23 Ghostface Gangsters Busted in RICO Takedown

Rome, Ga. — Twenty-three members and associates of the Ghostface Gangsters, a violent prison-born gang with roots in Cobb County Jail since 2000, were hit with a 21-count federal indictment unsealed last week. Charges span murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, witness tampering, carjacking, assault, and wire fraud — all part of a sprawling RICO conspiracy that federal prosecutors say has terrorized communities inside and outside Georgia’s correctional system.

The indictment, returned Feb. 8, 2018 by a federal grand jury, alleges the gang operated as a criminal enterprise using intimidation, recruitment from prison populations, and coordinated violence to expand its influence. Members allegedly used contraband cell phones to orchestrate drug deals, plan attacks, and threaten witnesses from behind bars. The operation targeted both rival gang members and law enforcement, with prosecutors stating the group showed no hesitation in opening fire on officers or civilians.

U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak called the Ghostface Gangsters “extremely violent,” noting their involvement in drug trafficking both inside and outside prisons. “If convicted, these defendants will be dispersed to federal facilities across the country,” Pak warned, emphasizing the DOJ’s strategy to dismantle gang hierarchies by isolating key members from their networks.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, speaking on the takedown, declared, “An attack on our law enforcement officers is an attack on all of us and can never be tolerated.” He credited President Trump’s directive to protect police and praised interagency cooperation between the FBI, ATF, Georgia Department of Corrections, and over a dozen state and local agencies across Georgia and Alabama.

ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge John Schmidt stated the operation disrupted “a dangerous and pervasive threat to the local community.” Chief Michael Register of the Cobb County Police Department echoed that sentiment, calling the indictments proof of how vital federal, state, and local collaboration is in combating organized street and prison gangs.

Corrections Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier highlighted the ongoing battle against contraband phones used by inmates to direct crimes from prison. “We maintain a robust plan for identifying and managing gang activity,” he said. “Justice must be served for those who threaten public safety and the integrity of our facilities.” The defendants now face decades in federal prison if convicted on all counts.