Five CDP Gang Members Convicted in San Francisco Racketeering Case

SAN FRANCISCO — Five members of the Central Divisadero Players, a violent San Francisco street gang, were convicted Monday on federal racketeering charges including murder, assault, and conspiracy. Adrian Gordon (aka “Tit”), 29; Charles Heard (aka “Cheese”), 33; Esau Ferdinand (aka “Sauce”), 35; Monzell Harding, Jr., 26; and Jaquain Young (aka “Loc”), 44, were found guilty following a 14-week trial that laid bare the gang’s reign of terror in the Western Addition.

The verdict stems from an 11-defendant, 22-count second superseding indictment filed August 14, 2014, which identified the Central Divisadero Players—also known as Central Divis Playas or CDP—as a criminal enterprise that used violence, intimidation, and murder to control territory and profits. Prosecutors proved the gang operated in concert with other local crews to maintain power through fear, leaving a trail of bloodshed across the neighborhood for years.

All five defendants were convicted of racketeering conspiracy under 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d), carrying a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. They were also found guilty of substantive racketeering charges that included murder, each punishable by life in prison and a $250,000 fine. The jury’s decision marks a critical blow against organized street violence in the Bay Area.

Adrian Gordon was specifically convicted of attempted racketeering murder of Victim 3 on May 20, 2011, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He also received a conviction for racketeering assault with a dangerous weapon on the same date, carrying a 20-year maximum sentence and a $250,000 fine. Additionally, Gordon was found guilty of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during that crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), a charge that mandates a minimum of 10 years in prison—consecutive to all other sentences—and could result in life behind bars.

Charles Heard was convicted of two counts of racketeering murder for the August 14, 2008, killings of Andre Helton and Isiah Turner, each under 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(1), bringing mandatory life sentences and $250,000 fines per count. Heard was also found guilty of using a firearm in aid of those murders, a federal charge that carries additional severe penalties and ensures no possibility of early release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Alex Tse declared, “This office is 100% committed to eradicating violent gang activity from our community.” FBI Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett called the convictions “a victory in our tireless effort to rid neighborhoods of violent gangs.” The case was the result of collaboration between the FBI, San Francisco and San Pablo police departments, and the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. Victims who testified did so under threat, their courage under fire underscoring the deep fear CDP once wielded. Now, the streets speak a different law: accountability.