conf23.newspaper.dec

The Gang Specialist, January, 2023

National Gang Crime Research Center

Publisher of the Journal of Gang Research Presorted Standard

Post Office Box 990 U.S. Postage Paid

Peotone, IL 60468-0990 Peotone, IL 60468

Permit No. 4

Why the NGCRC has

continued to set the

“Gold Standard”

for Gang Training:

The National Gang Crime Research Center (NGCRC)

has pioneered the field by first of all being producers of gang

knowledge, publishing and disseminating useful information

recognized at the highest levels of the social scientific

community. Additionally, the NGCRC has a long track record

of service (1990 to present — over 30 years of service) to law

enforcement and correctional agencies nationwide in the goal

of reducing gang violence. The research and intelligence

analysis developed by the NGCRC over the years, and published

in its scholarly journal, the Journal of Gang Research (now in

its 30th year of publication), is of great practical value for gang

prosecution, law enforcement and STG coordinators/

investigators in corrections. Gang prosecutors and gang

investigators, throughout the USA and abroad, as well as

probation and correctional staff who attend the NGCRC training

conferences, have clearly made their views known that the

NGCRC training is the best in regard to offering high quality

practical choices. A very wide variety of practical and useful

courses are offered at the NGCRC training conference.

The NGCRC training conference is designed to “train

the trainer”: someone who completes the training will be able

to return to their community, agency or institution equipped to

train others. Trainees will return with a wealth of printed

information, and lots of new “networking contacts”: persons

to call upon in the future. A trainee could spend all 24 hours in

Gang Investigation courses and not repeat anything.

WHAT: The Biggest and Best Gang Training

Conference in 2023.

When? — July 31st, August 1st, and August 2nd, 2023

Where is it being held? — Westin Michigan Avenue Hotel,

909 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL.

Why Attend? Read more at the NGCRC website:

https://ngcrc.com/2023.conference.html

Who Should Attend? Anyone who wants to be more effective

in dealing with gangs. If you can be potentially enlisted in the

fight against gangs, you are welcome. The program is geared

towards those who work in criminal justice: police officers,

probation officers, corrections staff, prosecution, school SRO’s

other gang investigators and intervention/prevention personnel

nationwide.

How to Attend? A registration form is provided on page 12.

Massive Gang Training Event Set for Summer 2023 in Chicago

CHICAGO, IL --- The National Gang Crime Research Center (NGCRC)

will be hosting the world’s biggest and best gang training conference this summer

in Chicago. The NGCRC is good at delivering on its promises. It has over twenty

years of previous experience doing this kind of high caliber training for prosecu-

tors, police, corrections, probation/parole, and related criminal justice agencies.

“We are proud of our long track record of exceptional service, our journal

alone now has thiry years of publication”, remarked Dr. George Knox, the execu-

tive director of the NGCRC, “this is our twenty sixth continuous annual gang train-

ing event, we are planning to make it the best ever”.

It is a large conference dedicated totally to a focus on gangs. There are

many areas of specialization from Gang Crime Investigation to Gang Internet In-

vestigation. The 2022 training curriculum had 110 different courses. Over 83 choices

are already listed for 2023. Plus, our “fail safe” fully-loaded video-based training

system is operational as a fully functional stand-alone backup.

“It is true that no one else in the world offers more choices in training con-

tent about gang issues than we do, it really is a huge undertaking, and it has a very

strong, very professional, curriculum,” Knox said.

Asked why it is always held in Chicago, NGCRC staff explained that Chi-

cago was a central location and having so many different trainers that arrive from

all over the U.S. and abroad made Chicago an affordable staging area. There are

also reduced airline fares to Chicago, and of course many other attractions and

amenities in Chicago.

“In the evening, after classes, historically we help trainees go see a baseball

game, and we have been doing this for many years, we have mastered the formula

for how to effectively train people and organize networking opportunities for them

during their stay in Chicago,” Knox replied, “we do try to intentionally create a

warm, positive learning atmosphere for our trainees.”

Asked what is so special about classroom learning and evening entertain-

ment, Knox said “we provide the best gang training, we develop the curriculum that

others want to mimic or copy, we lead the field, and this year, yes, we are again

planning on some enhancements, most people are impresssed by our organization,

and the friendly staff, and remember the NGCRC organizes a variety of social re-

ceptions that are free to attend at the conference.”

“We can literally guarantee that people will achieve positive networking

results at our conference since we design the receptions and train our staff to be

friendly and helpful,” Knox said.

Available this year is a fully operational video-based training option. It was

tested in 2020-2021. Now it has over 36 hours of training available in it, allowing

trainees to complete the 24-hour program remotely on the computer if they want to.

This provides a “fail-safe” system if travel to Chicago becomes problematic or

other circumstances put obstacles in the way of normal operations. There is nothing

that can stop you from completing the training with the video-based training option

in place.

Inside This Issue......................................

Page 2.................................Word Seek: Find the Names of the Motorcycle Gangs

Page 2...........................Gang Members Charged With Murder of Chicago Rapper

Page 2.......................................Mac Ballers Gang Member Charged With Murder

Page 4.....................................Gorilla Stone Gang Member Charged With Murder

Page 4..........................Gun Supplier to Gangs Gets 37 Months in Federal Prison

Page 4........................................Three MS-13 Leaders Convicted of Racketeering

Page 5..............................................................Free Social Networking Receptions

Page 6...........Carr’s Gang Prosecution Unit Indicts Five Insane Crips for Murder

Page 6.....................Recording Artist Gang Leader Pleads Guilty to Racketeering

Page 8.............................................Thirty Two Members of Rival Gangs Charged

Page 8....................Follow That Bike: Around the USA in Motorycle Gang News

Page 9.........................State Department Offers Reward for Haitian Gang Leaders

Page 9.....Three Federal Operations Built on the Work of Late Det. Kevin Collins

Page 11...............................................Chicago Vice Lord Gang Leader Convicted

Page 11.......................................Hotel Accommodations for the 2023 Conference

Page 12...............................................Registration Form for the 2023 Conference

Complete the New NGCRC

Word Seek and Get a Journal

Issue Free ($75 value):

Complete the correct answers to the word

seek puzzle to the right and, if you have all of the

correct answers, the NGCRC will send you, free

of charge, a valuable prize: one copy of a recent

issue of the Journal of Gang Research.

I have cut out this section of The Gang

Specialist newspaper, please send me a free and

complimentary copy of the Journal of Gang

Research.

Name:________________________________________

Address:___________________________________

_____________________________________________

City, ST, Zip:____________________________

Deadline for submission of entries: Clip out and mail original above. Complete and mail so that it is postmarked on or before February 14, 2023.

Only one entry per agency address. Mail to: NGCRC, P.O. Box 990, Peotone, IL 60468.

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Five Alleged Street Gang Members Charged With Federal

Racketeering Offenses Including Murder of Chicago Rap-

per

CHICAGO, IL — A federal indictment unsealed on October 13, 2022 charges five al-

leged members of the O-Block street gang with participating in a criminal organization that mur-

dered a Chicago rapper and violently protected the gang and its territories on the South Side of

Chicago.

The indictment alleges that the O-Block gang publicly claimed responsibility for acts of

violence in Chicago and used social media and music to increase their criminal enterprise. The O-

Block gang allegedly engaged in numerous acts of violence, including the murder of Carlton Weekly,

a Chicago rapper also known as “FBG Duck,” on Aug. 4, 2020.

Charged with committing murder in aid of racketeering are Chicago residents CHARLES

LIGGINS, also known as “C Murda,” 30; KENNETH ROBERSON, also known as “Kenny” and

“Kenny Mac,” 28; TACARLOS OFFERD, also known as “Los,” 30; CHRISTOPHER THOMAS,

also known as “C Thang,” 22; and MARCUS SMART, also known as “Muwop,” 22. The indict-

ment also charges the defendants with federal firearm violations and assaults in aid of racketeering.

Liggins, Offerd, Thomas, and Smart were arrested this morning. They are scheduled to

make initial court appearances today at 2:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge M. David Weisman.

Roberson is currently in the custody of the Cook County Department of Corrections. His initial

federal court appearance will be scheduled at a later date.

The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the

Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field

Office of the FBI; and David Brown, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. Substan-

tial assistance in the investigation was provided by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason A. Julien, Albert Berry

III, and Ann Marie Ursini.

The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are

presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving

guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The murder count in the indictment carries a mandatory minimum sentence of life in

federal prison and a maximum potential sentence of the death penalty. One of the firearm counts is

also punishable by a maximum potential sentence of the death penalty, while the other firearm

count is punishable by a mandatory minimum of ten years and a maximum of life. The assault

counts are each punishable by a maximum of twenty years. If convicted, the Court must impose

reasonable sentences under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guide-

lines.

Mac Ballers Gang Member Charged With 2013 Murder

NEW YORK, NY — Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern Dis-

trict of New York, and Keechant L. Sewell, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department

(“NYPD”), announced in November the unsealing of an Indictment charging LAMAR WILLIAMS

with racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and murder with a firearm. The charges

relate to WILLIAMS’ murder of Rasheed Barton on August 11, 2013, in the Bronx, New York.

WILLIAMS was arrested and presented before Magistrate Judge Jennifer E. Willis. The

case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, the defendant shot and murdered

Rasheed Barton as part of the defendant’s gang membership and crack cocaine dealing. We will

continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who commit

these horrific acts of violence.”

NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said: “Today’s charges highlight what the NYPD

and our partners in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District can accomplish when we

focus on the relatively few people responsible for much of the crime and violence in New York

City. Together, we remain committed to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting those who partake

in any form of gang activity, from drug distribution to murder. Make no mistake: Severe conse-

quences await anyone who dares to jeopardize the safety of our neighborhoods.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal Court:

From at least 2013 to 2022, LAMAR WILLIAMS, a/k/a “Black,” a/k/a “Little Black,” a/k/a “Chase

Money Marz,” was a member of the Mac Ballers, which is a set of the national Bloods gang. The

Mac Ballers operated primarily in the northeast United States, including in the Bronx, and in jails

and prisons of New York City and the State of New York.

Members of the Mac Ballers committed acts of violence, including murder, to protect and

expand the gang’s territory, to retaliate against rival gang members, to keep victims and potential

victims in fear of the gang, and to otherwise promote the gang’s reputation. They also distributed

controlled substances in order to enrich themselves. Mac Ballers members promoted and cel-

ebrated the gang’s criminal conduct — including acts of violence, drug distribution, and firearm

usage — on social media.

On August 11, 2013, WILLIAMS shot and killed Rasheed Barton in the vicinity of East

174th Street and Bronx River Avenue in the Bronx, New York. WILLIAMS murdered Barton in

connection with WILLIAMS’ membership in the Mac Ballers gang and his conspiring to sell crack

cocaine.

He is charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a statutory maxi-

mum sentence of life in prison; one count of murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a statutory

maximum sentence of death or life in prison and mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison;

and one count of murder through use of a firearm, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of

death or life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.

The minimum and maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are pro-

vided here for informational purposes only, as any sentence will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent & Organized Crime Unit. Assistant

U.S. Attorneys Mathew Andrews and Jim Ligtenberg are in charge of the prosecution.

Word Seek: Find the Names of the 12 Motorcycle Gangs

Also for 2023: The NGCRC Video-Based Training Portal

The “Videopage” is a special secured training portal at the

NGCRC website. It allows you to accumulate training credit

using a laptop or PC, just by navigating to the videopage.

You will need to have a valid password provided to you

by the NGCRC to access and use the training videos provided at

the video page: https://ngcrc.com/videopage.html

By signing up for the 2023 training program, you auto-

matically get access to both the “classroom” teaching sessions at

the Chicago hotel on July 31 - Aug. 2, 2023 as well as all of the

on-line video-based training sessions. You can, if you want, com-

plete your entire training program (accumulate the necessary 24

hours of training required) through this videopage portal alone if

you needed to or wanted to or could not travel at the last moment.

There are N = 36 hours of session training content pro-

vided in the video options at this time, more to follow. We may

very likely add some more. You only need 24 hours of training to

complete the 2023 NGCRC gang training program. So the 2023

NGCRC video training program can be easily completed remotely

from this hybrid digital training platform, just view 24 of the 36

hours to pick from. The video content alone allows you to still

pick from about 20 different training tracks if you are registering

for certification. You do not get credit for anything over 24 hours

of training. But you can do it for “extra credit” if by that you

mean educational self-help.

There is an evaluation form used for the 2023 training

conference and it is located here so you can print it off right now

and get started: https://ngcrc.com/evaluationform.pdf

Three Members of Violent Reading, PA Drug Gang Convicted By

Jury of Federal Murder, Kidnapping and Drug Conspiracy Charges

PHILADELPHIA, PA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero and Berks County

District Attorney John T. Adams announced on Oct. 20, 2022 during a press conference in the

Berks County Courthouse that Jesus Feliciano-Trinidad, 33; Dewayne Quinones, 29; and Mayco

Alvarez-Jackson, 25; all of Reading, PA, were convicted at trial of murder, kidnapping, drug

distribution and firearms offenses arising from their involvement with a Reading-area drug traf-

ficking organization which was responsible for multiple homicides, kidnapping, and conspiracies

to kidnap in 2017 and 2018, including a quadruple homicide which occurred on January 28, 2018.

All three defendants were convicted of federal murder and weapons charges relating to the qua-

druple homicide.

Over 15 defendants were charged in a series of indictments stemming from a years’ long

investigation into the receipt, processing, and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl,

cocaine, and crack cocaine. The indictments detailed the defendants using a number of buildings,

residences, firearms and acts of violence to further their drug dealing efforts in and around Read-

ing, including kidnapping and/or shooting multiple individuals in 2017 and 2018; conspiring to

shoot and kill Miguel Reyes on December 13, 2017; kidnaping, shooting, and killing Hector

Gonzalez-Rivera on January 24, 2018; and shooting and killing Jarlyn Lantigua-Tejada, Juan

Rodriguez, Nelson Onofre, and Joshua Santos on January 28, 2018.

“These three defendants, members of the Trinidad gang, have been convicted by a jury

of some of the most serious charges that exist under federal law with penalties of equal gravity,”

said U.S. Attorney Romero. “These convictions, after years of investigation and preparation, would

not have been possible without the partnership of District Attorney Adams and the Federal Bureau

of Investigation. I want to thank them and all of our local law enforcement partners here in Berks

County as we work together to prosecute violent drug trafficking organizations like Trinidad in

order to keep the Reading community safe.”

“We appreciate the partnership between the Berks County District Attorney’s Office and

the United States Attorney’s office of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in the prosecution of

this violent Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO),” said Berks County District Attorney Adams.

“Today’s verdict indicates a very successful prosecution of this violent DTO that created mayhem

in our community. These convictions indicate that the jury has held the leaders of this organization

responsible for their acts of violence and drug trafficking, and as a result they will never be a threat

to our community again.”

“These are three violent, dangerous men who terrorized the Reading area for years,

trafficking deadly drugs and committing multiple murders,” said Jacqueline Maguire, Special Agent

in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “The Trinidad organization’s actions destroyed families

and had a devastating effect on the community’s public safety and quality of life. This case under-

scores how the FBI and our law enforcement partners are working together to target and dismantle

the violent drug gangs wreaking so much havoc, just to make money and a name for themselves on

the street. I want to thank the Reading Police Department and the Berks County District Attorney’s

Office, in addition to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania – for all

the time, work, and resources they put into this investigation, resulting in today’s convictions.”

12 defendants charged in the investigation previously pleaded guilty to federal or state

charges and are awaiting sentencing. Co-defendants Mariela Alvarado and Owen Malave-Medina

were sentenced to 168 months and 90 months in prison, respectively.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Berks County

District Attorney’s Office, the Berks County Detectives, and the Reading Police Department, with

assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police and the Montgomery County Detectives, and is

being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly A. Lewis Fallenstein, Special Assis-

tant United States Attorney Rosalynda M. Michetti, and Assistant United States Attorney Vineet

Gauri.

Find The Names of

the Top 12 Rank

Ordered OMG’s

Reported

in the 2022 NGCRC

National Jail Survey

Bandidos

HellsAngels

Outlaws

Mongols

Pagans

SonsofSilence

GypsyJokers

ThunderGuards

Warriors

WheelsofSoul

Cossacks

GallopingGoose

These Motorcyle

Gang Names are

the names of gangs

most likely to be

found inside the

jail inmate

population of

county jails in the

United States.

Much other

analysis on this

and other factors is

reported in the

2022 Jail Survey

Report issued by

the National Gang

Crime Research

Center.

Select Your Certification Specialty Choosing From

a List of 31 Different Options (Training Tracks):

Those who register for certification receive two high quality

8 ½” x 11" certificates reflecting their training. The certificates carry

the seal of the National Gang Crime Research Center. If you register

for certification, then you receive two certificates (1) one reflects

that you completed the NGCRC’s 2023 program consisting of 24

hours of intensive training, and (2) the second certificate reflects that

you completed a minimum of four hours in a specialized topical area,

i.e., your “track”. One example of the 31 tracks is Advanced Gang

Identification Skills.

