KNOXVILLE (WATE) – Six members of the Mafia Insane Vice Lords street gang were indicted in a heroin distribution ring, according to Knox County District Attorney Office.
Knox County Attorney General Charme Allen said the case marks the first time that Knox County prosecutors have charged individuals using the state’s Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization statute and the first time the statute has been used to charge street game members in the state of Tennessee. “The RICO statute attacks the entirety of the organization,” said Assistant District Attorney Sean McDermott.
The indictments come after a joint investigation by Allen’s office, Knoxville Police Department, Knox County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Each suspect faces a 25 year full term because of the intention to sell in a drug-free zone.
Those charged include:
- Abraham “Brickz” James Owens – Conspiracy to possess with intent to sell and deliver heroin over 150 grams in a drug free zone, possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, unlawful possession of a firearm, Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization, Vice Lords criminal gang enhancement
- Daton “D” Darrell Matthews – Conspiracy to possess with intent to sell and deliver heroin over 150 grams in a drug free zone, possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, unlawful possession of a firearm, Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization, Vice Lords criminal gang enhancement
- Deshawn “Shawn Doe” Marques Matthews – Conspiracy to possess with intent to sell and deliver heroin over 150 grams in a drug free zone, unlawful possession of a firearm, Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization, Vice Lords criminal gang enhancement
- Bernard “Fish Bone” D. Malone – Conspiracy to possess with intent to sell and deliver heroin over 150 grams in a drug free zone, unlawful possession of a firearm, Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization, Vice Lords criminal gang enhancement
- Jaidarius Deshawn Prigmore – Conspiracy to possess with intent to sell and deliver heroin over 150 grams in a drug free zone, unlawful possession of a firearm, Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization, Vice Lords criminal gang enhancement
- Jeanesha Marie Chandler – Conspiracy to possess with intent to sell and deliver heroin over 150 grams in a drug free zone, unlawful possession of a firearm, Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization
Allen said the the Mafia Insane Vice Lords are based in Knox County, but have ties to Chicago. She said the organization has been in Knox County since the 1990s and some of the members are serving time behind bars.
“I made a vow in March after JaJuan Latham was killed, that if you were a member of a gang, we’re coming after you. well today’s announcement of the indictments and arrests is just the first wave,” said Knoxville Police Department Chief David Rausch.
Police: 4 major gangs feuding in Knoxville; violence reduction efforts ongoing Police: 4 major gangs feuding in Knoxville; violence reduction efforts ongoing
According to Chief Rausch, the group is very organized. He said there are around 107 members of the Mafia Insane Vice Lords in Knox County. Accordng to Rausch, members pay dues and are active in recruiting young people.
“You have to be involved with your kids,” said Rausch. He reminded parents there are community organizations that can help keep children away from gang activity like Big Brothers Big Sisters, 100 Black Men of Greater Knoxville and the Wesley House.
De’ossie Dingus has been living in Knoxville his whole life and he says he hopes our city’s youth thinks twice about joining a gang after hearing about the indictments of six members of the mafia insane vice lords.
“It’s a positive…I think it’s always a good thing when we’re policing our streets for our community to make it safe,” said Dingus.
Sherri Williams works with kids and agrees. “I think gang members do need to be off the streets,” said Williams.
She has a message for people who have information. “If you know something, you need to let it be known,” she said.
Dingus says he’s all for the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization statute, but only if the statue is used against all gang members in Knox County, not just one particular group.
Original Article: http://wate.com/2016/07/20/knox-county-district-attorney-general-to-anno...
