Eric Pridgen, Multiple Murder, Virginia 2024

Two Newport News brothers, Eric Pridgen, 33, and Herbert Pridgen, 29, were sentenced today to multiple life terms in federal prison for their central roles in a violent crime spree tied to the street gang Thug Relations. The convictions stem from four murders, armed robberies, and a reign of terror that gripped the city between 2007 and 2010.

Eric Pridgen, aka “Rabbit,” was handed four consecutive life sentences after being convicted of racketeering conspiracy involving the murders of Lafayette Bailey, Lloyd Robinson, and Dominque Wharton. He was also found guilty of multiple robberies, murder in aid of racketeering, discharging a firearm resulting in murder, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Herbert Pridgen, aka “Bok,” received two consecutive life sentences for racketeering conspiracy, including the murders of Bailey and Robinson, along with firearm charges and robbery violations.

Their co-defendant, Maurice McClain, 33, also of Newport News, was convicted of racketeering conspiracy tied to the murder of Aaron Sumler and faces up to life in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for February 16. McClain’s fate now rests with the court, which will weigh the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and statutory factors before imposing judgment.

Three other members of the Thug Relations gang pleaded guilty before trial. Douglas Ashby, 30, admitted involvement in the murders of Aaron Sumler and Lloyd Robinson and was sentenced to 34 years on March 16, 2016. Robbie Bowles, 31, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and admitted his role in Sumler’s murder, receiving 25 years on May 3, 2016. Antonio Johnson, 30, admitted to using and discharging a firearm that resulted in the murder of Lafayette Bailey and was sentenced to 20 years on May 10, 2016.

One of the most chilling cases involved the murder of an innocent bystander, Gale Perch, who was shot and killed on November 15, 2009, while sitting in a vehicle with the intended target. The fatal incident was part of a felon-in-possession charge that underscored the gang’s indiscriminate violence. The Thug Relations organization was responsible for five confirmed murders, a string of drug robberies, and multiple shootings aimed at consolidating control over local drug operations.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, emphasized the severity of the crimes and the strength of the federal case. The convictions were secured under the VICAR statute, Hobbs Act, and firearm charges, reflecting a coordinated federal effort to dismantle the gang’s violent enterprise. The Pridgen brothers, now behind bars for life, will not walk free as the city begins to heal from their bloody legacy.