Those who register for non-certification do not receive any

certificates. Registering for non-certification is cheaper. However,

those who register for non-certification are eligible to upgrade their

enrollment to full certification on or before July 30, 2023, just pay

the extra $100 cost accompanied with the “Upgrade to Certification”

form. The NGCRC conference does attract head hunters and admin-

istrators who may not necessarily need or want certification. But if

you ever anticipate the need to provide quality proof of your train-

ing, you probably want to sign up for certification.

When registering for certification, you need to select ONE

(1) of the special gang certification training tracks from the available

list. There are 31 options on the list. You need to pick one. What

this means is that the trainee must spend at least four (4) hours in

attending sessions designed for that specific “track”, and the remain-

ing twenty (20) hours can be used attending anything the trainee wants

to attend.

List of the Gang Certification

Training Tracks for 2023:

A “track” is an area of expertise. Think of it as a kind of “major” in col-

lege. It is a specific topical area of study and concern in the world of the gang

specialist. Here is a complete list of the “tracks” that are offered for training by the

NGCRC. You pick one of them, and you must log in at least four (4) hours in that

track area from courses providing session credits for that track. You can pick two

tracks if you use the “double major” form for a small extra fee.

Here are the thirty (31) choices for 2023:

(1) Gang Crime Investigation Skills Track

(2) Dealing With Gang Members in Probation/Parole Track

(3) Gang Homicide Investigation Skills Track

(4) Gangs and Drugs Track

(5) Gang Problems in K-12 Schools Track

(6) Gangs and Organized Crime

(7) Gangs and Mental Health Track

(8) Gang Interview/Interrogation Skills Track

(9) Gang Internet Investigation

(10) Management Skills for Gang Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention

Services

(11) Gang Outreach and Intervention Skills Track

(12) Management and Supervision Skills for Gang Specialists

(13) Corrections Gang/STG Intelligence Track

(14) Domestic Counter-Terrorism Skills Track

(15) Motorcycle Gangs (restricted: for Criminal Justice Personnel only)

(16) Dealing With Gangs in Juvenile Correctional Facilities

(17) Gang and Violence Prevention Skills for School Administrators

(18) Gang Counseling Techniques Track

(19) Advanced Gang Identification

(20) Gang Profile Analysis Track

(21) Gang Prosecution Track

(22) Gang Prevention Skills Track

(23) International and Transnational Gang Problems Track

(24) Hate Groups/White Racist Extremist Gangs Track

(25) Officer Safety Skills in Dealing With Gangs Track

(26) Female Gangs/Female Gang Members.Track

(27) Gang Crime Analysis & Mapping Track

(28) Gangs and the Mass Media Track

(29) Graffiti Identification and Analysis

(30) Faith-Based Programs for Gang Intervention

(31) Gang Victim, Witness, and Survivor Services Track

2023 CONFERENCE

REGISTRATION OPTIONS:

Trainees can register for Non-Certification or they can register for

Certification. Both of these registration options are explained below.

Non-Certification: This option is for those who do not need a transcript

to be maintained of their training experience and who do not desire a high quality

certificate in an upward path of gang specialist training. This option is best for

those who just want to attend, get the training materials, and be free to come and

go as they wish. Trainees are eligible to receive 24 hours of on-site training

during the conference. Please note that if you register for non-certification you

do not receive any certificates of your training. Non-certification trainees do

receive the same high quality set of take home training materials as those who

“upgrade” their registration to Certification; please inquire in writing about this

procedure.

Certification: The certification is provided by the National Gang Crime

Research Center, the premier gang research organization in the world, founded

in 1990 it publishes the only professional international refereed journal about

gangs (the Journal of Gang Research), it does extensive research on gangs, and

it has a strong positive track record for providing high quality training on gang

issues. The Journal of Gang Research has over 29 years of gang research

publishing experience and as the Official Publication of the NGCRC it is

abstracted in the Psychological Abstracts, Criminal Justice Abstracts,

Sociological Abstracts, and other international organizations that recognize

professional journals. For more information about the accomplishments of the

NGCRC, see its webpage information (www.ngcrc.com). The NGCRC was

given much positive attention in the November/December 2002 (No. 67)

National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) Catalog, U.S.

Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs as a source of useful

information on gangs (pp. 15, 17; this is not “advertising”, because the NGCRC

reports it recommended at our website were not government-funded and the

NGCRC is not government funded, thus it is simply achieved positive

recognition.

There are a number of different choices for a person seeking certification.

You must select ONE of these areas of specialization for your own designated

track when you register for certification. The list of the 31 choices are listed at the

left in the box “Training Tracks for 2023”.

When you register for certification, you select one “track” as your

primary interest area. Your “track” is like your “major” in college. You must

spend at least four hours in sessions designated for your “track”. The other 20

hours of training are “electives”: spend that time in any session you want to

attend.

When you register for certification you receive two professionally

printed color certificates of high display quality reflecting your training. One of

these certificates reflects the completion of the 2023 Training Program; and the

second certificate reflects your specialized training in your chosen track area.

Those registering for non-certification do not receive such certificates.

THE TRAINING SITE:

The Westin Michigan Avenue Hotel

This hotel is in a classy part of the north Loop. It is situated in the “Gold

Coast” area of north Michigan Avenue (the shopping district) by Chicago’s

Water Tower. The “Water Tower” is Chicago’s famous landmark. The Westin

Hotel is known as a favorite hotel for sports celebrities when they stay in

Chicago. It is easy to get to, conveniently located, well known, and has many

amenities to offer. It has scored favorably in the annual evaluations the NGCRC

has conducted as well (the Conference Evaluation Form asks attendees to

evaluate a lot of things, including the experience with hotel).

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:

The site where the training is occurring is the Westin Michigan Avenue

Chicago hotel in downtown Chicago.

The Westin Michigan Avenue is located at 909 North Michigan Avenue,

Chicago, IL 60611. The Telephone number for the Westin Michigan Avenue Hotel is

(312) 943-7200. The toll free number for the Central Reservations Call Center is: 1

(888) 627-8385. When making reservations, the “code” for the conference is “NGCRC

Gang Conference”. They need that “code” to give you the reduced hotel rates.

The cut-off date for getting the rates here is July 17, 2023: Singles $209,

Doubles $209. For triple and quad rates, inquire.

Trainees will be able, as per the schedule posted at the website, to pick up their

“goody bags” and official Conference Identification the evening before training

begins. Opening Ceremony is 0700 Monday in the Chicago Ballroom; actual Training

begins 8am Monday morning, July 31, 2023. However, you will be able to pick up your

registration materials, your identification badge, the final schedule, and your “goody

bag” the night before: we expect to be able to start giving out registration materials

about 3 pm on Sunday, 30 July 2023. We will be open to provide this service until about

10:00 pm. Just go the the NGCRC Operations Center (The Garfield Park Room is the

NGCRC Operations Center) to pick up your materials. Signs will be prominently

displayed. Call the NGCRC if you have any problems getting the reduced hotel rate.

Chicago Vice Lord Street Gang Leader

Convicted on Federal Racketeering Charge

CHICAGO, IL — A federal jury on Nov. 15, 2022 convicted the leader of

a Chicago street gang on racketeering conspiracy, firearm, and drug charges for

participating in a criminal organization that murdered rivals and violently pro-

tected a drug-dealing operation on the West Side of Chicago.

The jury convicted DONALD LEE, 40, of Chicago, after a two-month

trial in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Lee was a leader of the Wicked Town

faction of the Traveling Vice Lords street gang. The jury also convicted TORANCE

BENSON, 30, of Chicago, a member of the gang, on racketeering conspiracy and

firearm charges.

Lee faces a mandatory sentence of life in federal prison, while Benson’s

convictions carry a maximum potential sentence of life. U.S. District Judge Tho-

mas M. Durkin did not immediately set sentencing dates.

Lee and Benson were among 13 defendants charged as part of a multi-

year investigation into the gang’s criminal activities. The other eleven defendants

pleaded guilty prior to trial and are awaiting sentencing. The investigation re-

sulted in the seizures of more than 45 firearms, approximately 1,000 rounds of

ammunition, approximately 17 kilograms of cocaine, approximately seven kilo-

grams of heroin, and approximately 100 grams of crack cocaine.

Evidence at trial revealed that the Wicked Town gang engaged in numer-

ous acts of violence, including at least 19 murders, 19 attempted murders, several

armed robberies, and assaults. The gang used threats and intimidation to prevent

victims and witnesses from cooperating with law enforcement. Wicked Town

members regularly promoted their violent enterprise on social media, posting com-

ments, photos, and videos to proclaim membership in the gang, taunt rival gang

members, and boast about murders and other acts of violence. The gang operated

primarily in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, where members maintained “trap

houses” to store firearms and illegal narcotics, including cocaine and heroin.

The jury found that Lee committed three murders and supplied the fire-

arms used in three other killings, while Benson committed one murder and three

attempted murders.

The “Added Value” of NGCRC Training:

The added value of NGCRC training is easy to explain and it is designed to be different than other groups who sponsor such training

conferences: you get more for your money. You see that reflected in the evaluation results from previous NGCRC Conferences. Other people

“copy” what we do, or they try to. But you can do a quick check of facts here: who else offers as many different sessions or courses than the

NGCRC? It is such a huge and massive undertaking, that persons who attend this conference benefit from the very factor of “diversity” in the

choices they have — what they want to learn and what instructors they want to learn from.

First, all NGCRC trainees are given a wealth of high-quality take home printed training materials. The value of these

publications, reflecting the official journals from the NGCRC and related topics of interest about gangs, is itself a value comparable to the price

of training itself. Most gang training programs provide a small amount of take-home written training materials, while the NGCRC provides an

abundance of high-quality written take-home training materials. All persons attending the conference receive a “bag of goodies” which includes

these kinds of useful written take-home training materials.

Secondly, no other training organization in the world provides the large variety of training options that the NGCRC provides; the

NGCRC brings in more trainers and provides, therefore, more “choices” to trainees. NGCRC provides a large professional training experience

in an environment designed for training. For example, in the 2023 Conference there will be over one hundred different sessions to pick from.

Typically, gang conferences offer a small selection of training options. So if you think a variety of choices is a good thing, then you need to

attend our training conference.

Thirdly, the NGCRC training is designed to produce “trainers”: trainees who attend and complete the training typically return to

their respective jurisdictions with an incredible new arsenal of training tools to train others in the field. You will get new and useful gang

information at our 2023 Training Conference.

Fourthly, the NGCRC training includes social opportunities that are structured to enhance the ability of the trainee to network with

others in the field at a national and international level.

A Peek at the 2023 Goody Bag

The NGCRC always hands out one free “goody bag” to everyone registered for the conference. This includes the

program listing of courses, listing the room locations, the dates, the time, etc for each of the courses or sessions being offered.

This will include eight (8) copies of recent issues of the Journal of Gang Research, a value of $600 when purchased as back

issues. The 2023 Goody Bag will also include valuable and useful take home items for your educational enhancement. So, the

goody bag alone has $6OO+ in valued gang training publications (e.g., back issues of the NGCRC’s journal).

You get the Goody Bag if and only if you are attending the in-class training sessions in Chicago.

To learn more about the Journal of Gang Research, go to: www.ngcrc.com/ngcrc/page2.htm

Trend in Hate Crime Data: Slowly Ris-

ing Number of Hate Crime Victims

CHICAGO, IL — There have been

many recent stories in the news about hate crime.

It is therefore useful to briefly review a statisti-

cal trend in federal hate crime data collected and

reported in the FBI’s annual Uniform Crime

Reports (UCR). The NGCRC was asked re-

cently if we can detect any clear and present

trend in reported data. This report summarizes

the results of that inquiry.

As seen in Table 1, the number of hate

crime victims has been growing annually for

the past seven years for which FBI data is avail-

able. The UCR program was 86’d in 2021.

Table 1

Number of Hate Crime Victims

Reported in Yearly FBI UCR Data

Years 2014 to Present

Year # of Victims

2014 6,681

2015 7,121

2016 7,615

2017 8,493

2018 8,646

2019 8,812

2020 11,126

2021 UCR Program Abolished

With the trend of the last seven years in

mind it is reasonable to assume there is going

to need to be an equally dramatic increase in

the provision of victim and witness services.

Here are Some Training Sessions You Should

Attend This Summer if You Work in Prosecution:

(2) “RICO vs. One Off Indictments — Two Different Approaches to Combat Violent Gang Crime in Tennessee”, by P. Neal Oldham, Assistant United States Attorney,

Western District of Tennessee, Memphis, TN; and Wendy K. Cornejo, Assistant United States Attorney, Western District of Tennessee, Memphis, TN. One (1) hour

Abstract

This course is a case study of a gang prosecution of Vice Lords. Two Assistant United States Attorneys share their investigation and prosecution techniques used

against the Vice Lords in West Tennessee. One AUSA prosecuted a group through a RICO and VICAR investigation and indictment. The other chose the “one off” method,

indicting many members for any possible crime in various indictments. This class will show the method each AUSA used to investigate and prosecute their cases. It will

highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each method through an examination of the time spent in comparison to the sentences given. Which method prosecuted more

Vice Lords? Which took more time to investigate? What would they do differently?

(13) “Prosecuting MS-13 Leaders for Transnational Terrorism Offenses? The Ranfla Nacional and ‘Blue’ Federal Prosecutions as a Paradigm Shift in the

Federal Government”, by Stephen L. Nelson, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Utah; Stewart M. Young, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Utah. One

(1) hour

Abstract

In the summer of 2020, President Trump announced a large takedown of MS-13 gang members in a nationwide federal-state investigation. Along with the usual

charges for MS-13 members, he announced the first terrorism-related charges against an MS-13 leader in the United States. The terrorism prosecution of Armando Eliu

Melgar Diaz, aka “Blue”, signified an administration shift towards larger scale investigation and prosecution of MS-13 on an international scale. In January 2021, with the

subsequent investigation and prosecution of the Ranfla Nacional, the board of directors of MS-13 residing in El Salvador and Mexico, the Department of Justice (DOJ)

fully embraced that administration shift towards using terrorism charges against the MS-13 organization. AUSAs Steve Nelson and Stew Young will discuss this new tactic

by the DOJ, using publicly available resources to illuminate the prosecution of MS-13 leaders for terrorist offenses both extraterrorially and within the United States. This

presentation will further expound on the potential uses of these charges for other violent street gangs that have an international presence, including 18

Street.

(21) “Federal Gang Prosecution in a Post-First Step Act World: Discussing the Impact of Federal Criminal Justice Reform as it Relates to Gang Members”, by

Stephen L. Nelson, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Utah; Stewart M. Young, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Utah. One (1) hour

Abstract

The First Step Act, signed into law on December 21, 2018, makes significant changes to federal criminal laws relevant to gang members, specifically mandatory

minimum sentencing provisions in narcotics cases. In this session, attendees will learn about the First Step Act, the changes made by the first step act, and how these

changes will affect federal gang prosecutions moving forward. Attendees will learn about how to identify and evaluate (in light of the First Step Act) potential gang-related

defendants for federal prosecution and learn about potential prosecution pitfalls they might encounter in federal gang prosecutions. Attendees will also learn about how

sentencing enhancements under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and the Federal Gang Enhancement are affected by the First Step Act.

(30) “Time to Face the Music: The Use of Rap Lyrics and Videos in the Prosecution of Gang Crimes”, by Grant J. Shostak, EdD, JD, Department of Criminology and

Criminal Justice, Lindenwood University, St. Charles, MO; and Myah I. Grimm, student, Lindenwood University, St. Charles, MO. One (1) hour

Abstract

This session will provide an overview of the use of rap lyrics and videos in the prosecution of gang crimes. Through examination of real life case examples

attendees will learn the ways this evidence is used on behalf of law enforcement in the prosecution of gang crimes; the evidentiary basis for its admission into evidence; and

the most common evidentiary hurdles to is use at trial.

(32) “Glenmob, Salty Gangsters and Northern Exposure”: A Discussion of State/Federal Cooperation in the Context of Investigating and Prosecuting a Hybrid

Gang”, by Stephen L. Nelson, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Utah; Stewart M. Young, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Utah. One (1) hour

Abstract

In 2018, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, ATF, and Salt Lake Area Metro Gang Unit, with the assistance of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of

Utah, conducted an investigation into Glenmob, a hybrid gang comprised of an alliance of different Sureno affiliates who masqueraded as a rap group but were also

responsible for a significant number of drive-by shootings and violent acts in the Salt Lake Valley. This long-term, proactive investigation revealed that Glenmob was also

a sophisticated drug trafficking organization. At the conclusion of the investigation, agents and officers seized approximately 15 pounds of methamphetamine, multiple

ounces of heroin and 7 firearms and 17 Glenmob members were indicted in federal court. This session will discuss issues related to state/federal cooperation and proactive

investigative efforts to infiltrate and dismantle hybrid gangs.

