Hobos Gang Leader Gregory Chester Convicted in Racketeering Trial

Gregory Chester, the recognized leader of the violent Chicago street gang known as the Hobos, was convicted today along with five other members on federal racketeering conspiracy charges after a 15-week trial in Chicago. The jury found the gang operated as a criminal enterprise from 2004 to 2013, engaging in narcotics distribution, armed robberies, home invasions, and multiple murders on the city’s south and west sides.

The verdicts mark the culmination of a sweeping investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the Chicago High Intensity Drug Task Force (HIDTA). Authorities uncovered a network of coordinated violence and drug trafficking, with the Hobos targeting rival dealers, retaliating against enemies, and executing individuals suspected of cooperating with law enforcement. The gang, formed from former rival factions, banded together to control drug markets and accumulate wealth—often flaunting it with luxury purchases and trips to Florida and Hawaii.

Among those convicted were ARNOLD COUNCIL, PARIS POE, GABRIEL BUSH, WILLIAM FORD, and DERRICK VAUGHN—all of Chicago. Council, Bush, Poe, and Vaughn were additionally convicted of murder in aid of racketeering. POE was found guilty of murdering Keith Daniels in 2013 to obstruct a federal investigation, and he and COUNCIL were implicated in the 2006 killing of Wilbert Moore, who had cooperated with Chicago Police. COUNCIL was also convicted of using a firearm during a clothing store robbery.

FORD was convicted on separate gun and drug charges, underscoring the gang’s broad criminal reach. Though the Hobos lacked a formal hierarchy, prosecutors successfully argued that CHESTER wielded decisive influence and coordinated operations across territories. The jury heard evidence that members shared drug proceeds and planned violent retaliation against perceived threats, including witnesses.

The convictions bring the total number of Hobos held accountable in this case to ten. Four gang members, including one of Chester’s cousins, pleaded guilty before trial. An eleventh coconspirator named in the indictment died prior to prosecution. The verdicts were announced by U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Fardon, FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Michael J. Anderson, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie T. Johnson, and IRS-CI Special Agent-in-Charge James D. Robnett, with support from the Illinois State Police, Department of Corrections, and Secretary of State Police.

All six defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison. U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp Jr. has scheduled sentencing hearings for June 23, 2017. The prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Otlewski, Derek Owens, and Timothy Storino, who called the outcome a major blow to one of Chicago’s most entrenched violent street organizations.