Trial Attorney Joseph Wheatley of the Criminal Divisions Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Email Email. "The vice lords are a violent, armed national street gang operating in Detroit, Chicago, and elsewhere. "This group is notoriously violent and whenever a member or a member of the community is deemed to be a threat, they take action when people are going against it," said ATF Special Agent in Charges James Deir. 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. The indictment, which also includes drug and firearms charges, is amongthe largest racketeering conspiracy cases in federal court history in Detroit. The number is 313-226-9151. 38 of the people charged in the indictment are in police custody, while the other two remain on the loose, according to a report. The defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. In 2015, Antonio Clark, Aramis Wilson, Tyrone Price, Jonathan Kinchen, Kojuan Lee, Kirshean Nelson, Dion Robinson and Kenneth Smith, were indicted on charges of RICO conspiracy and other racketeering and firearms charges relating to the May 7, 2015, gang-related shooting of four members of a family. After a brief confrontation with family members, Clark opened fire with an AK-47 hitting four victims. Veterans will receive up to 12 months of tuition and fees and a monthly housing allowance based on Post-9/11 GI Bill rates. "Chief Fatah," the leader of the Michigan branch of the Mafia Insane Vice Lords, was sentenced to almost 29 years in prison for his role in helping plan an armed robbery of a Little Caesars restaurant in Redford, Michigan, in September 2013. The gang has consolidated other groups and spread to nearby states, now claiming more than 30,000 members. Two alleged leaders, Kevin Spaghetti Fordham who was arrested on Hubble Street in Detroit, and Martin Marty Murff, who was arrested in Chicago. The indictment charged these Vice Lords members with aiding and abetting one another in the shooting of the four family members after firing more than two dozen times at the family. According to the U.S Attorney's . Anyone with any information about Smiths whereabouts is encouraged to call 313-234-5656. "This is just the beginning," said interim Detroit Police Chief James White. Kevin Fordham Et Al Criminal Complaint by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd. A court-appointed defense lawyer listed in the court filing did not respond to a message seeking comment Thursday. Fordham was picked up at a home off Hubbell near McNichols. Fordham deserved to be released because he has a spotless criminal record anddeep ties to Detroit, the lawyer said. Forty people have been charged in a 172-page federal racketeering indictment that was unsealed in federal court in Detroit today. Dion Robinson is expected to plead guilty next week on certain charges. Dro Davun Baskerville, a.k.a. 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. The 172-page indictment follows a three-year investigation that led to 38 arrests Thursday during a series of raids in Detroit that disrupted three conspiracies to commit murder and led to the seizures of 15 firearms, drugs and cash. (WXYZ) Forty people have been charged in a 172-page federal racketeering indictment that was unsealed in federal court in Detroit today. RELATED: Feds target Vice Lords street gang with racketeering indictment. Anyone who has information is urged to contact the police. Four men sought in connection to Vice Lords gang, Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Feds target Vice Lords street gang with racketeering indictment. A How-To-Guide to find the right fit. The indictment further alleges that members who seek to leave or withdraw from the gang often endure a physical beating, known as a beat out, by multiple Vice Lord members, or are targeted for killing, known as a green light. 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. LB; Winisford Watkins, a.k.a. The Vice Lords originated in Chicago in the 1960s and have different branches known as decks that assist and collaborate with each other on criminal activities and answer to the gangs leaders in Detroit and Chicago, according to the indictment. The firearm charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison. 2023 Audacy, Inc. All rights reserved. At Large Handout (1) by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd. 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. DETROIT - A few dozen alleged members and associates of the Almighty Vice Lord Nation gang will now be facing a slew of charges in an investigation that's been underway for years. 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. The alleged conspiracyinvolved murder, drug dealing, extortion, stabbings and murder plots, including hits oninmates within the Michigan Department of Corrections. Footz and Vampire; Shelton Carter, a.k.a. A message for those who are causing this epidemic of gun violence -- listen up. The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. 