(51) “Coordinating Your Response: A Discussion of State/Federal Cooperation in the Context of Officer-Involved Critical Incidents Involving Violent Gang

Members”, by Stephen L. Nelson, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Utah; Stewart M. Young, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Utah. One (1) hour

Abstract

Officer-involved critical incidents (OICIs) involving gang members raise significant safety concerns for the initial officers. They can also create investigatory

complexities for post-incident investigators. These cases further present dynamic opportunities (but also potential pitfalls) for cooperation and collaboration between state

and federal law enforcement officials and prosecutors. Using several recent high-profile OICIs involving gang members in Utah, the presenters describe and explain how

effective communication, well-designed training, and an appreciation for nuances in jurisdiction can assist state and federal agencies responding to OICIs involving gang

members. The presenters will discuss the importance of organization in these types of cases, given the in-depth and, often, multi-jurisdictional nature of these investiga-

tions. Finally, the presenters will demonstrate the efficacy of involving federal prosecutors early (often on the day the shootings occur) so that the investigation can run

smoothly on both a state and federal level.

WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND THE 2023

NGCRC TRAINING CONFERENCE:

You have the power to “choose” what you want to learn. You have the right to “major in” what area

of specialization or concentration you are interested in. Our conference provides an incredible array of

different professional gang training sessions that trainees can make up their own minds what they want to

attend. This is not the “one size fits all” model of training where every trainee attends each of a small limited

number of training sessions and every trainer works all day to give the same talk three or four times. Our

training program provides what we think people really want: the freedom to choose what kind of training

they want from a wide variety of diverse choices. If you wanted a “Crash Course” on gangs, then this would

be it. If you needed to sharpen up on certain gang topics, then this would be the training for you.

There has never been a gang training conference where people can “specialize” in a wide variety of

areas of expertise. So the 2023 NGCRC Gang Training Conference really is a “history making event”. It

allows persons to network with others in their special area of interests and it has the organizational strength

of much diversity among the trainers. It also has curriculum materials that are truly “cutting-edge”. No one

else promises you NETWORKING RESULTS. We do, based on previous performance.

Obviously, no single person could ever attend each and every one of the many different sessions

that will be available for the NGCRC’s 2023 International Gang Specialist Training Program: one person has

only 24 hours to spend in classroom training. There may be ten different “sessions” being taught at the same

time: you can only be in one place at one time. No one provides a larger selection of training options than the

NGCRC, it really is a massive event, see the testimony and endorsements of those who attended last year’s

event. There are 31 tracks or specialty areas to pick from.

This is Your Invitation to Attend the

July 31 - August 2, 2023 Conference:

It’s the conference you cannot afford to miss. In the summer of 2023,

the National Gang Crime Research Center will hold its 26th international

gang training conference in Chicago — once again bringing together the

Nation’s top experts on gangs and gang-related issues.

It’s the experience you’ve come to expect — the opportunity to net-

work with law enforcement, prosecution, corrections, and private sector pro-

fessionals from all over the country and abroad.

Once again, the NGCRC will be offering you an enormous variety of

choices to craft the education that is most pertinent to you and your jurisdic-

tion.

You’ll come away with new insights, the latest intell, and the most

effective strategies to combat gangs.

You can’t afford to miss the NGCRC’s 26th International Gang Spe-

cialist Training Conference in Chicago this summer (2023).

Don’t delay!

There is a registration form for you at the main NGCRC website

(www.ngcrc.com) and on page 12 of this publication.

An Option for 2023: The Double Major

The NGCRC has had repeated requests for this over the years, the idea of having a

“double major”: i.e., to be able to sign up for two (2) different specialty track areas. The benefit,

of course, is that such a “double major” would result in two different specialty track certificates:

one certificate for each of the two tracks.

The NGCRC is pleased to announce that the double major option is now available and it

is described here.

Q: What does it mean to have a double major?

A: All it means is you can have two “tracks”; you have to log in a minimum of four hours

in each of the two specialty areas.

Q: How many certificates do I get if I am registered for non-certification?

A: None.

Q: How many certificates do I get if I registered for certification?

A: Two: one for your program of study reflecting the completion of the 2022 program

consisting of 24 hours of training, and one for your specialty area. Previously in history people

attending the conference could only have one track.

Q: If I sign up for the “two track option”, how many certificates will I get?

A: Three: your basic 24 hour program completion certificate, and then one each for each

of the two (2) different tracks.

Q: How much does it cost to sign up for the Two Track Option?

A: $90.00 if paid before July 1, 2023; $105 if paid on or after that or onsite.

Q: What if there is a scheduling conflict and I discover at the conference I cannot accu-

mulate the minimum number of hours in one of the two tracks?

A: We will refund your Two Track Option amount in full, no problem; and return you to

the one track registration mode of your choice.

THE REGULAR TRAINING TIME SCHEDULE

Here is the Monday (July 31, 2023), Tuesday (August 1, 2023), and Wednesday

(August 2, 2023) training schedule (July 31 - August 2, 2023): training sessions 8:00 am-

noon, 1 hour lunch break, training sessions 1:00 pm-5:00 pm. Thus, a total of 24 training

hours are logged in during the regular training schedule. We do, of course, offer “pre-

conference” sessions for credit (on Sunday afternoon: mostly for those new to gang train-

ing). On July 30th, Sunday, you can register from 3:00pm to 10:00pm, pick up your confer-

ence identification badge and bag of goodies.

Some evening functions (after 5:00 p.m.) are also going to be scheduled. There are

also “early riser” sessions: for those who want a session before 8:00 am. There will even be

“noon sessions”. We are doing this to accommodate travel arrangements where persons

may arrive late, or where they may have to leave the training site to return early. Dress

code: informal. All training rooms are air conditioned.

You can study the actual hour by hour, day by day, room by room, schedule at the

website: www.ngcrc.com/schedule.html

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE NGCRC:

A wealth of additional information, too much to print in this publication, about the

NGCRC’s 2023 Gang Specialist Certification Training Conference is provided at the NGCRC

website. The NGCRC website provides much more detailed information about courses,

including new courses recently added to the curriculum, and information about signing up

for special events like the tours of Chicago’s gangland. Simply navigate to the NGCRC

website and click the “2023 Conference” button.

And, Plan B, you can always call the NGCRC Conference Help Line, if you have

any questions, just call (708) 258-9111. Our fax number is (708) 258-9546.

Some Comments from Those Who

Attended the 2022 NGCRC Conference:

“Knowledgeable instructors. Very organized. Friendly staff. Great

OMG classes”, Jason Osgood, Investigator, New Hampshire Department of

Corrections, Berlin, NH.

“Best gang training in the nation. Received a lot of knowledge and

resources. Would love to bring more departments to attend future NGCRC!”,

Christal Hudgins, Training Coordinator, Hualapai Juvenile Detention and Re-

habilitation Center, Peach Springs, AZ..

“The friendly staff, having multi-classes to attend. The various types

of class and presenters gave us the ability to learn more and bring that infor-

mation to out agencies. I am really glad I attended the conference and I’ll

definitely be back next year”, B.A. Batiste, Gang Analyst, Louisiana State

Police, Baton Rouge, LA.

“Extremely knowledgeable instructors. Very welcoming staff, snack

and drinks always stocked. Overall very organized and a great environment

for networking opportunities”, Sean Sinnott, Investigator, Cayce Police De-

partment, Cayce, SC.

“I loved the diversity in backgrounds with education, culture, race

etc. Networking was very beneficial. Offered a wide range of content!”, Aja

Ellington, Community Resources Coordinator, Goodwill Industries, South

Bend, IN.

“I loved the amount of sessions to choose from, and the flexibility to

build your own schedule; breaks. I also appreciated the presenters being in-

volved. We got to speak to and interact with them consistently which is excel-

lent. Also seeing them in other sessions is very cool also. Instructions were

very detailed, so it was easy to follow. The raffles/prizes were fun. Snacks

provided were helpful. I think including more healthy options (trail mix) would

lend to a more inclusive feel”, Kelli Austin, GVI Community Outreach Worker,

Goodwill Industries, South Bend, IN.

“Very good information. A good mixture of direct service, research,

law enforcement, prosecution helped us to look at both sides of the street (gang,

prosecution and law enforcement)”, Deborah Spencer-Chun, President & Ceo,

Adult Friends for Youth, Honolulu, HI.

“Such a diverse and complete selection of offerings with people from

all over the world! Great job as always”, James Sutphin, Toledo Police De-

partment, Toledo, OH.

“Plenty of course diversity and opportunity to learn and expand not

only knowledge, but a network of professional contacts and friends”, Aaron

Lanting, Lynwood Police Department, Lynwood, IL.

“I enjoyed getting to learn about the challenges faced when trying to

implement gang prevention and intervention programs. The presenters were

very passionate about the topics they were discussing”, Cassandra Bolfour,

Gang Exit and Community Outreach Worker, McMan, Lethbridge, Alberta,

Canada.

“This was my first conference and I had a great time learning and

feel like my knowledge of gangs, gang involvement, etc. from this conference

will help me in my profession”, Kristin Barrios, Deputy, Lenawee County

Sheriff’s Office, Adrian, MI.

“Networking, networking, networking. The ability to have the time

to meet and talk to people from all over the country working in this field: from

law enforcement to corrections, to social workers, its an amazing opportunity

to share information and make these contacts. Included in that are all the pre-

senters who we also had the opportunity to network with. One of the best

conferences I’ve ever been to and looking forward to 2023", D. Winter.

“The number and type of classed offered. The qualifications and

experience of presenters. That some instructors/presenters offer a different

perspective because they live/work in other countries”, Christine Bouffard,

Federal Bureau of Prisons, Chicago, IL.

“The amount of classes offered here is incredible”, Ryan Drury,

Deputy, Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, Mason, MI.

“The speakers were compelling, varied, engaging and knowledge-

able. I felt very at home - it was a great group of people with a great mission”,

Elizabeth J. McGrath, St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office, South Bend, IN.

“The diversity of classes and instructors was great. The staff was

also very welcoming and helpful. Wonderful experience”, Det. Michael Ricks,

Gwinnett County Police Department, Lawrenceville, GA.

“Very organized. Excellent speakers. Very helpful to hear how other

areas of the country deal with gang issues to get ideas to strengthen our pros-

ecutors”, Nicole Allain, Assistant District Attorney, Middlesex District

Attorney’s Office, Woburn, MA.

“A great networking opportunity. All of the presenters were knowl-

edgeable and enthused about their topics. Provided a lot of useful insight to

take back to my agency and apply to my role”, Alfred Brown, Franklin County

Juvenile Intervention Center, Columbus, OH.

“Phillip J Swift was amazing”, Nicholas Newton, Kent County

Sheriff’s Department, Grand Rapids, MI.

“The teachers are always great and provide real life examples. The

support staff goes above and beyond for everyone. The class schedules cover

all areas related to gangs which allows a very targeted approach to learning.

Bringing state law enforcement officer, teachers, trainers, lawyers, corrections

and community partners together creates a true national partnership”, Sharon

Mashburn, Cobb County Juvenile Court, Marietta, GA.

“Great people in the operations center room Irene and Maria !!!”,

Don English, San Bernardino County Superintendent, San Bernardino, CA.

“Video classes useful”, Molly Schroering, Louisville Metro Police

Department, Louisville, KY.

“Format allow for the opportunity to experience numerous classes/

lectures throughout the conference”, Hannah Robeson, Lansing Police De-

partment, Lansing, MI.

“So much variety of experienced teachers and fantastic network-

ing”, Mac Greer, Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, Mason, MI.

“The networking was very good. I also liked the variety of classes

available”, Todd Dennis, Special Investigator, Lenawee County Prosecuting

Attorney’s Office, Adrian, MI.

“So many classes to choose from”, Efrain Rueda, Wichita State Po-

lice Department, Wichita, KS.

“It was great to network with people. I was also able to gain a lot of

knowledge from this conference”, Bart Finnigan, Lynwood Police Department,

Lynwood, IL.

“Everyone was helpful and easily approachable”, Joshua Tong,

Franklin County Juvenile Intervention Center, Columbus, OH.

“All the instructors were passionate about their subjects”, Christo-

pher Mobley, Cleveland Division of Police, Cleveland, OH.

Gorilla Stone Gang Member Charged With 2021 Murder

NEW YORK, NY — Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Keechant

L. Sewell, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced in November the unsealing of an Indict-

ment charging JALEEL SHAKOOR with racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, murder with a firearm, and illegal

possession of ammunition. The charges relate to SHAKOOR’s murder of Gerry Mazzella on June 3, 2021, in the Bronx, New York.

As alleged in the Indictment, SHAKOOR shot Mazzella in the back of the neck from point-blank range.

SHAKOOR, who was already in federal custody, was presented before Magistrate Judge Barbara C. Moses. The case is

assigned to U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, the defendant committed a murder as part of his gang membership: he

shot Gerry Mazzella from point-blank range, killing him. With these charges, we continue our daily work of investigating and

prosecuting those who perpetrate these senseless acts. We hope this prosecution brings some measure of comfort to the victim’s

loved ones.”

NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said: “This case is an outstanding example of what the NYPD and our law

enforcement partners can accomplish when we strike back at the relatively few people responsible for spreading violence and fear

in New York City. Together, we remain committed to thwarting gang activity in all its forms, and to reinforcing the severe conse-

quences that await anyone who dares to jeopardize safety in our neighborhoods.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed in Manhattan federal court:

From at least 2020 to 2022, JALEEL SHAKOOR, a/k/a “Midnight,” was a member of the Untouchable Gorilla Stone

Nation (“Gorilla Stone”), which is a set of the national Bloods gang. Gorilla Stone operated primarily in the northeast United States,

including in the Bronx, and in the jails and prisons of New York City and the State of New York.

Members of Gorilla Stone committed robberies and distributed controlled substances in order to enrich themselves. They

also murdered and assaulted members of rival gangs and members of Gorilla Stone in order to resolve disputes within the gang.

Gorilla Stone members promoted and celebrated the gang’s criminal conduct — including drug distribution, acts of violence, and

firearms usage — on social media.

On June 3, 2021, in the vicinity of West 165th Street and Woodycrest Avenue in the Bronx, SHAKOOR shot Mazzella in

the back of the neck, causing Mazzella’s death. SHAKOOR committed this murder to maintain and increase his position in Gorilla

Stone.

SHAKOOR, 27, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a statutory

maximum sentence of life in prison; one count of murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of

death or life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison; one count of murder through use of a firearm, which

carries a statutory maximum sentence of death or life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison; and one

count of possessing ammunition after a felony conviction, which carries a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison.

The minimum and maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational

purposes only, as any sentence will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD. He also thanked the Bronx District Attorney’s

Office for its assistance.

Three MS-13 Leaders Convicted of Racketeering Conspiracy

BALTIMORE, MD — A federal jury convicted three men for conspiring to participate in La Mara Salvatrucha, a transnational criminal enterprise, commonly known as MS-13, through a

pattern of racketeering activity, including murder, extortion, drug trafficking, money laundering, and witness tampering.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Luis Flores-Reyes, aka Maloso, aka Lobo, 41, of Arlington, Virginia; Jairo Jacome, aka Abuelo, 40, of Langley Park,

Maryland; and Brayan Contreras-Avalos, aka Anonimo, aka Malia, aka Humilde, 27, of Langley Park, Maryland, ran a protection scheme with MS-13 in and around Langley Park, extorting local

businesses by charging them “rent” for the privilege of operating in MS-13 “territory.”

MS-13 is organized into a series of sub-units or “cliques” that operate in specific geographic locations. Jacome was the highest-ranking member in a local clique called Langley Park

Salvatrucha, or LPS. Flores-Reyes and Contreras-Avalos were leaders within the powerful Sailors Clique, which held territory in Maryland, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Texas, and El Salvador.

“MS-13 terrorizes communities throughout the United States and abroad, using fear, violence, and intimidation,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice

Department’s Criminal Division. “This conviction demonstrates the Department of Justice’s commitment to dismantling this violent criminal organization.”

Flores-Reyes, Jacome, and Contreras-Avalos also participated in at least six murders during the period of the conspiracy, mostly of victims who they believed to be gang rivals. In June 2016,

members of MS-13, including Contreras-Avalos, stabbed to death two homeless individuals, who were believed to be members of the 18th Street gang, in Hyattsville, Maryland.

The gang also trafficked in illegal drugs, including marijuana, heroin, and cocaine. A large share of the proceeds of the gang’s illegal activities were sent to gang leadership in El Salvador

to further promote the illicit activities of the gang, using structured transactions and intermediaries to avoid law enforcement scrutiny.

“These defendants wreaked havoc within our communities through drug trafficking, extortion, fear, and murder – now they will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron for

the District of Maryland. “We will relentlessly prosecute those who terrorize our communities with intimidation and violence.”

