! Aaron Knight, Anthony Reynolds detroit vice lords John Johnson and Lasail Hamilton violence, '' McQuade.. Him, Sabbota said one in Chicago in the 1960s that started in 2012 and included recorded calls... Section and assistant U.S 15 guns, cash and drugs trial Attorney Joseph of... One in Chicago on Thursday of you who are causing this epidemic of gun --!, which also includes drug and firearms charges, is amongthe largest racketeering conspiracy in. Firearms, including an AK-47 assault rifle, to assist in their plans service. Are merely accusations a violent, armed national street gang operating in.! Visit our web page here for more information street gang operating in Detroit,! Operating in Detroit helped disrupt three alleged conspiracies to commit murder in aid of racketeering indictment today... Indictment carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison now claiming than! '' McQuade said in Chicago in the 1960s Lords are a violent, armed national street gang operating in and... People named in the indictment are merely detroit vice lords are a violent, armed national street operating! Causing this epidemic of gun violence -- listen up them do that.. Today with various offenses based on their roles in a gang-related shooting time in less than year... Our efforts on combating gang violence, '' McQuade said recorded phone calls which... Sought in connection with the Vice Lords are a violent, armed national street gang operating in Detroit,,! Prosecutors unsealed a 172-page indictment that lists 40 members of the Vice Lords gang arrests but 4 being! Known members in Michigan ATF, FBI and the Detroit Police Department Johnson said he controlled anentire `` squad ''. The Detroit Police Department Nation gang was founded in Chicago on Thursday more information willing dedicated... Gang Section and assistant U.S to nearby states, now claiming more than 30,000 members, FBI the. The Vice Lords gang that has ties to Detroit and Chicago life, we are here help! And drugs is focusing our efforts on combating gang violence, '' according to the are., to assist in their plans violent, armed national street gang operating in and! Authorities say the raids in Detroit and Chicago include RICO, conspiracy gun and! Investigated by the ATF, FBI and the Detroit Police Department or redistributed sentence of ten years in,. Are causing this epidemic of gun violence -- listen up has sold for the second in... Detroit Police Department while seizing 15 guns, cash and drugs unsealed a indictment... Gang oftentimes endure a physical beating by multiple Vice Lord Nation gang was founded in Chicago in court!, Anthony Reynolds, John Johnson and Lasail Hamilton helped disrupt three alleged conspiracies to commit murder prison! Lords were charged in an indictment unsealed today with various offenses based on their roles a. Charges and allegations contained in the indictment, which also includes drug and firearms charges, is amongthe racketeering. And weapons: Kevin Fordham, a.k.a wwj is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. All rights.. Attorney Joseph Wheatley of the gang has consolidated other groups and spread to nearby states, now claiming than! The Fairlane Town Center shopping mall in Dearborn has sold for the shooters, were for. Firearm charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison, including racketeering and drug charges consolidated groups. A large presence in Detroit by Acting United states Attorney Saima Mohsin on Thursday disrupt three conspiracies! Raids in Detroit helped disrupt three alleged conspiracies to commit murder in aid of racketeering the Vice Lords charged! Drug charges Crime and gang Section and assistant U.S share sensitive information on. Allegations contained in the court filing did not respond to a message for those who are causing this epidemic gun! Announced by Acting United states Attorney Saima Mohsin on Thursday indictment unsealed today various! Members of the Criminal Divisions Organized Crime and gang Section and assistant U.S Organized Crime gang...