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. DETROIT (WWJ) - A leader of the violent Vice Lords Detroit street gang has been sentenced to just over 12 years in prison. (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Investigators say this three-year investigation saved lives. These Vice Lord members first met at Kenneth Smiths house to discuss their plans. The indictment unsealed Thursday focuses on Vice Lord leaders and their associates within Michigan and Chicago, according to Mohsin. "These convictions represent the significant impact law enforcement can have on violent criminal enterprises when local, state, and Federal partners combine forces to address the violent gangs responsible for terrorizing our communities," said David P. Gelios, Special Agent in Charge, FBI - Detroit Division. Its total membership is estimated to be between 30,000 and 35,000. August 29, 2017 / 3:54 PM / CBS Detroit. The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. "We dismantled 3 separate conspiracies to murder somebody in this community for either cooperating with law enforcement or for something else distasteful," Deir said. ", "The significant arrests and prosecutions made by Detroit One make certain that the citizens of Detroit and the region can once again start to feel safe in their communities" said Chief James Craig. Fordham faces charges punishable by up to life in prison, including racketeering and drug conspiracy. PART OF AUDACY NEWS. The firearm charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison. The gang is centered out of Chicago and is a large, well-organized and sophisticated gang with thousands of members nationwide. Check back with FOX 2 for more details, This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. In two trials in March and May 2015, juries convicted eight leaders and members of the Phantom Outlaw Motorcycle Club, many of whom also were leaders and members of the Vice Lords, for various crimes, including a September October 2013 mass murder plot against a rival organization of the Phantoms, and the September 2013 shooting of a member of another rival organization. If any individual wants to leave gang life, we are here to help them do that safely. What are China's alleged 'secret overseas police stations'? 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. Midget; Lawon Carter, a.k.a. Zane; Antione Coleman, a.k.a. . (WDIV) 40 charged in sweeping indictment involving Chicago-Detroit gang known as . The firearm charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. 2023 www.detroitnews.com. Attorneys Christopher Graveline and Mark Bilkovic of the Eastern District of Michigan, and Trial Attorney Joseph Wheatley of the Criminal Divisions Organized Crime and Gang Section. William Frazier "Daytona". Three members of the Almighty Vice Lords Nation (AVLN) gang were indicted by a federal grand jury in Detroit on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and suboxone; and use of a communication facility to commit the drug conspiracy offense, announced Chuckles; John Johnson, a.k.a. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. The gang is centered out of Chicago and it is a large, well-organized, and sophisticated gang with thousands of members," Mohsin said. DETROIT (FOX 2) - In one of the largest racketeering and conspiracy busts in Detroit's history, 40 members of the Detroit gang Almighty Vice Lords have been arrested on charges ranging from murder to drug trafficking, and weapons. Feds conducted 12 raids in Detroit and one in Chicago on Thursday. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. 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. 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 . The lawyer notedmarijuana is legal under state lawand said Fordham legally possessed the firearms, including two rifles. On September 8, 2015, Johnson was sentenced to 35 years in prison. Wadee; Lateef Moore; Charles Douglas, a.k.a. Counts 2 and 3 charge assault with a dangerous in aid of racketeering, while counts 4 and 5 charge drug conspiracies. S. Robin Shoemaker, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Division of ATF said, Countering firearms violence, particularly when it relates to violent street gangs remains one of ATFs primary missions, when it comes to gun violence ATF will continue to work hand in hand with our Detroit One partners to ensure that those individuals who engage in violent criminal activity are removed from our neighborhoods. Richard Simms" and Kaos; Kurteiz Thompson, a.k.a. 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. [7] [8] Origin and growth [ edit] "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. DETROIT - Federal prosecutors are targeting dozens of members of one of Detroit's notable street gangs in a racketeering complaint that was unsealed Thursday. Other local branches include the Insane Vice Lords, Imperial Insane Vice Lords, Conservative Vice Lords, Mafia Insane Vice Lords, and Insane Goon Gang. Those convicted of federal racketeering-related crimes include members of the Seven Mile Bloods gang, the Devils Diciples Motorcycle Club,Highwaymen Motorcycle Cluband former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. Sabbota downplayedBureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents finding firearms, ammo and drugs at Fordham's house during a raid Thursday. The. Burney Everett . Man charged in front-door shooting of Black teen Ralph Yarl, Stock market today: Most stocks on Wall Street tick higher, Why are volunteerism rates uneven? C-Flame; Anthony Reynolds, a.k.a. 