In March 2017, a member of the Sailors Clique, who was hiding from law enforcement in the Lynchburg, Virginia-area, had a dispute with a local high school student over marijuana. In

response, Flores-Reyes commanded a squad of MS-13 members drive to Lynchburg and murder the high school student. The gang members kidnapped the student from his front lawn and cut his hand

off before killing him. After the murder, Flores-Reyes helped to hide and protect the killers from law enforcement.

Among the most important rules of MS-13 is the prohibition against talking to law enforcement, embodied by the maxim ver, oir, y callar – see, hear, and say nothing. The gang enforced this

rule by placing a “green light” – an order to kill – on any member of MS-13 who was thought to be informing on the gang. In December 2016, Jacome directed and participated in the murder of a 14-

year-old member of MS-13 who was suspected of talking to the police. The boy’s remains were discovered 18 months later in the woods outside of Germantown, Maryland.

“Members of MS-13, including Flores-Reyes, Jacome, and Contreras-Avalos, sow fear and violence in local communities through murder, extortion, drug trafficking, and witness tamper-

ing,” said Assistant Director in Charge Steven M. D’Antuono of the FBI Washington Field Office. “Today’s convictions represent some of the finest work the FBI and its partners undertake to hold

violent gang members to account for the irreparable harm they have inflicted on humanity. The investigation and its results should also serve as yet another reminder of the consequences to be faced

by those who traffic in violence. We and our partners remain committed to working together to aggressively pursue and dismantle these criminal enterprises who continue to threaten the residents of

our communities.”

Flores-Reyes, Jacome, and Contreras-Avalos were each convicted of racketeering conspiracy. Flores-Reyes and Jacome were additionally convicted of murder in aid of racketeering and

extortion conspiracy, and Flores-Reyes and Contreras-Avalos were convicted of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. No sentencing date has been set. Flores-Reyes and Jacome face a

mandatory penalty of life in prison. Contreras-Avalos faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing

Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Washington Field Office, HSI Baltimore, DEA New York Field Division, DEA Baltimore District Office, Prince George’s County Police Department, Montgomery County Police

Department, Virginia State Police, Lynchburg Police Department, Prince William County Police Department, and Bedford County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. The Nassau County District

Attorney’s Office also provided valuable assistance.

Trial Attorney Alexander Gottfried of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Hagan and Christopher Sarma for the District of

Maryland are prosecuting the case.

Leader Of Sunset Trinitarios Gang Pleads Guilty To Racketeering

NEW YORK, NY — Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of

New York, announced in October, 2022 that EDIBERTO SANTANA, a/k/a “Flaco Veneno,” pled guilty

to one count of racketeering conspiracy involving murder, arising out of SANTANA’s long-time leader-

ship of the Sunset Trinitarios gang. SANTANA pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty.

SANTANA is the long-time leader of the local Trinitarios (“Sunset”), a violent set of the

national Trinitarios street gang that controlled territory in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Brooklyn, among

other places.

Under SANTANA’s leadership and at SANTANA’s direction, Sunset perpetrated a near-con-

stant string of violent crime for nearly a decade, including murders, shootings, assaults, and robberies.

Among other acts of violence, SANTANA ordered the March 13, 2011, murder of Dennis Marquez, age

16, who was stabbed to death in the Bronx; the October 23, 2013, murder of Michael Beltre, age 17, who

was shot and killed in the Bronx; and the November 17, 2013, murder of Rafael Alam, age 23, who was

shot and killed in the Bronx.

SANTANA, 33, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy

with murder as a special sentencing factor, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The statutory maximum sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informa-

tional purposes only, as any sentencing will be determined by a judge. SANTANA is scheduled to be

sentenced by Judge Crotty on February 8, 2023.

Mr.Williams praised the outstanding work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Home-

land Security Investigations, the New York City Police Department, the New York State Police, and the

New York City Department of Investigation.

Gun Supplier to Gangs Gets 37 Months in Federal Prison

WILMINGTON, DE. — David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of

Delaware, announced in November that a Wilmington, Delaware man has been sen-

tenced to 37 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. U.S.

District Court Judge Richard G. Andrews pronounced the sentence.

According to statements made in open court, Khalil Rodriguez-Fitzgerald, 27,

possessed a Glock model 19x handgun from February 8, 2021, until February 11, 2021.

The gun, which was straw purchased in North Carolina on February 7, 2021, was trans-

ported north, and delivered to the defendant in New Jersey on February 8, 2021.

Rodriguez-Fitzgerald is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his criminal

history.

At the sentencing hearing, the government argued that Rodriguez-Fitzgerald

should be subject to additional jail time because, in addition to possessing the Glock, his

social media and phone contents demonstrated that Rodriguez-Fitzgerald was buying

guns, giving guns to gang members, and selling drugs for months before he was arrested.

The Court agreed that the defendant’s conduct warranted a sentence greater than called

for by the United States Sentencing Guidelines.

Rodriguez-Fitzgerald has also been indicted in the Superior Court of Delaware

for gang participation and weapons charges for his involvement with a local gang re-

ferred to as Northpak. The Superior Court indictment charged a number of other mem-

bers of Northpak with committing shootings and murders in New Castle County between

2018 and 2021. The government noted at the sentencing hearing that Rodriguez-Fitzgerald

frequently communicated with and supplied firearms to members of Northpak, and he

bragged about committing acts of violence himself within his social media.

U.S. Attorney Weiss commented about the sentence, “Mr. Rodriguez-Fitzgerald

poses a clear and present danger to our community. First, he contributed to the violence

in our streets by possessing guns himself and by supplying guns to gang members. These

illegal firearms were then used to intimidate and harm members of rival gangs. Second,

when law enforcement attempted to apprehend defendant, he eluded capture by driving

on Concord Pike at speeds approaching 100 miles per hour, thereby endangering inno-

cent bystanders. For these reasons, the government requested a sentence of 57 months,

more than two years above the prescribed guideline range. My office will continue to

work with our federal, state, and local partners to combat the gang violence plaguing our

community.”

“From start to finish in this case, there is a flagrant disregard for law, order, and

human life,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) Balti-

more Field Division Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby. “The firearm this criminal

possessed was straw purchased, bought with the intention of giving it to someone who

cannot legally have it. He pushed drugs and guns into the community and aided other

gang members in obtaining guns that are destined to threaten the safety of Delaware’s

citizens. This kind of remorseless criminal behavior will not be tolerated by ATF and our

law enforcement partners.”

The charges in this case were the result of a joint investigation involving the

ATF, the Wilmington Police Department, and the Delaware Department of Justice to

address the violence caused by Northpak and its associates. Assistant U.S. Attorney

Jennifer K. Welsh prosecuted the case.

Gang Unit Officer Arrests Man for Loaded Handgun and Fentanyl

WORCESTER, MA — On November 14

, 2022, at about 12:50 PM, a Worcester

Police Gang Unit officer was on patrol in the area of Goldsberry St when he observed a

gray Toyota Camry driving erratically. The vehicle was speeding and swerving out of its

lane. The officer began to follow the vehicle and asked for another officer’s assistance.

They stopped the vehicle together on Grafton St.

The officer recognized the driver As Eliezer Delvalle, twenty-eight-years-old of

Webster.

As officers approached the vehicle, they observed an open glove box and Mr.

Delvalle reaching toward the passenger floor. They observed Mr. Delvalle reaching to-

ward a fanny pack he had on his waistband, and they ordered him out of the vehicle. Mr.

Delvalle refused and was escorted out by the officers. There was a brief struggle and Mr.

Delvalle was placed in handcuffs.

Officers located a loaded handgun in Mr. Delvalle’s waistband area, and a large

amount of what appeared to be Fentanyl. Mr. Delvalle does not have a license to carry

firearms. He is charged with Carrying a Firearm without a License, Carrying a Loaded

Firearm without a License, Armed Career Criminal Level 1, Possession of Ammunition

without an Firearms Card, Trafficking in Fentanyl, Resisting Arrest, Possession of a Fire-

arm during the Commission of a Felony, Operating to Endanger, and motor vehicle charges.

Federal Jury Convicts Man of Committing

Murder to Maintain and Increase Position in

Chicago Street Gang

CHICAGO, IL — A federal jury has convicted a

man of committing murder to maintain and increase his

position in a violent Chicago street gang.

Pierre Robinson, 29, of Chicago, was found guilty

of committing murder in aid of racketeering. The jury re-

turned its verdict on Aug. 25, 2022, after a four-day trial in

U.S. District in Chicago. The conviction is punishable by

a mandatory sentence of life in federal prison. U.S. Dis-

trict Judge John J. Tharp, Jr., set sentencing for Feb. 8,

2023.

The conviction was announced by John R.

Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern Dis-

trict of Illinois; Kristen de Tineo, Special Agent-in-Charge

of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alco-

hol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and David Brown,

Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The

government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys

Albert Berry III and Margaret Steindorf.

Evidence at trial revealed that Robinson murdered

Glenn Houston, Jr., on Dec. 23, 2014, for the purpose of

maintaining and increasing Robinson’s position in the

Evans Mob street gang. Robinson shot Houston, 23, mul-

tiple times inside a store in the 400 block of East 79th Street

in the Chatham neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side.

The Evans Mob, also known as “GuttaGang,” is a crimi-

nal organization whose members and associates engaged

in narcotics trafficking and committed acts of violence,

including murder, attempted murder, and assault, to ac-

quire and preserve the gang’s territory on the South Side

of Chicago. Members of the Evans Mob used social me-

dia to publicly claim responsibility for their acts of vio-

lence, taunt rival gang members, and took steps to prevent

law enforcement’s detection of its criminal activities.

THE NGCRC IS A FAMILY FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT:

The NGCRC, unlike most other conferences, is “family friendly”. If you have a spouse or children who may need

to visit with you during your training time period, the NGCRC has established the “family friendly policy” of providing

Conference Identification Badges to family members (spouses, children, etc). This allows them to come in and have

coffee/lemonade and donuts with you, etc. Thus, you are not “isolated” from your family. To receive I.D. badge credentials

for your family members, just ask for “Family ID Credentials” in a fax or written letter to the NGCRC: Give their names.

When you register, and pick up your Registration Materials, you will find their “Family ID’s” in your own registration kit.

They will be allowed into the “secure areas” so they may contact you. These “family members” will not receive “Goody

Bags” or conference materials, but they will be allowed past the security check points and will therefore be able to pass

without delay or hindrance to meet with you if necessary. Some restaurants and eateries give NGCRC trainees a discount

(no discount on liquor, food only), and all you have to do is show your Conference Identification Badge. The “Family

ID’s” are good for the food discounts.

Enhancements — EARLY, NOON, and EVENING SESSIONS:

To accommodate those individuals who want to leave early on Wednesday August 2nd, and still allow them to

accumulate their 24 hours of training, we are this year planning to offer some early morning, lunch time, and evening

sessions. The current plan is to have a few such sessions available for this purpose. This will provide at least four (4) hours

of training outside of the regular training schedule, which will allow persons who need to leave at noon on Weds. to do so.

Rooms are available at the Hotel at the same rate for Friday nights and Saturday as well, at the same rates, if

anyone is interested in getting cheaper flights by staying an extra day or so: just ask the hotel registration personnel. You

may be able to get the same rate for two days prior and two days after the three day conference time frame. If you have

trouble with the hotel, feel free to call the NGCRC and ask for the “hotel liaison” to see if there is anything we can do to

help. Sometimes the “block of bumper rooms” sells out (bumper rooms are those before and after the conference).

You basically “pick and choose” your own custom-made training schedule. You can take your pick from a number

of different session choices. There are typically six or seven sessions going on at any particular time. So, you just “vote

with your feet”. The full schedule of courses by room numbers, and day/time slots is posted at www.ngcrc.com/schedule.html.

Some Useful Training Sessions You Could Attend

This Summer at the NGCRC’s July 1 - Aug. 2, 2023

Gang Training Conference:

(3) “Gang/STG Cryptanalysis: How to Break Gang Codes”, by D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff and Executive Editor,

Journal of Gang Research. One (1) hour

Abstract

Cryptanalysis has a significant role to play in the investigation of gangs and STG’s because they often send printed or digital

messages where the code contains information about future crimes. Prison gangs have done this for decades abusing the mail privileges

they have by sending out coded messages to their contacts on the streets to carry out gang operations such as drug dealing outside of the

prison. The presenter will provide a historical overview of an actual prison gang case where the gang used a sophisticated code and

encryption system to send “orders” to the street operatives. The prison and regional authorities could not break the code. So they

contacted the NGCRC. The presenter broke the code and it obviously meant a big break in the ongoing gang investigation. The

presenter will show you how he broke the code. Attend this session to learn the various types of codebreaking attacks.

(5) “The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Gang File”, by Grant E. Smith, FBI, CJIS Division, CTAP/NCIC, Clarksburg,

WV. Two (2) hours. Special restriction: Sworn law enforcement and corrections ONLY.

Abstract

This session is an officer safety and investigative tool offered by the NCIC for all levels of law enforcement. It provides near

instantaneous information about a suspect’s recorded gang affiliation, personal identifying information, and the officer caution indica-

tors in relation to individual gang members. The NCIC Gang File can convey two categories of information, Gang Group Reference

Capability (GRC) and Group Member Capability (GMC). This segment of training will focus on retrieving information from the Gang

File with an emphasis on how it can be used for investigative purposes and officer safety.

(7) “Identifying Hybrid Gang Operations Inside a County Jail: A Look into the Investigation and Prosecution”, by Deputy Joe

Polan, Gang Intelligence Unit, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, Pontiac, MI; and Deputy Joe Kajy, Gang Intelligence Unit, Oakland

County Sheriff’s Office, Pontiac, MI. Two (2) hours. Restricted: Law Enforcement, Sworn Corrections, and Prosecutors only.

Abstract

This presentation focuses on the entire criminal investigative process, from start to finish, within a correctional facility as

well as the prosecution of hybrid gang members inside a county jail. Some of the topics discussed will be tactics used by the inmates

to manipulate jail communications systems, investigative tools used by investigators to obtain prosecution and how to change the

course and focus during an investigation based on information given. We will also discuss how to identify a hybrid gang’s existence

inside a county correctional facility. The uniqueness of a hybrid jail gang in terms of their means, motivations, volatility and how the

COVID Pandemic was a contributing factor to the creation of hybrid gangs within a county jail will be covered as well.

(11) “Hybrid Gangs: How They Evolve and Develop, Proper Identification and Documentation”, by Detective Danny Polo,

Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Three (3) hours

Abstract

This course will dive into a recent case study about several hybrid gang investigations which led to over 200 arrests, 40 RICO

indictments, seizures: 40kg cocaine, 20kg heroin/fentanyl, thousands of pills, 70 firearms, houses, cars, boats, $2 million+ cash, $1.5

million gold/jewelry, $1 billion in precious gems. This investigation tracked the activities of 3 major hybrid gangs operating in the

north end of Broward County. During this investigation detectives constantly monitored the evolution of these hybrid gangs as some

became more structured obtaining international money laundering and cartel connections while others suffered retribution and extinc-

tion due to the success and violence of the larger gangs. The investigation culminated with the lead defendant in the RICO fleeing to

Mexico and subsequently surrendering after being kidnapped and extorted by Mexican State Police for over $300,000. Mexican

sources of supply were identified and are being targeted by Federal Counter Parts.

(47) “Gang Victim and Witness Protection Services: Challenges for Our Times”, by Elvis Slaughter, MSCJ, Retired Sheriff’s

Superintendent, former fire and police commissioner, criminologist, and author of ten books, including Preschool to Prison: Is It

Determined by the School, Environment, or Parent? One (1) hour

Abstract

It is common for victims and witnesses to be intimidated into not cooperating with the criminal justice system. This presen-

tation focuses on the impact of gang-related violence with the goal of better understanding the growing complexities surrounding the

victims, witnesses, and survivors of gang violence. In this presentation, we will also look at programs and services to help victims of

gang violence. Given the dynamic nature of gang-related violence today, we aim to examine the following: common challenges faced

by victims; reasons victims of gang violence fail to pursue their rights; witnesses and survivors common issues; key components of a

user-friendly gang victim assistance program; and agencies and programs helping victims of gang violence.

(50) “Hybrid Gangs: How to Identify Local Gang Culture”, by Jim Bailey, Battle Creek Police Department, Battle Creek, MI; and

Det. Tyler Sutherland, Gang Suppression Unit, Battle Creek Police Department, Battle Creek, MI. Two (2) hours. Both a classroom

session and an on-line session. Note: Available now at the NGCRC videotraining page.

Abstract

How to identify local neighborhood gang culture, what larger gang culture influences your local gang, and how are they

being influenced? How does your local gang adapt signs, symbols, tattoos, colors to your jurisdiction which may have originated

elsewhere, perhaps even from a national gang culture? How are you tracking your local gang and crime stats?

Useful Website Info:

Study the Trainers at:

https://ngcrc.com/presenters.html

Study the courses at: https://ngcrc.com/courses.html

Study the full conference file at:

https://ngcrc.com/2023.conference.html

Get a registration form at:

https://ngcrc.com/register.html

Three Federal Operations in Pine Bluff and

Little Rock Built on the Work of Late Pine

Bluff Detective Kevin Collins

LITTLE ROCK, AR — Three federal investigations

culminated in 45 arrests this morning. An investigative focus

on the pipeline of drugs and firearms between Pine Bluff and

Little Rock resulted in the indictment of 80 individuals, all

charged with various federal firearms and drug trafficking

charges in multiple indictments that were unsealed in Novem-

ber.

Two FBI operations, each focused on a rival gang,

were created to address violence and drug trafficking in the

corridor between Pine Bluff and Little Rock. The investiga-

tions focused on rival gangs responsible for violence through-

out central Arkansas, with one operation focused on the EBK

or Every Body Killas gang and resulting in the indictment of

35 defendants. The second investigation focused on the Loady

Murder Mobb gang and resulted in the indictment of 26 de-

fendants. Three more defendants, Quincy Martez Chambers,

D’eandreian Devonte Meadows, and Joseph Riggins, Jr., are

charged separately in stand-alone indictments. Three defen-

dants are named in multiple indictments.

A third operation, this one led by the Drug Enforce-

ment Administration (DEA), began in August 2021 when DEA

and the North Little Rock Police Department identified street-

level methamphetamine and fentanyl dealers in central Arkan-

sas who were connected to the same source of supply. Investi-

gation revealed the drugs were being mailed into Arkansas

from California, and these shipments—which included kilo-

gram-quantities of methamphetamine and thousands of pressed

fentanyl pills—were then distributed to individuals in Little

Rock and Pine Bluff as well as Houston, Texas. This investi-

gation culminated in the indictment of 18 defendants. Manuel

Taylor was charged in a separate indictment.

Pine Bluff Police Detective Kevin Collins was shot

and killed in October 2020 while serving an arrest warrant on

an EBK associate wanted for a homicide in Georgia. Prior to

his death, Detective Collins was assisting FBI with intelligence

related to criminal activity of these gangs, as well as surveil-

lance, interviews, and arrests of individuals responsible for

criminal activity in Pine Bluff. In March 2021, the FBI’s

GETROCK Task Force obtained a wiretap and used a total of

twelve wiretaps through June 2022 as a source of real-time

information to intervene and prevent violence in Pine Bluff,

Little Rock, and other communities throughout the state. Law

enforcement discovered that the gangs were funding their vio-

lent activity primarily through the sale of large quantities of

high-grade marijuana. The investigation revealed drug traf-

ficking and travel between Arkansas and Texas, California,

Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Oklahoma.

Law enforcement began early this morning by

searching for 72 suspects, all of whom were indicted for fed-

eral gun and drug trafficking crimes. Of the 80 defendants in-

dicted in th

e three investigations, 8 of those were already

in custody when this morning’s roundup began. In addi-

tion to the arrests, during the operation authorities seized

4 firearms, one of which was an AR-style pistol; 2 ounces

of cocaine; 1 ounce of crack cocaine; and $30,000 cash.

Prior to these FBI arrests in their operations in-

volving the EBK and Loady Murder Mobb gangs, in-

vestigators seized 42 firearms, including two machine

guns; approximately $775,000 in cash and $428,000 in

jewelry; approximately 278 pounds of marijuana, which

has an approximate street value of $450,000; 7 ounces

of cocaine; 3 ounces of crack cocaine; 1.5 pounds of

methamphetamine; and 116 pills containing fentanyl.

Before these DEA arrests, investigators seized

$146,000 in cash, 10 firearms, 12 pounds of metham-

phetamine, 1.2 kilograms of powder fentanyl, 600

pressed fentanyl pills, 10 pounds of marijuana, and nine

ounces of cocaine.

Twenty-seven fugitives remain after this

morning’s arrests. Most of the defendants who were ar-

rested this morning will appear at a later date for arraign-

ment before United States Magistrate Judge Joe J. Volpe.

The FBI conducted their operations with assis-

tance from Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Department

of Community Corrections, Little Rock Police Depart-

ment, North Little Rock Police Department, Pine Bluff

Police Department, and Jonesboro Police Department.

FBI’s GETROCK Task Force was formed in 2017 in re-

sponse to the escalation in gang and gun violence in Little

Rock. The unit’s investigations and operations are coor-

dinated out of FBI Little Rock’s field office, and

GETROCK continues to serve as the clearinghouse for

gang-related law enforcement activity in Central Arkan-

sas. Additional support was provided by the Bureau of

Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Homeland

Security Investigations; United States Postal Inspection

Service (USPIS); Arkansas National Guard Counterdrug

Joint Task Force; and the Arkansas State Crime Labora-

tory. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant

United States Attorneys Julie Peters and Amanda Fields

with assistance from Cameron McCree.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

Little Rock District Office conducted their operation with

assistance from DEA Riverside, California District Of-

fice; USPIS; North Little Rock Police Department;

Sherwood Police Department; and Benton Police Depart-

ment. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United

States Attorney Chris Givens.

These efforts are part of several Organized

Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) op-

erations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles

the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the

United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven,

multi-agency approach. Additional information about the

OCDETF Program can be found at https://

www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

U.S. Department of State Announces Reward Offers for Information Leading to

the Arrests and/or Convictions of Three Haitian Gang Leaders

WASHINGTON, DC — As part of continuing to impose consequences and hold accountable those fomenting violence in

Haiti, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on Nov. 7, 2022 announced reward offers of up to $1 million each for information leading

to the arrests and/or convictions of three Haitian nationals — Lanmb Sanjou, a/k/a Joseph Wilson, Jermaine Stephenson, a/k/a Gaspiyay,

and Vitel‘Homme Innocent — for conspiring to participate in or attempting to participate in transnational organized crime. This is in

conjunction with the announcement of charges against the three individuals by the U.S. Department of Justice.

On October 16, 2021, the 400 Mawozo gang engaged in a conspiracy to kidnap 16 U.S. Christian missionaries and one

Canadian missionary and hold them for ransom. The missionaries were abducted after visiting an orphanage in the town of Ganthier,

east of Port-au-Prince. The kidnapping victims of the missionary group included twelve adults and five children.

The United States supports the efforts of our Haitian law enforcement partners seeking to enforce rule of law in Haiti and

combat transnational organized crime which continues to be a driving factor in worsening the humanitarian and security situation.

These actions are part of the United States’ commitment to support the people of Haiti as they bear the brunt of the crisis.

These rewards are offered under the U.S. Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program, which,

together with the Narcotics Rewards Program, has helped bring more than 75 transnational criminals and major narcotics traffickers to

justice. The U.S. Department of State has paid more than $155 million in rewards under these programs for information leading to

apprehensions and convictions.

For more information on the individuals listed above and the NRP and TOCRP, please see the Department’s Anticrime

Rewards Programs page.

Carr’s Gang Prosecution Unit Indicts Five Alleged Members of Insane Crips for Murder and Other Charges in Muscogee County

ATLANTA, GA – Attorney General Chris Carr in October announced that the office’s new statewide Gang Prosecution Unit has indicted five alleged members of the Insane Crips in

Muscogee County. This indictment stems from the shooting death of a 20-year-old man in Columbus in June 2021. The defendants are facing 52 charges in total, including violation of the Street Gang

Terrorism and Prevention Act, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Criminal Damage to Property in the First Degree and weapons offenses.

“Our Gang Prosecution Unit is partnering with law enforcement across the state to dismantle the dangerous street gangs that are terrorizing our most vulnerable communities,” said Carr. “We

will not tolerate this type of violent activity in Georgia, and we will leave no stone unturned when it comes to keeping people safe. Our top priority is to protect our fellow Georgians, and that is what

we will continue working to do each day.”

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Columbus Police Department and the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office assisted in this investigation.

Insane Crips

The Insane Crips (IC) is a set of the larger criminal street gang known as the Crips. Insane Crips was founded and is based in Long Beach, California, with a presence in Georgia. Insane Crips

has various subsets and cliques in Georgia, including the Young Foundation Crew (YFC) and Young Demon Crew (YDC).

Charges and Potential Maximum Penalties

The Attorney General’s Gang Prosecution Unit presented evidence to a Muscogee County Grand Jury, resulting in the indictment of Corey Troupe, Jr., Elysia Cooley, Davion Dupas, Jahiem

Davis and Mike Brown, Sr., on Oct. 18, 2022.

Specifically, the indictment charges the defendants with the following which, if convicted, can carry the respective penalties:

Corey Troupe, Jr. (also known as “Lil Pop”). 6 counts of Violation of Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act – maximum sentence of 20 years in prison per count. 2 counts of Felony

Murder – maximum sentence of life in prison without parole per count. 1 count of Aggravated Assault – maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 1 count of Possession of Firearm During Commission

of a Felony – maximum sentence of five years in prison. 1 count of Criminal Damage to Property in the First Degree – maximum sentence of 10 years in prison

Elysia Cooley (also known as “Big E”). 6 counts of Violation of Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act – maximum sentence of 20 years in prison per count. 2 counts of Felony Murder

– maximum sentence of life in prison without parole per count. 1 count of Aggravated Assault – maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 1 count of Possession of Firearm During Commission of a

Felony – maximum sentence of five years in prison. 1 count of Criminal Damage to Property in the First Degree – maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Davion Dupas (also known as “Yungdemon Dee”). 6 counts of Violation of Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act – maximum sentence of 20 years in prison per count. 2 counts of Felony

Murder – maximum sentence of life in prison without parole per count. 1 count of Aggravated Assault – maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 1 count of Possession of Firearm During Commission

of a Felony – maximum sentence of five years in prison. 1 count of Criminal Damage to Property in the First Degree – maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Jaheim Davis (also known as “Zhg Jah”). 8 counts of Violation of Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act – maximum sentence of 20 years in prison per count. 3 counts of Felony Murder

– maximum sentence of life in prison without parole per count. 1 count of Aggravated Assault – maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 1 count of Possession of Firearm During Commission of a

Felony – maximum sentence of five years in prison. 1 count of Possession of Firearm by Felon – maximum sentence of five years in prison. 1 count of Criminal Damage to Property in the First Degree

– maximum sentence of 10 years in prison

Mike Brown, Sr. (also known as “Pop”). 4 counts of Violation of Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act – maximum sentence of 20 years in prison per count. No further information about

the investigation or about the indictment may be released at this time.

About the Attorney General’s Gang Prosecution Unit

Earlier this year, with the support of Governor Brian Kemp and members of the General Assembly, Attorney General Chris Carr created Georgia’s first statewide Gang Prosecution Unit. This

new Unit officially began its historic work on July 1, 2022.

The creation of the Unit is made possible by HB 1134, legislation that provides the Office of the Attorney General with concurrent jurisdiction to prosecute criminal gang activity statewide.

Georgia’s FY 2023 budget also includes $1.3 million to establish the new Gang Prosecution Unit.

Since Oct. 4, 2022, Carr has announced eight indictments from the Gang Prosecution Unit, with cases in Athens-Clarke County, Dougherty County, Cobb County and Muscogee County.

The Gang Prosecution Unit is housed in the Attorney General’s Prosecution Division, which also includes Carr’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit and his Public Integrity and White

Collar Crime Unit.

Jury Convicts Four Members of KC Street Gang of Drug-Trafficking Conspiracy:

Two Rap Musicians Among Those Found Guilty of Drug-Trafficking, Firearms Violations

KANSAS CITY, MO – Four Kansas City, Mo., men who were part of 246, a violent street gang, were convicted by a federal jury for their roles in a drug-trafficking conspiracy.

Ladele D. Smith, also known as “Dellio” and “Dog,” 35; David J. Duncan, IV, also known as “Deej” or “DJ,” 33; Roy Franklin, Jr., 31; and Gary O. Toombs, 42, were found guilty of

participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine, oxycodone, and marijuana from Jan. 1, 2011, to Oct. 1, 2019. Smith, Duncan, and Franklin were also convicted of multiple counts that

charged them with various drug-trafficking and firearms crimes, to include drive-by shooting and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Toombs was convicted of multiple counts that

charged him with various drug-trafficking and firearms crimes as well.

The investigation into the 246 street gang, operating in the Kansas City metropolitan area, began in June 2017. The gang is an alliance of gang members from the 24th, 43rd, and 68th streets

of Kansas City, Mo. Smith was identified as a leader of the gang, and Duncan, Franklin and Toombs as members of the gang.

Smith and Duncan are local rap artists who often posted to social media platforms, such as YouTube, with references to the 246 gang. In some of the videos, Smith and others show firearms

and large amounts of cash. The social media posts also portrayed Smith and others wearing expensive jewelry, watches, hats, clothing and plate carrying vests that depicted 246 gang affiliation.

Members of the 246 gang used a residence in the 4400 block of Kensington, which is within 1,000 feet of George Washington Carver Dual Language School, a public elementary school, for

gang and drug-trafficking business. No one utilized the house as a primary or permanent residence. On Oct. 2, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the house and seized heroin

as well as two assault rifles and a stolen vehicle that had been used in a drive-by shooting. Officers also found a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a Century Arms International 7.62x39mm pistol

under the couch in the living room and a Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol on the kitchen cabinet.

Smith was arrested at his apartment on Oct 2, 2019. Officers searched his residence and found codeine, $31,601 in cash, and jewelry valued at over $40,000.

Duncan was also arrested at his apartment on Oct. 2, 2019. Officers searched his residence and found a Zastava 7.62 x 39mm rifle, a Norinco 7.62 x 39mm rifle, a Glock 9mm semi-automatic

pistol, two loaded rifle magazines, and a loaded handgun magazine under the bed in a bedroom. Officers found $7,100 in cash and four bags of pills that contained oxycodone in the living room.

Smith, Franklin and Toombs also were found guilty of participating in a conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

Smith also was found guilty of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, one count of distributing marijuana, one count of distributing marijuana near a school (within

1,000 feet of George Washington Carver Dual Language School), four counts of distributing heroin, and four counts of distributing heroin near a school (within 1,000 feet of George Washington

Carver Dual Language School).

Franklin also was found guilty of two counts of distributing marijuana and two counts of distributing marijuana near a school (within 1,000 feet of George Washington Carver Dual Language

School).

Duncan also was found guilty of possessing oxycodone the intent to distribute, one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and five counts of money

laundering related to the purchases of money orders with drug-trafficking proceeds.

Toombs also was found guilty of maintaining a residence for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing, and using controlled substances.

Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for about six hours over two days before returning guilty verdicts to U.S. District

Judge Greg Kays, ending a trial that began Aug. 29, 2022.

Eleven co-defendants in this case have pleaded guilty and been sentenced.

Sirrico L. Franklin, 31, of Raytown, Mo., was sentenced on May 31, 2022, to five years and eight months in federal prison without parole. Terrance Garner, 36, of Kansas City, Mo., was

sentenced on June 21, 2022, to 10 years in federal prison without parole. Joshua Marchbanks, 32, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on May 24, 2022, to three years and 10 months in federal prison

without parole. Carleeon D. Lockett, 30, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on May 31, 2022, to six years and eight months in federal prison without parole. Kenneth D. Scott, 26, of Kansas City,

Mo., was sentenced on March 24, 2021, to three years and six months in federal prison without parole. Cordell Edwards, 34, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on March 7, 2022, to five years in

federal prison without parole. Michael E. Sims, 36, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on June 28, 2022, to five years and five months in federal prison without parole. Cordarrel L. Scott, 36, of

Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on Dec. 15, 2020, to 18 months in federal prison without parole. Marco R. Maddox, 38, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on May 27, 2022, to three years and five

months in federal prison without parole. Cornelius Phelps, 36, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., was sentenced on April 27, 2022, to three years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. Herman G. Bell,

67, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on June 22, 2022, to three years of probation.

Co-defendant Martin C. Garner, 35, of St. Louis, Mo., pleaded guilty on May 26, 2022, to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and awaits sentencing.

Under federal statutes, Smith, Duncan, Franklin and Toombs each are subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal

prison without parole.

Recording Artist Gang Leader Pleads Guilty To Racketeering And Narcotics Trafficking Conspiracies

NEW YORK, NY —- Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that recording artist CASWELL SENIOR, a/k/a “Casanova,” pled

guilty in May to racketeering and narcotics offenses arising out of his leadership role in the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation Bloods Gang (“Gorilla Stone”) in Westchester County, New York City,

and Florida. As part of the racketeering conspiracy offense, SENIOR admitted to participating in a shooting in Florida on July 5, 2020, a robbery in New York City on August 5, 2018, and conspiring

to traffic over 100 kilograms of marijuana. SENIOR pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Philip M. Halpern.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Like twelve of his co-defendants, Caswell Senior, an accomplished recording artist and performer, now stands convicted of playing a leadership role

in Gorilla Stone, a particularly violent Bloods gang that operates throughout New York and across the country. In addition to his supervisory role, Senior was an active, hands-on participant in the

gang’s senseless violence, including a shooting in Miami and contributing to a robbery at a Manhattan diner. Dismantling violent gangs and stopping gun violence continues to be one of my highest

priorities. Thanks to the dedication of our partners at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Senior now awaits sentencing for his dangerous conduct.”