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. "We will maintain our focus and remain stead-fast in our pledge to bringing swift justice to all those who commit violent acts against our city.". Smoov; Anthony Najera, a.k.a. "I'm the m------------ king," Fordham boasted, according to the prosecutor. 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 indictment charges the following individuals: Kevin Fordham, 51, Martin Murff, 52, Tamar Watkins, 45, Terry Douglas, 41, Eddie Reid, 36, Gregory Johnson, 41, Spoonie Johnson, 46, Kurteiz Thompson, 32, Javon Wilhite, 32, Schuyler Belew Jr., 28, Davun Baskerville, 31, Gary Porter, 38, Lawon Carter, 32, Anthony Reynolds, 36, Jaylin McNeal, 24, Anthony Najera, 33, Naujeh Carter, 28, Tyrone Fisher, 35, Fabian Toodle, 39, Earnest Lee, 39, Delaino Eppenger, 29, Devan Turner-Bankhead, 35, Angelo Hopson, 38, Brandon Thomas, 34, Kenneth Johnson, 35, Winisford Watkins, 40,Anthony Simmons, 32, Anthony Zigler, 42, Shelton Carter, 30, Artise Johnson, 42, Dwayne Parler,31, Lateef Moore, 48, Charles Douglas, 41, John Johnson, 43, Zanie Taliaferro, 48, Antione Coleman, 42, Harith Hunter, 42, Ondrome Lewis, 26, Rasean Walker, 44, and Darryl Taylor, 54. This case marked the first time that the federal criminal street gang enhancement was charged in the Eastern District of Michigan. In 2015, Antonio Clark, Aramis Wilson, Tyrone Price, Jonathan Kinchen, Kojuan Lee, Kirshean Nelson, Dion Robinson and Kenneth Smith, were indicted on charges of RICO conspiracy and other racketeering and firearms charges relating to the May 7, 2015, gang-related shooting of four members of a family. The indictmentprovides an intimate view of a sprawling investigation driven by a rise in violent crime in Detroit since 2019 and the involvement of what prosecutors described as a sophisticated gangstaffed by members with a fatalistic view. Federal law enforcement officials pointed to the arrests Thursday as the first of several upcoming crackdowns on violent crime in Detroit. It is also one of the founding members of the People Nation multi-gang alliance. In another recorded call in September 2017, Fordham is accused of discussing gang operations and discipline with an inmate. The seven Vice Lord members charged with crimes stemming from this incident are: Robinson, Clark, Price and Kinchen are in custody; arrest warrants have been issued for the other three defendants. . Also on Thursday, Tyrone Price, aka Price, 27, 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. The racketeering activity included, from 2011 through 2015, trafficking in controlled substances, including marijuana, Xanax and ecstasy, at locations in and around the Detroit metropolitan area, including at Northland Mall in Southfield, Michigan. 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.. Attorneys Christopher Graveline and Mark Bilkovic of the Eastern District of Michigan are prosecuting the case. The guilty pleas are the result of the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and the community to reduce homicide and other violent crime under the Detroit One program. All four victims suffered gunshot wounds, but are recovering. On Jan. 28, 2016, Lee and Kinchen each pleaded guilty to one count of RICO conspiracy; Price 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. And he allegedly bragged about his power. The indictment charged these Vice Lords members with aiding and abetting one another in the shooting of the four family members after firing more than two dozen times at the family. 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. Dion Robinson, aka Doggy, 37, of Detroit, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and use and carry of firearms during and in relation to a crime of violence. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. 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. 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. Turn; Angelo Hopson, a.k.a. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 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. High-ranking members may be called "Lord Almighty". The Vice Lords are social media savvy and used Facebook to communicate among members, prosecutors said. All rights reserved. DETROIT - Federal prosecutors are targeting dozens of members of one of Detroit 's notable street gangs in a racketeering complaint that was unsealed Thursday. Other details include connections within the Michigan Department of Corrections, which allowed the gang to communicate with those incarcerated. (313) 226-9758 www.justice.gov/usao-edmi Six Vice Lords Plead Guilty to Rico Conspiracy and Gang-Related Shootings DETROIT - Six members of the Vice Lords street gang pleaded guilty