According to the Indictment, public court filings, and statements made in court:

Beginning in at least 2004 and lasting until December 2020, SENIOR participated in and was associated with the Gorilla Stone racketeering conspiracy. Senior admitted that as part of the

racketeering activity, on or about July 5, 2020, while at a party in Florida that included gang members, he discharged a firearm at an individual with whom he was having a gambling dispute. A victim

suffered serious bodily injury because of the shooting. Thereafter, other party attendees discharged multiple firearms. Additionally, SENIOR stipulated that as part of a separate August 5, 2018

robbery in Manhattan, a victim was restrained and suffered serious bodily injury. In connection with his guilty plea, SENIOR further stipulated that he was an organizer or leader of a criminal activity

that involved five or more participants and he agreed to traffic at least 100 kilograms of marijuana.

SENIOR, 35, of Montville, New Jersey, is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Philip M. Halpern on December 6, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. SENIOR pled guilty to one count

of conspiring to conduct and participate in the conduct of the affairs of a criminal enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity and one count of conspiring to distribute over 100 kilograms of

marijuana. The total maximum term of prison on these two counts is 60 years, with a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison.

The maximum and mandatory minimum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined

by the judge.

SENIOR is the thirteenth defendant in the Gorilla Stone case to plead guilty. The twelve other defendants who previously pled guilty are: DESHAWN THOMAS, a/k/a “Don,” NAYA

AUSTIN, a/k/a “Baby,” BRANDON NIEVES, a/k/a “Untouchable Dot,” DONAVAN GILLARD, a/k/a “Donnie Love,” JARRETT CRISLER, Jr., a/k/a “Jayecee,” DEZON WASHINGTON, a/k/a

“Blakk,” STEPHEN HUGH, a/k/a “Chino,” JORDAN INGRAM, a/k/a “Flow,” SHANAY OUTLAW, a/k/a “Easy,” ROBERTA SLIGH, a/k/a “Trouble,” BRINAE THORNTON, a/k/a “Luxury,” and

JAMAL TRENT, a/ka/ “Trap Smoke.”

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of special agents and task force officers from the FBI,

US Probation, New York State Police, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, NYPD, Westchester County PD, Westchester County DAs Office, Putnam County

Sheriff’s Office, Rockland DAs Office and the Yonkers, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Greenburgh, White Plains, Peekskill, Ramapo and Clarkstown Police Departments.

This case is being prosecuted by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shiva H. Logarajah, David R. Felton, and Courtney L. Heavey are in charge of the prosecution.

Justice Department Announces Takedown of Nationwide Catalytic Converter Theft Ring

WASHINGTON, DC — Federal, state, and local law enforcement partners from across the United States executed a nationwide, coordinated takedown in November of leaders and associates

of a national network of thieves, dealers, and processors for their roles in conspiracies involving stolen catalytic converters sold to a metal refinery for tens of millions of dollars.

Arrests, searches, and seizures took place in California, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, and Virginia. In total, 21 individuals in five states

have been arrested and/or charged for their roles in the conspiracy.

The 21 defendants are charged in two separate indictments that were unsealed in the Eastern District of California and the Northern District of Oklahoma following extensive law

enforcement arrest and search operations. In addition to the indictments, over 32 search warrants were executed, and law enforcement seized millions of dollars in assets, including homes, bank

accounts, cash, and luxury vehicles.

“Amidst a rise in catalytic converter thefts across the country, the Justice Department has today carried out an operation arresting 21 defendants and executing 32 search warrants in a nation-

wide takedown of a multimillion-dollar catalytic converter theft network,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “We will continue to work alongside our state and local partners to disrupt

criminal conspiracies like this one that target the American people.”

Quotes From Some of Those Who Attended

the 2022 NGCRC Training Conference:

“The flexibility of video sessions”, Eric Santiago, Kent County Sheriff’s Department, Grand

Rapids, MI..

“Different perspectives!”, Robert Fiorello, PEI Kids, Lawrenceville, NJ.

“The conference is great to see how other agencies are combating gang issues”, Ryan

Grimshaw, Mansfield Police Department, Mansfield, OH.

“Good variety of presenters and information”, Johnathan Ward, GVI Community Outreach

Worker, Goodwill Industries, South Bend, IN.

“Hotel staff was great, NGCRC staff was great and very helpful. There was plenty of course

choices and I like the diversity of the conference attendees’ field of study”, William Talley, Floyd

County Sheriff’s Department, New Albany, IN.

“Information and knowledge gained, networking, inclusivity, overall amazing experience”,

Kellen Gonsalves, North Star Learning Centers, New Bedford, MA.

“Exposure to other areas in gang prevention and prosecution and other presenters makes me

more informed in my job”, Charlotte Lomnicki, Cobb County District Attorney’s Office, Marietta,

GA.

“Lots of new knowledge every year. Will be back next year”, Sgt. Matthew Davis, Dela-

ware County Sheriff’s Office, Muncie, IN.

“Great conference”, Kyle Jenks, Lansing Police Department, Lansing, MI.

“Networking great, lots of new info, some good presenters, and very relevant classes”, Kit

Cummings, Power of Peace Project, Marietta, GA.

“Very informative”, Larry Lee Slayton Jr., Pathfinder Resources, Danville, VA.

“The networking aspect that it provided to professionals from all walks of life”, Alvis Wil-

liams, Pathfinder Resources, Danville, VA..

“The networking was the best experience”, Curtis A. Artis, Youth and Gang Violence Pre-

vention Worker, Danville, VA.

“I do love all the presenters and courses!”, Penny Hestand, Strategic Criminal Intelligence

Analyst, Louisville Metro Police Department, Louisville, KY..

“Attention to detail. You make all attendees feel important”, Kevin O’Neil, Franklin County

Juvenile Intervention Center, Columbus, OH.

“Class setup. Ball game”, Michael Hollandsworth, Fort Wayne Police Department, Ft. Wayne,

IN.

“The trainings, presenters, networking awards”, Sgt. Anita Perez, Hualapai Juvenile Deten-

tion and Rehabilitation Center, Peach Springs, AZ.

“The amount of assistance and direction for first timers made everything flow seamlessly

(staffs/accommodations). The instructors and their willingness to help, even provide contact info for

future needs of attendees”, Det. William H. Lo, Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, Mason, MI.

“Great information gathered for my agency and DA’s office”, Richard T. Hunter, Senior

Detective, Terrebone Parish Sheriff’s Office, Houma, LA.

“Networking events. I met a lot of great people when I attended the White Sox social”,

Connor Larson, Chief Intelligence Analyst, Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, Omaha,

NE.

“I really appreciate the access to conference. Thank you for your hard work and dedica-

tion”, Paul F. Walema Jr., Program Coordinator, Hualapai Juvenile Detention and Rehabilitation Cen-

ter, Peach Springs, AZ.

“The networking opportunities provided”, Joseph Kajy, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office,

Pontiac, MI.

“Networking”, Deputy Joseph M. Polan, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, Pontiac, MI..

“Ability to take classes in person as well as virtually”, Chelsea Schneller, Intelligence Ana-

lyst, Michigan State Police, Grand Haven, MI.

“Location! Speakers! White Sox”, Alex Z. Saine, ATF, Wilmington, NC.

“Some instructors very knowledgeable about their material and you could tell by if they

read the slides version or not”, Travis Stantz, Mansfield Police Department, Mansfield, OH.

“The network experience was great”, Aileen Bryant-Wales, Ladies of Promise Inc, Louis-

ville, KY.

“Gang training with Robert Mulvaney. He was captivating and was very knowledgeable”,

Caneth Lee, Director GVI/SAVE, Goodwill Industries, South Bend, IN.

“Networking and location!!”, Kyrsten Sprewell, ACE Community Support Services, Marietta,

GA.

“Overall everyone was very helpful and pleasant to work and larn from”, Kalique Woodbury,

ACE Community Support Services, Marietta, GA.

“I enjoyed it and learned much more information on gangs”, Dean Martin Jr., GMACC Inc,

Brooklyn, NY.

“Interactions with others across the fields”, Philip J Swift, Ft. Worth Marshal, Ft. Worth,

TX.

“Very impressed with some of the presentations”, Marc Deshaies, Ft. Wayne Police Depart-

ment, Ft. Wayne, IN.

“Networking”, James Zolnai, Lansing Police Department, Lansing, MI.

“Good networking experience”, Martin Green, Cedar Rapids Police Department, Cedar

Rapids, IA.

“A lot of great speakers with some really useable information to take back”, Christine

McDowell, Narcotics Intelligence Analyst, Michigan State Police/MIOC, Battle Creek, MI..

“Good variety of topics. Knowledgeable presenters”, Andrew LeTourneau, Associate County

Attorney, Olmsted County Attorneys Office, Rochester, MN.

“Good stuff”, James Miller, State’s Attorneys Office, Ft. Myers, FL.

“Variety of courses is great”, Leena M. Marcos, State’s Attorneys Office, Ft. Myer, FL.

“The practical for how to put together RICOS and long term investigations were great”,

Kelsey Guernsey, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Jackson County Office of Prosecuting Attorney,

Jackson, MI..

“Love the training choosing classes to attend”, Nico Flores, Investigator, Atlanta Police

Department, Atlanta, GA.

“We really enjoy and appreciate the opening ceremony and commemoration of LORD”,

Aaron Cunningham, Chicago Police Department, Chicago, IL.

“Interaction, the different agencies, the police, and new friends”, Luis Alonso Flores

Montalvo, Polcia National Civil (PNC), El Salvador.

“Networking”, Gregory D. Dabney, Investigator, Atlanta Police Department, Atlanta, GA..

“I always take at least a few things away that help me in my investigations that also helps

me think of other ideas to develop on my own”, Steven J. Stechschulte Jr., Lima Police Department,

Lima, OH.

“The networking and meeting people from other departments and learning what tactics are

working them”, Audrey Fugate, Jackson Police Department, Jackson, MI.

“A lot of valuable information. Great networking”, Tony Gilkey, U.S. Probation Office,

Lexington, KY.

“Multi-Agency interaction is great. Also, a great mix of prosecutors, police and academ-

ics”, Adam Post, Gwinnett County Police Department, Lawrenceville, GA.

“The best gang conference with so many great presenters”, Michael Tabarrok, Deputy Chief

Assistant District Attorney, Dougherty County District Attorney’s Office, Albany, GA.

“I enjoyed all of the options. The networking”, Ashlee Mastrangelo, Assistant District At-

torney, Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Woburn, MA.

“Choices - several choices of class, great instructors - top notch, and professional, yet a

relaxed atmosphere for learning”, Patricio A. Lopez, Greenville Police Department, Greenville, NC.

“Learning the ways different parts of the country deal with gangs”, Lester Sullivan, Cam-

bridge Police Department, Cambridge, MA.

An Option for 2023: The Double Major

(Signing Up for Two Tracks)

The NGCRC has had repeated requests for this over the years, the idea

of having a “double major”: i.e., to be able to sign up for two (2) different spe-

cialty track areas. The benefit, of course, is that such a “double major” would

result in two different specialty track certificates: one certificate for each of the

two tracks.

The NGCRC is pleased to announce that the double major option is

now available and it is described here. Here is some Q & A about it.

Q: What does it mean to have a double major?

A: All it means is you can have two “tracks”; you have to log in a minimum of

four hours in each of the two specialty areas.

Q: How many certificates do I get if I am registered for non-certification?

A: None.

Q: How many certificates do I get if I registered for certification?

A: Two: one for your program of study reflecting the completion of the 2022

program consisting of 24 hours of training, and one for your specialty area. Pre-

viously in history people attending the conference could only have one track.

Q: If I sign up for the Double Major or “two track option”, how many certifi-

cates will I get?

A: Three: your basic 24 hour program completion certificate, and then one each

for each of the two (2) different tracks.

Q: How much does it cost to sign up for the Two Track Option?

A: $90.00 if paid before July 1

; $105 if paid on or after that or onsite.

Q: What if there is a scheduling conflict and I discover at the conference I cannot

accumulate the minimum number of hours in one of the two tracks?

A: We will refund your Two Track Option amount in full, no problem; and return

you to the one track registration mode of your choice.

Q: How do I select and report my 2

training track selection?

A: The registration form covers this, you are asked if you want to register for the

double major, and if so, what your 2

track will be.

Some Training Sessions You Could Benefit

From Attending This Summer in Chicago:

(1) “The NCIC Violent Person File”, by Grant E. Smith, FBI, CJIS Division, CTAP/NCIC, Clarksburg,

WV. One (1) hour

Special restriction: Sworn law enforcement and corrections ONLY.

Abstract

The Violent Person File or VPF is a NCIC file designed specifically for officer safety. The VPF

contains information of individuals who have been convicted of a violent offense, felony or misdemeanor

against any law enforcement officer. It also will identify individuals that have made credible threats of

physical violence towards members of the criminal justice community. A positive response from the VPF

will identify and alert law enforcement that the individual they are encountering may have the propensity

for violence against law enforcement. The information can be retrieved from the NCIC system using a

suspect’s name and date of birth, suspects known vehicle or driver’s license information. The VPF is

automatically cross searched with every NCIC Wanted Person query.

(10) “Gang Mapping 101: An Introduction ”, by D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., NGCRC Staff and Professor,

Criminal Justice Studies, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN. Two (2) Hours

Abstract

This class is part 1 of a 2 part series. It serves as a starting point for understanding crime analy-

sis, specifically, analytical mapping techniques as applied to gangs. Topics covered in this class: the evolu-

tion of crime analysis and mapping from the 1800s to present; intelligence levels, divisions, and processes;

and the roles and responsibilities of analysts, administrators, and police officers. See the other two parts of

this 3 part series.

(19) “Reducing Gang-Related Violence in Correctional Institutions”, by Elvis Slaughter, MSCJ, Retired

Sheriff’s Superintendent, former fire and police commissioner, criminologist, and author of ten books, in-

cluding Safer Jail and Prison Matters: Effective Ways to Manage and Reduce Violence in Correctional

Facilities. One (1) hour

Abstract

The information that officers do or do not have usually determines their efficiency in dealing

with everyday issues in their lives and in their professions. This session provides career law enforcement

officers and correctional agencies with effective answers to the challenging gang violence that correctional

institutions face daily. It provides distilled information designed to assist correctional institutions and law

enforcement agencies in improving their leadership and management skills and preventing gang violence.

This session is for everyone in criminal justice, including corrections, police, probation, parole, college

students, professors, and the officer who wants to be a game changer and stay on top of their game.

(37) “Bigger than Black and Blue: Candid Conversations About Race, Equity, and Community Col-

laboration”, by Robert T. David Sr., Youth Gang Violence Prevention Coordinator, Danville, VA and Scott

C. Booth, Chief of Police, Danville Police Department, Danville, VA.

90 Minutes (1.5 hours)

Abstract

This session will discuss how community policing combined with a relationship focused gang

intervention strategy drastically lowered violent crime rates I Danville, Virginia. The session will discuss

how the combined strategies cultivated peace in the community while the rest of the country began to

grapple with a series o African American deaths at the hands of police. Bigger than Black and Blue: Candid

conversations about race, equity, and community collaboration will be a benefit to those who desire an

opportunity to hear two distinct, but synchronous voices that articulate their unique perspectives about the

complex relationship between African American communities and law enforcement.

(41) “Strategies for Working With Gang Involved Youth in Juvenile Facilities”, by Martha Wall-Whitfield,

Ph.D., Principal, Arkansas Juvenile Assessment and Treatment Center, Bryant, AR. One hour

Abstract

In this session, participants will examine the juvenile justice system and the issues that occur

within barbed wire concerning youth involved in gangs. The workshop will unpack practical strategies for

handling gang issues in juvenile facilities as well as offering discussion opportunities for participants to

share their own successful strategies.

Call for Presenters:

The NGCRC cordially invites members of law enforcement and those

working in corrections, probation, parole, and prosecution to be a presenter

at the 2023 Training Conference being held July 31 - Aug. 2, 2023 in

Chicago, IL. Please see information at our website:

https://ngcrc.com/callforpresenters.html

Thirty-Two Alleged Members of Two Rival Gangs Charged With 106 Counts, Including Conspiracy to Commit Murder

NEW YORK, NY — Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York City Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell, announced in November that 32 alleged members

of two rival street gangs known as WOOO and CHOO are variously charged in four indictments with conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to possess weapons, and other related charges including

murder, attempted murder, reckless endangerment, and weapons possession. The indictments include charges related to 19 shootings that resulted in 14 victims, including two who died as a result of

their injuries. Innocent bystanders, including a 3-year-old girl who was leaving daycare, were wounded in the charged shooting incidents.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “With this successful takedown we aim to incapacitate two violent gangs that have terrorized parts of Brownsville for too long. Their senseless and

indiscriminate gun violence upended the sense of safety for many residents and wounded a number of innocent bystanders, including a 3-year-old-girl who was leaving her daycare center. We will

never allow this type of criminal activity to go unimpeded and will work closely with the NYPD to build strong cases that will ensure that these alleged offenders are held accountable, and our

communities are kept safe – like we’ve done in this case.”