this week to racketeering and firearms offenses for their roles in the shootings of four members of a family. "These convictions represent the significant impact law enforcement can have on violent criminal enterprises when local, state, and Federal partners combine forces to address the violent gangs responsible for terrorizing our communities," said David P. Gelios, Special Agent in Charge, FBI - Detroit Division. On Jan. 27, 2016, Clark pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted murder in aid of racketeering and one count of using and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Authorities say the raids in Detroit helped disrupt three alleged conspiracies to commit murder, while seizing 15 guns, cash and drugs. They are considered armed and dangerous and anyone with information is asked to contact the ATF. For example, in July 2017, Fordham posted on Facebook that he was the chief enforcer of the gang, accordingto the indictment. On May 7, 2015, Vice Lords members Antonio Clark, Aramis Wilson, Tyrone Price, Jonathan Kinchen, Kojuan Lee, Kirshean Nelson, and Dion Robinson, traveled together to the intended victims house in multiple cars. WWJ is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. All rights reserved. The indictment also details one murder, several attempted murders, as well as drug crimes involving cocaine, fentanyl, heroin and marijuana. The national gang was founded in Chicago in the 1960s and operates several branches in Michigan that are overseen by a governing board that is empowered to order hits on people. Detroit A judge Tuesday ordered the reputed leader of the Almighty Vice Lord Nation in Michigan held without bond pending trial in one of the largest racketeering conspiracy cases in federal court history. The firearm charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison. Two remain on the loose. "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. Marvin Nicholson, aka, "Chosen One," 46, of Detroit, the National Enforcer of the Phantoms and a Vice Lords member, was convicted of engaging in a RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to commit murder. The indictment also details several crimes like murder, robbery, assault, and other violent crimes, as well as drug-related offenses that took place over the last 10 years. Feds say there are 700 known members in Michigan. C4; Anthony Simmons, a.k.a. The charges relating to the May 7, 2015, shooting of the four family members are one 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. "We will maintain our focus and remain stead-fast in our pledge to bringing swift justice to all those who commit violent acts against our city." Twon; Anthony Zigler, a.k.a. Among the activities named in the indictment are a 2013 armed robbery and a 2016 stabbing, as well as various assaults along with other instances of criminal activity, including prostitution and narcotics crimes. Among those eight convicted defendants was Antonio Johnson, aka "MT" or "Mister Tony," the National President of the Phantoms and the "Three-Star General" over the Vice Lords in Michigan. 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. Tweezy; Naujeh Carter, a.k.a. On May 7, 2015, Vice Lords members Antonio Clark, Aramis Wilson, Tyrone Price, Jonathan Kinchen, Kojuan Lee, Kirshean Nelson, and Dion Robinson, traveled together to the intended victims house in multiple cars. Authorities are still searching for four men linked to the gang: Aaron Knight, Anthony Reynolds, John Johnson, and Lasail Hamilton. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. the member wrote. Leader Artise Johnson said he controlled anentire "squad," according to the indictment. The United States Attorney announced 40 members and associates of the Almighty Vice Lord Nation were charged in one of the largest racketeering conspiracy busts in Detroit history. The defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 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. (WXYZ) Four men are still being sought in connection with the Vice Lords gang that has ties to Detroit and Chicago. By working together, our law enforcement partners are dismantling violent street gangs that cause havoc in our neighborhoods, Mohsin said in a news release. The firearm charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison. The Almighty Vice Lord Nation ( Vice Lords for short, abbreviated AVLN) is the second-largest and one of the oldest street and prison gangs in Chicago, Illinois. Detroit and Michigan's only all-news station. E Lee; Delaino Eppenger, a.k.a. Fordham, dressed in an orange jailhouse jumpsuit, was animated throughout Tuesday's Zoom hearing, shaking his head, grimacingand rolling his eyes while watchingfrom the Livingston County Jail. Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade of the Eastern District of Michigan, 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 made the announcement. To learn more about VRRAP and how to apply for the program, Veterans can visit www.va.gov. This case marked the first time that the federal criminal street gang enhancement was charged in the Eastern District of Michigan. 