NYPD Commissioner Sewell said, “Among the highest priorities for the NYPD and our law enforcement partners is focusing our resources on the relatively few people responsible for the

majority of the crime and violence in New York City. Today’s charges highlight our commitment to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting anyone who takes part in illegal gang activities. I thank and

commend the members of the NYPD’s Gun Violence Suppression Division and the entire Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office for their dedicated efforts on this important case.”

The defendants will be arraigned before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on four indictments in which they are variously charged with second- and fourth-degree conspiracy,

second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, attempted first degree assault, second-degree assault, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and first-degree reckless endanger-

ment. There are a total of 106 counts in the indictments against 32 defendants – 13 alleged WOOO members and 19 alleged CHOO members.

The District Attorney said the indictments are the result of a long-term investigation by the District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau and the Gun Violence Suppression

Division that started in the spring of 2020 and extended until November of 2022. The investigation focused on two gang confederacies that operate out of several neighboring housing complexes in

Brownsville. On one side is WOOO, based in the Seth Low Houses, Van Dyke Houses, Langston Hughes Houses, Glenmore Plaza, and Brownsville Houses; WOOO is made up of numerous subsets,

including OMB, 1800, Gorilla Stone Bloods, Makk Balla Bloods, 59 Brim, YAWAH and Pistol Packin Pitkin (PPP). On the other side of the rivalry is CHOO, based in the Tilden Houses, Howard

Houses, Marcus Garvey Village, Newport Gardens, and Riverdale Towers; similarly, CHOO is made up of a collection of crews, including Folk Nation (also known as Gangster Disciples), Move In

Silence (M.I.S.) and Hoodstarz. Dumont Avenue is considered the dividing line between the two gangs’ territories. Some WOOO- and CHOO-controlled housing complexes are located on the same

street.

The long-running rivalry between these criminal organizations, predicated on maintaining their territory and gaining supremacy over their rivals, coupled with close geographic proximity,

has led to consistent and frequent violence. Much of the violence charged in the indictments was specifically fueled by the murder of WOOO member Shamel Boomer on July 10, 2020. Although not

directly responsible for Boomer’s death (a member of the Bergen Fam gang was later charged for allegedly committing that homicide), the murder of Boomer was celebrated by both Bergen Fam and

CHOO alike and has become a common way to disrespect WOOO by both gangs. WOOO vowed retaliation against their rivals, including CHOO, in a violent movement referred to as “Boomin’ for

Boomer” on social media. CHOO, in turn, retaliated against WOOO members or individuals perceived to be associated with WOOO.

During the conspiracy period covered in the indictments, there were 27 incidents, including two homicides and 17 non-fatal shootings that wounded 14 people. Over 25 different firearms

were used in these acts of violence and 27 firearms were recovered during the course of the investigation.

It is alleged that many of the acts of violence were captured on surveillance videos. Furthermore, it is alleged that the defendants boasted about their criminal activities on social media and

in music videos, discussing acts of violence and taking credit for shootings.

The first homicide charged took place on July 5, 2020, when CHOO member Corey Henry allegedly traveled to WOOO territory, the Glenmore Plaza housing complex, and fatally shot

WOOO member Jahrell Gause. The second homicide took place on July 12, 2022, when CHOO member Shakur Bartley allegedly shot and killed Tyrie McLaughlin, a WOOO member, in front of the

Brownsville Houses, which is considered WOOO territory.

Other significant incidents that are charged as part of the conspiracies include:

On March 25, 2022, it is alleged that Daleek Habersham traveled in a BMW driven by Princess Chambers to Riverdale Avenue, where he allegedly believed a WOOO member resided. It is

alleged that once in the vicinity, Habersham exited the BMW and shot directly in the direction of a man who was putting a young child into his car (and who was not, in reality, a rival) before running

back into the waiting BMW. A 3-year-old girl who was walking from a nearby daycare, holding her father’s hand, was struck in the shoulder. The following day, Habersham allegedly sent a screenshot

of a news article describing the shooting to a private Instagram group, followed by the message “did bad.”

On April 14, 2021, it is charged that CHOO member Parnell Brown was struck by a Hyundai Sonata driven by WOOO member Davvion Thompson while Brown attempted to cross the street.

After rolling onto the hood and being thrown to the ground, it is alleged that Brown immediately ran after the Hyundai, firing at its direction as it sped away. It is further alleged that Thompson drove

straight to Saks 5th Avenue in Manhattan, where video surveillance captures him shopping with others at the luxury store.

On October 6, 2020, it is alleged that WOOO member Lawrence Cook summoned two other WOOO members, Elijah Griffith and Avante Stephen, after seeing a rival CHOO member in a

doctor’s office waiting room. It is alleged that Griffith and Stephen immediately came to the area, where they waited nearby until the CHOO member exited the doctor’s office with his mother and

young siblings at approximately 2:50 pm. Once the CHOO member and his family entered a Honda Pilot, Griffith allegedly fired upon the vehicle multiple times, striking the vehicle. This incident

represents WOOO’s policy of “shoot on sight.”

This investigation was conducted by New York City Police Department Detective John LaMariana and Detective Justin Vazquez of the Gun Violence Suppression Division, under the

supervision of Sergeant Yancy Blowe, Sergeant Calvin Fergus, Lieutenant Salvatore Sciove, Captain Ryan Gillis, all of the Gun Violence Suppression Division, and Deputy Chief Jason Savino, the

Commanding Officer of the Gun Violence Suppression Division, and under the overall supervision of Chief of Detectives James W. Essig.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorneys Kelly Maloney and Daniel Stern of the District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, with the assistance of

Paralegals Dian Fields-Vernon and Tanya Lopez, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorneys Kathryn Spota and Gillian DiPietro, VCE Deputy Bureau Chiefs, Assistant District Attorney

Jennifer Cilia, VCE First Deputy Bureau Chief, and Assistant District Attorney Alfred DeIngeniis, VCE Bureau Chief.

DEFENDANT ADDENDUM:

WOOO Members: Errol Everett, 36; Elijah Griffith, 23; Dionte Gibb, 24; Baramus Temple, 23; Lawrence Cook, 22; George Rosario, 23; Jared Lambson, 18; Avante Stephen, 22; Tyler

Hodges, 19; Christian Graham, 20; Denus Sanders, 24; Davvion Thompson, 23; Travon Murphy, 22

CHOO Members: Pernell Brown, 21; Roleke Green, 20; Jaylen Clark, 21; Juvaun Delfyette, 19; Paul Moore, 22; Lamont Lockett, 19; Isaiah Feliciano, 22; Jaylen Ortiz, 18; Daleek

Habersham, 23; Princess Chambers, 22; Corey Henry, 20; Anthony McCrae, 24; Bryan Rodriguez, 21; Shakur Bartley, 25; Levi Alexis, 21; Franklin McClain, 20; Deandru Jones, 23; Jaevon King,

21; Joel Mentore, 19

Follow That Bike - - - AROUND THE U.S.A. IN MOTORCYCLE GANG NEWS

Rival Bikers Fight - - -Woman Shot

Sunday Nov. 13, 2022 there was a biker gang disturbance and shooting outside the Ole Habitz bar located in Moss Bluff, LA. A woman was shot in the back. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s

Office, Lake Charles, responded. Two shooters were arrested and charged. The fight was between the Bandidos MC and the Misfits MC.

Hell’s Angels Clubhouse Raided

On Nov. 15, 2022 the Hell’s Angels Clubhouse in San Francisco was raided in a homicide investigation. Five were arrested in connection to a homicide and attack on a police officer which

occurred June 18, 2022 at a Chris Stapleton concert at the Shorline Amphitheater. The five arrested included: Dominic Guardado (33), Julio Moran (43), David Wiesenhaven (38), Logan Winterton

(37), and Raymond Cunanan (42).

Pagan’s Leader Pleads No Contest and Gets 10 Year Prison Sentence

Deric “Tuna” McGuire (38), the leader of the Pagans, in late October 2022 pleaded no contest to nine charges (drugs, guns, stolen property, etc). He was facing over 200 criminal charges

including possession of 1 oz.- 1Kilo of cocaine, and possession of a rocket launcher. He was ordered to pay $80,229 in restitution and forfeit six cars.

Outlaws vs. Mongols: Bad Blood Said to be Brewing in Chicago

The Mongol’s are trying to establish a presence in Chicago. Chicago is the hometown of the Outlaws motorcycle gang. Tensions have been rising between the two rival motorcycle gangs.

For example, four Outlaws members and one Mongol were injured in a shoot-out at a party at a southside Chicago bar recently. David Santillan was the president of the Mongols until he was fired

by his own gang in 2021 and told Fox News “we don’t fish out of the same pond” meaning the Mongols were recruiting young Latinos, a different demographic than the Outlaws. Santillan takes the

position that the two gangs can co-exist peacefully and described the current tensions as a “whose d—‘s bigger contest” that could easily escalate.

Six Mongols Facing Life Sentences in Clarksville, Tennessee

On Sept. 16, 2022 six Mongols were convicted in federal court on racketeering and murder charges. They were members of the Clarksville, Tennessee Mongol’s chapter. They are: James

Wesley Frazier (34), Helix Santiago (34), Michael Bolston (32), and Jason Meyerholz (48). They all now face life in prison at sentencing. Their business plan heavily relied on distributing 100% pure

methamphetamine and kidnapping/murdering anyone who got in their way.

Biker Gang Member Gets 9 Years for Pushing Meth

On Oct. 19, 2022 Robert Lewis Coney, Jr. (50) was sentenced to 9 years in federal prison for his role in the distribution of meth in Grovetown, Georgia. Coney was affiliated with the Red

Devils motorcycle gang which is a support club (or puppet club) for the Hell’s Angels. His drug source was Donnie Lee Curtis Jr. (37) of Tunnel Hill, Georgia who is affiliated with the Aryan

Brotherhood criminal street gang.

Three Hell’s Angels Leaders Convicted of Killing One of Their Own

In late June, 2022 a federal jury in San Francisco convicted three leaders of the Hell’s Angels for racketeering and murder. They are: Jonathan “Jon Jon” Nelson (46), Brian Wayne Wendt

(45), and Russell “Rusty” Ott (69). The Hell’s Angels are a transnational violent outlaw motorcycle gang. The crux of the case was the murder of Joel Silva who was a Hell’s Angels member making

problems for President Nelson and President Wendt. They asked Ott (a former president) to kill Silva. Silva was shot in the head and his body was expeditiously incinerated at a local crematory in

Fresno.

Here Are Some Training Sessions You Could Benefit From Attending That Are Scheduled to be Taught at

the 2023 NGCRC Gang Training Conference in Chicago:

(6) “The Graffiti Identity 1 - Understanding the Game”, by Kenneth Davis, Graffiti/Gang Specialist & Private Investigator, Yonkers, NY. One (1) hour

Abstract

In today’s tight economy, the majority of police agencies are assigning graffiti vandalism investigations to their street gang or special investigations units. This session

provides an introduction to graffiti art versus graffiti vandalism. In this session, participants will learn how to distinguish street gang graffiti from taggers’ graffiti, understand

the basic graffiti tags and their variations, and the subcultural protocols that govern them. This session covers the various types of graffiti cultures, state laws (beyond reasonable

doubt) and city codes (preponderance of the evidence) and the graffiti identity (name, formats, and styles). This is part one of a three part course sequence.

(12) “The Link Between Childhood Trauma and Gang Membership: Developing Intervention Service Components”, by Martha Wall-Whitfield, Ph.D., Principal, Arkan-

sas Juvenile Assessment and Treatment Center, Bryant, AR. One (1) hour

Abstract

In this interactive session, participants will explore gang membership through a trauma-informed lens. Brain research on trauma will be presented as well as practical

“do’s and don’ts” when dealing with students from trauma. Participants will learn what a trauma informed school and a trauma informed classroom look like. All of this

information will then be directly linked to teaching gang-involved students in schools.

(14) “Gang Expert Testimony: Bringing Your Gang Investigation into Court”, by Tyler Sutherland, Gang Suppression Unit, Battle Creek Police Department, Battle Creek,

MI; and Jim Bailey, Battle Creek Police Department, Battle Creek, MI. Three (3) hours

Abstract

How court room testimony and gang evidence will reduce crime rates. What to say and present as a gang expert in court. How to apply your state statute of an en-

hanced gang crime to the evidence in your gang case. How the stored gang intelligence becomes useful in the court room. How the prosecutor and gang investigator get a case

ready for courtroom prosecution.

Some of the Free Receptions You Can Attend

at the NGCRC’s 2023 Training Conference:

The Law Enforcement/Prosecution/Corrections Social Network

Reception:

This is available only to persons who work in law enforcement, prosecution, or correctional agencies. How do

you sign up? Through the Registration Form itself or use the special request form below. If you do, you are in and a ticket

will be in your registration file folder when you arrive at the conference. No ticket, no entrance to the event.

It is headed up by Kenneth Davis (Yonkers, New York) and Dr. Gregg W. Etter (University of Central Missouri,

Warrensburg, MO).

At this year’s training conference, we are sponsoring a “Agency Patch Exchange” within the networking func-

tion designed for corrections and law enforcement personnel. If you are interested, please secure some of your agency’s

patches and bring them with you. We will have a time set aside for this at the Corrections/Law Enforcement Network

function. So, bring your appetite and your patches and have a great time! As always, there is no extra “charge” for signing

up for receptions that may also provide you with food, beverages, etc. It is something you are automatically entitled to as

a part of your conference registration fee.

And as is the NGCRC tradition, of course, there are “door prizes” at this reception. The Law Enforcement,

Prosecution, and Corrections Reception is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 1st, 2023. See the Preliminary

Conference Schedule posted at the website for locations and other important information.

The Veterans Reception: For Vets Only, by Dr. Todd Negola,

NGCRC Staff; and D. Lee Gilbertson, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Criminal Justice, St.

Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN, and NGCRC Staff. One (1) hour

Abstract

This is a special reception for vets only. It is held during the lunch hour on Monday. The purpose is to

express appreciation to veterans for their service in the defense of freedom. If you are a vet, come and attend,

find a warm, friendly environment. Door prizes. Great chances to network and mingle. Learn something new,

meet somebody new. Sponsored by the NGCRC staff, you will feel appreciated here. We can offer a sandwich,

chips, and a soda for a quick free lunch.

Bios

These men are are long time staff of the NGCRC, and are well known for their gang expertise. Todd is

also a psychologist whose practice is with vets through the VA. Lee is a vet who still fits into his issued uniform

and teaches gang mapping technology, among other topics. These are two men with enormous accumulated

experience on gang issues - - - good to get to know. Here’s your chance.

The Prevention/Intervention/Counseling Network

Reception:

This is available to anyone attending the conference. Just sign up for it on your registration form. This is one of the exciting

features of the 2023 Conference. The purpose is to allow specialized networking among those persons in schools, private programs,

and those in the helping professions who work directly with gang members in a prevention, intervention, or counseling capacity.

Come prepared to meet other like-minded persons from a wide variety of occupational backgrounds; come prepared to make some

new friends who will last a life time.

The 2023 NGCRC Prevention/Intervention/Counseling Network Reception is open to anyone signed up for the conference,

there is a “check list” on the registration form itself: you need to check “yes” that you want to attend the Prevention/Intervention/

Counseling Networking Reception. You get one (1) hour of session attendance credit for it. It occurs, however, in the early evening.

Stay tuned for further details as they will be announced here at this website. As always, there is no extra “charge” for signing up for

receptions that may also provide you with food, beverages, etc. It is something you are automatically entitled to as a part of your

conference registration fee. The Prevention/Intervention/Counseling Reception is scheduled for 5-6 p.m. Monday, July 31, 2023. See

schedule for “location”.

THE CHRISTIAN GANG SPECIALIST RECEPTION:

This is available only to persons registered for the conference. This will be held during an “off time” in the

regular conference schedule. If you answered “YES” to the question on your registration form, “I would like to attend the

Christian Gang Specialist Reception”, then your registration file folder will include a ticket that allows you into this

reception. If you answered “NO” or left the quastion blank, it was assumed you are not interested. And as is the NGCRC

tradition, of course, there are “door prizes” at this reception. Come prepared for some amazing testimony.

The chair of the 2023 NGCRC Christian Gang Specialist Reception is: Dr. Ternae T. Jordan, Sr., Lead Pastor,

Mount Canaan Baptist Church, Chattanooga, TN. The format this year will likely be a light luncheon format (we are still

working out specific arrangements: so stay tuned to this website for further details and developments). As always, there

is no extra “charge” for signing up for receptions that may also provide you with food, beverages, etc. It is something you

are automatically entitled to as a part of your conference registration fee. The Christian Gang Specialist Networking

Reception is scheduled for Noon, Tuesday, August 1, 2023.

Get Your Free Ticket to a Baseball Game.

This IS A BASEBALL SOCIAL NETWORKING EVENT . These tickets are available free to those registered for Certification or Non-

Certification, one per person on a first come, first served basis. One ticket per person. Only one baseball networking event ticket per person. We have

purchased N = 50 tickets for the Monday July 31st (starts 7:10pm) Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds game. We also purchased N = 50 tickets for the Tuesday

August 1st (starts 7:10pm) Cubs vs. Reds game. The tickets are electronic tickets, no longer are they paper tickets. Your phone is your ticket, and you

get the ticket image and info (box number, row, seat number) in an email from a national ticket company that works with the Cubs franchise. We need

your email to send you the electronic ticket. The actual email containing your electronic ticket will not come directly from the NGCRC, it will come

from the Ticket company. So when you get an email from the Cubs ticket vendor it is not spam, it is your ticket. We had a few people in 2022 that ended

up basically throwing away their electronic tickets because their government email system treated the email from ticketmaster as spam, and just got

deleted.

How do you get a ticket: Just check “yes” on the registration form for the question “I want to attend the baseball networking event”. The

NGCRC is giving away tickets to this game to those who are registered for the conference (one per person). You will be sitting in good company as you

will be seated in a large group of other gang specialists: people attending the NGCRC Conference. So it is a remarkable way to network as well.

You Can Attend These Training Sessions at the NGCRC 2023 Gang School:

(18) “The Impact of Historical/Generational Trauma on Gang and Law Enforcement Interactions”, by Philip J. Swift, Ph.D.,

Municipal Courts, City Marshall Division, Fort Worth, TX. Two (2) hours

Abstract

This session focuses on the reality of historical/generational trauma and how it affects communities, cultures, groups, and

the development of cognitive schemes. Historical examples of historical/generational trauma among minority groups is used to

depict the less recognized concept of historical/generational trauma among law enforcement agencies and gangs. The impact of this

form of trauma on the initial interactions of law enforcement officers and gang members is used to demonstrate how and why many

interactions between law enforcement officers and gang members affect the success and failure of gang prevention, intervention,

and interdiction programs. This training concludes with a discussion of the tactics and skills that attendees can use to improve the

effectiveness of prevention, intervention, and interdiction efforts.

(36) “Where Have All My Organs Gone? Illegal Organ Trafficking”, by Dr. Gregg W. Etter, Sr., Ed.D., Pricila Avila, B.S., and

Mackenzie Williams, Department of Criminal Justice, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO. Two (2) hours

Abstract

Organ transplants have provided medical miracles. The problem is that the demand for organs to transplant is high.

Unfortunately, the supply of organs available for transplants is much lower than the demand. This imbalance between supply and

demand has led to an illicit market in human organs. This session examines the illegal trafficking in human organs: Who are the

traffickers? How are the organs acquired? What countries are involved? What is the nature of the profit motive? These and other

important details are examined.

Members Of Violent Mac Ballers Gang

Charged With Racketeering Conspiracy,

Attempted Murder, Robbery, Narcotics, And

Firearms Offenses

NEW YORK, NY — Damian Williams, the United

States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Michael

Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field

Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”); John B.

DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Divi-

sion of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and

Explosives (“ATF”); and Keechant Sewell, Commissioner of

the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced

the unsealing on Oct. 24, 2022 of a nine-count superseding in-

dictment charging four members of the “Mac Ballers” subset of

the national Bloods gang in the Bronx, New York. GLEN

CARWELL, a/k/a “Tink,” a/k/a “Tinky,” SHAWNDALE

LEWIS, a/k/a “Nore,” COREY BATCHELOR, a/k/a “Corey

Balla,” and JORDAN TOWNSEND were charged with rack-

eteering conspiracy, violent crimes in aid of racketeering, and

firearms offenses. CARWELL and LEWIS were also charged

with narcotics conspiracy. The case is assigned to U.S. District

Judge Lewis J. Liman.

CARWELL was already in custody in connection with

robbery and firearms charges contained in a previous indict-

ment related to this prosecution. LEWIS was arrested this morn-

ing and presented in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Mag-

istrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger. BATCHELOR was also

arrested this morning in North Carolina and presented before a

Magistrate Judge in the Western District of North Carolina.

TOWNSEND remains at large.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “We allege that

for years, the Mac Baller set of the Bloods has terrorized the

New York area, and especially the Bronx, by pouring addictive

drugs into our community, committing robberies, and engaging

in shootings. These charges reflect our commitment to keeping

our community safe by targeting gang members who engage in

violence, as we allege these defendants did.”

HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge

Michael Alfonso said: “Today, we announce the arrests of mul-

tiple members of the ‘Mac Ballers’ street gang who, as alleged,

have participated in escalating acts of violence, to include at-

tempted homicide, in their efforts to protect and control their

territory. HSI is committed to working with our federal, state,

and local partners to disrupt and dismantle these dangerous street

gangs who terrorize our neighborhoods in an effort to further

their criminal enterprises.”

ATF Special Agent in Charge John B. DeVito said:

“New York residents deserve to live, work, and thrive free of

fear and trauma. This is yet another example of law

enforcement’s commitment to ensure just that for our citizens.

Thanks to the leadership of HSI and NYPD for their hard work

to reduce violent crime. ATF is proud to support and work along-

side our partners in the collective cause of public safety. Our

neighborhoods deserve to flourish without fear or intimidation

caused by violent criminal gangs.”

NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said:

“Gang violence threatens the safety of New Yorkers and puts

communities in the crosshairs of drug trafficking and drug-re-

lated crimes. This case highlights the NYPD’s relentless pur-

suit of those few individuals who drive the violence and disor-

der in our city, and today’s indictment reflects our continued

focus on removing them from our streets. I commend all of our

partners in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District,

the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investiga-

tions, and the New York Field Division of the ATF for their

diligence on this important case.”

According to the allegations in the Superseding In-

dictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:

From at least in or about late 2014 through 2022, the

Mac Ballers was a criminal enterprise centered in the north-

eastern United States, including in the Bronx, New York, and in

the jails and prisons of New York City and the State of New

York. In order to make money for the gang, protect the gang’s

territory, and promote the gang’s standing, members of the Mac

Ballers engaged in, among other things, narcotics trafficking,

fraud and identity theft, and acts of violence, including robber-

ies and attempted murders. To that end, Mac Baller members

sold heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana, promoted

their gang affiliation on social media, possessed firearms, and

engaged in shootings as part of their gang membership and nar-

cotics trafficking. As part of their membership in the gang,

from 2017 to 2022, all four defendants participated in a con-

spiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, resulting in

the attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon of a

victim on October 19, 2021.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative

work of HSI, ATF, the NYPD, and the Special Agents of the

United States Attorney’s Office.

The charges are the result of an ongoing Organized

Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (“OCDETF”) operation

led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern Dis-

trict of New York. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles

the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United

States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency

approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program

can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and

Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Jacob

R. Fiddelman, Peter J. Davis, Elizabeth A. Espinosa, and Frank

J. Balsamello are in charge of the prosecution.

GLEN CARWELL, a/k/a “Tink,” a/k/a “Tinky” (37): Racketeering

Conspiracy; Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Narcotics

Conspiracy; Use and Brandishing of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Controlled

Substance Offense; Hobbs Act Robbery; Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Rob-

bery; Use, Brandishing, and Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of

Violence and Controlled Substance Offense. Maximum of life in prison; manda-

tory minimum 17 years in prison (to run consecutive to any other sentence)

SHAWNDALE LEWIS, a/k/a “Nore” (36): Racketeering Con-

spiracy; Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Attempted Mur-

der and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering; Use and

Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence; Narcotics Con-

spiracy; Use and Brandishing of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Controlled Sub-

stance Offense. Maximum of life in prison; mandatory minimum 17 years in

prison (to run consecutive to any other sentence).

COREY BATCHELOR, a/k/a “Corey Balla” (24): Racketeering

Conspiracy; Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Attempted

Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering; Use and

Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. Maximum of life

in prison; mandatory minimum 10 years in prison (to run consecutive to any

other sentence)

JORDAN TOWNSEND (26): Racketeering Conspiracy; Conspiracy

to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Attempted Murder and Assault with

a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering; Use and Discharge of a Firearm in

Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. Maximum of life in prison; mandatory mini-

mum 10 years in prison (to run consecutive to any other sentence)

PROCEDURE FOR REGISTERING FOR THE NGCRC

CONFERENCE BY MEANS OF A PURCHASE ORDER

This explains the new streamlined policy and procedure for persons

from government agencies who seek to register for the 2023 NGCRC

Training Conference by means of a Purchase Order or related type of

procurement method. There are three main provisions of this policy and

procedure. They are as follows:

1. A purchase order number must be provided on the form used by the

Agency, and it must bear a signature. It should reflect that the payee will

be the NGCRC and the form should also reflect the specific amount payable

to the NGCRC (call if you have any questions in this regard). Please provide

any special billing information (e.g., who specifically we should make the

Invoice out to and where specifically we should mail the Invoice to).

2. Fax your registration forms and the Purchase Order to the NGCRC

ASAP. The NGCRC fax number is (708) 258-9546. After faxing it in, simply

complete the registration form and attach a purchase order and mail it in

ASAP to: National Gang Crime Research Center, 2023 Conference

Processing Center, PO Box 990, Peotone, IL 60468. We do need it faxed

and mailed as well. Please note that the deadline for Purchase Orders faxed

to the NGCRC is 9:00am CST July 29, 2023. Please note that the NGCRC

will not accept “onsite” registrations by means of oral declarations that

“my agency is going to pay for it”, and will not accept on-site purchase

orders. If you are planning to pay by means of Purchase Order, then it

must be done before the conference.

3. Upon receipt of the registration form(s) and the purchase order form

(or a letter head version) the NGCRC will register the persons(s) and issue

their agency an Invoice. At the same time, the NGCRC will send individual

letters confirming the registration to those persons. There are no “on-site”

registration options for payment by means of a Purchase Order.

Those registering by Purchase Order or by means of a credit card can

simply fax their registrations, the fax number for the NGCRC is (708)

258-9546. The NGCRC email address is: [email protected]

Schedule of Amount to

Pay for Conference Registration

Costs for the July 31-August 2, 2023

NGCRC Training Conference:

ADVANCE REGISTRATION PERIOD:

Paying on or before January 31, 2023: Non-Certification $500, Certification $550

EARLY REGISTRATION PERIODS:

Paying on or after February 1, 2023 and on or before February 28, 2023: Non-Certification

$550, Certification $600

Paying on or after March 1, 2023 and on or before March 31, 2023: Non-Certification

$600, Certification $650

REGULAR REGISTRATION PERIODS:

Paying on or after April 1, 2023 and on or before April 30, 2023: Non-Certification $650,

Certification $700

Paying on or after May 1, 2023 and on or before May 31, 2023: Non-Certification $700,

Certification $750

Paying on or after June 1, 2023 and on or before June 30, 2023: Non-Certification $750,

Certification $800

LATE REGISTRATION PERIOD:

Paying on or after July 1, 2023 and on or before July 30, 2023: Non-Certification $800,

Certification $850

ONSITE REGISTRATION: An Onsite Registration is any registration made on or after July

31, 2023.

Paying On-Site (If slots are available): Non-Certification $950, Certification $1000

Multiple Registration Discounts Available:

Any agency registering three persons, simultaneously, is eligible for a $100 discount off the total

training cost (by which we mean a $33.33 discount for each of the three). Additional discounts would apply for

those agencies registering four or more persons (simultaneously) for training.

An agency registering four or more persons, simultaneously, will qualify for a Group Discount

Code. Call the National Gang Crime Research Center to inquire about group rates (708 258-9111). The Group

Discount Code provides a sliding-scale group rate discount. There is no retroactive value: if you do not apply

for a Group Discount Code in advance of registration then you are not eligible for it. You must have the group

discount code printed on the registration form itself.

Invoicing and Special Billing

The NGCRC is always eager to work with agency procurement officers. You can register by

means of a Purchase Order, or you can ask that we invoice you. If you want to have your payment

charged and want to do it over the phone (as opposed to writing in on a form), no problem, just call

and we will assist you.

THE 2023 NGCRC’s 26th INTERNATIONAL GANG SPECIALIST

TRAINING PROGRAM REGISTRATION FORM:

Please PRINT neatly or type your full name with any title that you want to appear on your

official conference name badge and certificates (if you are registering for certification):

MAIL AND CONTACT INFORMATION: Where we will mail you a Confirmation of Registration letter for the conference, and fax the

same material to you:

Name:___________________________________________________________

Agency :__________________________________________________________

Street Address:____________________________________________________

City, State, Zip:____________________________________________________

Telephone Info: Area Code_________ Tel #:__________________________ Call the NGCRC at (708) 258-9111

Fax Number: Area Code____________ Fax #:__________________________ NGCRC Fax Number (708) 258-9546

Email Address:____________________________________________________

The NGCRC reserves the right to refuse service to anyone. Towards this end we must ask that all persons registering for the conference sign and by their signature

acknowledge the Official Policy of the NGCRC which is as follows - In order to provide the safest and most educational environment, the National Gang Crime Research Center

(NGCRC) works to ensure that all participants at our conference are law-abiding individuals who have gathered to collect and share information about gangs and crime, in order to

reduce and possibly eliminate the problems associated with gang activity. Therefore, it is our policy that no individuals or groups will be permitted at our conference who have links to

gangs or other aberrant groups and no one will be permitted to provoke or distract our participants from the most meaningful learning environment. The National Gang Crime

Research Center (NGCRC) reserves the right to refuse attendance to any person or persons suspected of or actually displaying gang affiliations. Furthermore, we reserve the right to

refuse attendance to any individual(s) determined to be disruptive or instigating a negative or inappropriate presence or who is determined to disrupt the sharing of information in the

most effective learning environment. I have also read and understand the refund policy published by the NGCRC. I attest that I am at least 18 years of age as of this date.

I hereby acknowledge by my signature the above policies of the NGCRC:________________________________________________

I am registering for (check appropriate box): ___Non-certification ___Certification ___One Day Pass (Which day:_____________)

I would like to attend the Christian Gang Specialist Reception ___Yes ___No (if blank, we assume you mean “NO”)

I work in either Law Enforcement or Prosecution or Corrections and I would like to attend the Law Enforcement, Prosecution, and Corrections

Networking Reception: ____Yes ____No (if blank, we assume you mean “NO”)

I want to attend the Intervention/Prevention/Counseling Gang Specialist Networking Reception ____Yes ____No

I want to attend one of the Cubs Baseball Social Networking Events. ____Yes ____No (If Yes, which day: ___Mon ___Tues PICK ONE ONLY)

this section ONLY if you are registering for Certification:

Print the name of the Training Track you are registering for:_________________________________________________________

(see reverse side for list of options)

I have previously completed Certification training by the NGCRC. ___Yes ___No If yes, what years:_______________________

I am also signing up for the Double Major. ___Yes ___No (if yes, print 2nd track here:____________________________________)

Group Discount Code:_____________ NOTE FOR ALL REGISTRATIONS: Your registration fee does not cover your hotel room or parking or meals.

Your registration fee covers only the training itself. NOTE: Payment must be received by the NGCRC prior to the conference itself unless the NGCRC

agrees to the terms of any alternative arrangement (in writing).

PAYMENT METHOD: Credit Card, checks, or money orders are accepted for payment. No personal checks will be accepted for on-site

payment of conference registration fees. We do accept credit card payments by mail and fax and phone.

_____Payment enclosed in check or money order made payable to “National Gang Crime Research Center” in amount of $_________

_____VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover (Circle one).

Card number:_______________________________________________________________________________CVC#:___________

Expiration date: Month___________________________ Year:________________________________________________________

Name on card: (printed):_______________________________________________________________________________________

Your Signature:________________________________ Amount you authorize to charge (total):$____________________________

Billing Address for the card holder(Printed): (street address)__________________________________________________________

Zip Code for the Billing Address:________________ Your Telephone # to Call if any Questions:____________________________

Call (708) 258-9111 if you need the NGCRC F.E.I.N. (tax number) or our Merchant Number for credit card payments. Also, call (708) 258-9111 if you

want to provide credit card info by verbal rather than written transmission.

Registration forms can be faxed to the NGCRC, the Fax Number is (708) 258-9546.

The conference is being held July 31 - August 2, 2023 at the Westin Michigan Avenue Hotel, 909 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60619. The toll free number

for the Central Reservations Call Center is: 1 (888) 627-8385. When making reservations, the “code” for the conference is “NGCRC Gang Conference”. They need

that “code” to give you the reduced hotel rates.

Make checks or money orders payable to “National Gang Crime Research Center”. Make sure to mail a copy of your registration

with the payment so that proper credit can be made to your registration. Send registration forms and payment to: The 2023 Conference

Processing Center, National Gang Crime Research Center, PO Box 990, Peotone, IL 60468-0990.

Have a Question About Training Tracks?

You select one (1) training track if

you are registering for Certification. There

are 30 tracks to choose from. Feel free to

call the NGCRC helpline (708) 258-9111 if

you have any questions.