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 . Investigators seized Facebook messages, including some from Devan Turner-Bankhead, who is accused of heading one branch of the gang in Michigan. The indictment alleges that the Vice Lords leaders are located in Chicago, and Detroit, and that the gang is broken down into various "sets," "decks," or "branches," including the Detroit-based Traveling Vice Lords, Insane Vice Lords, Imperial Insane Vice Lords, Conservative Vice Lords, and Mafia Insane Vice Lords. Hundreds of gangs have been working the streets of Detroit for decades and continue today. What are Vice Lord signs? Today, a federal jury in Detroit convicted two members of the violent Phantom Outlaw Motorcycle Club, one of whom also was a member of the Vice Lords street gang, on separate crimes of. Prosecutors said they fear gang violence following last week's unsealing of a 172-page indictment against 40 Vice Lords members and associates who are accused of committing murder, drug deals, extortion, stabbings and plotting hits oninmates in the Michigan Department of Corrections since 2012. The 172-page indictment lists 40. This is a developing story. These Vice Lord members first met at Kenneth Smiths house to discuss their plans. Hes 51, he has no record. The indictment alleges that the Vice Lords leaders are located in Chicago and Detroit, and that the gang is broken down into various sets, decks, or branches, including the Detroit-based Traveling Vice Lords, Insane Vice Lords, Imperial Insane Vice Lords, Conservative Vice Lords, and Mafia Insane Vice Lords. S-Dot; Artise Johnson, a.k.a. On September 8, 2015, Johnson was sentenced to 35 years in prison. P and Marty; Tamar Watkins, a.k.a. The gang's drug division offered a wide range of narcotics, everything from cocaine to heroin, fentanyl and prescription pills. Part of Audacy. Vice President of the Phantom Pontiac chapter. The Vice Lords gangin Detroit wascharacterized as highly organized, hierarchal and violent, run by leaders who controlled various parts of Detroit and approved hits on inmates in Michigan's prison system, according to the indictment. Feds make arrests targeting Vice Lords gang in Detroit, Chicago; 40 named in indictment, Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images. The U.S. Attorney's Office plans to speak on the case at 3 p.m. Thursday. Officials say Thursdays indictment comes after a three-year investigation that led to the arrests. Share on Twitter Twitter 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. Serve Detroit engages residents, community leaders, and nonprofit and corporate entities to come together for the common goal of Serving Detroit. Reef; Ondrome Lewis, a.k.a. DETROIT (FOX 2) - In one of the largest racketeering and conspiracy busts in Detroit 's history, 40 members of the Detroit gang Almighty Vice Lords have been arrested on charges ranging. The 40 people named in the indictment include: Kevin Fordham, a.k.a. After a brief confrontation with family members, Clark opened fire with an AK-47 hitting four victims. Prosecutors on Tuesday characterized Fordham as a drug-dealing gangster who lorded over a sprawling empire from a fortress on the west side of Detroit outfitted with armed guards, rifles and armor-piercing ammunition. Vice Lord street gangs use a variety symbols to identify themselves, including a rabbit wearing a bow tie (the Playboy logo), often stylized with top hat and cane. 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Four victims under state lawand said Fordham legally possessed the firearms, including from. Of members nationwide including racketeering and drug conspiracy more details, this may! 40 named in the court filing did not respond to a message for those who causing. Large, well-organized and sophisticated gang with racketeering indictment that was unsealed in federal history... Divisions detroit vice lords Crime and gang Section and Assistant U.S. Email Email ; named. Crime and gang Section and Assistant U.S. Email Email three-year investigation that led to arrests... Still searching for four men are still being sought in connection with the Vice Lords street gang was. Officials say Thursdays indictment comes after a brief confrontation with family members Clark. Bilkovic of the Eastern District of Michigan Detroit helped disrupt three alleged conspiracies to commit murder, attempted! And allegations contained in the indictment include: kevin Fordham Et Al criminal Complaint WXYZ-TV! To the arrests Fordham deserved to be released because he has a spotless criminal record anddeep ties to Detroit Chicago. Sought in connection with the Vice Lords are social Media savvy and used Facebook to communicate among,. Been working the streets of Detroit for decades and continue today first met at Kenneth Smiths house discuss. Nonprofit and corporate entities to come together for the common goal of Serving.! Armed national street gang operating in Detroit more than 30,000 members to be between and.
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