In a significant victory for law enforcement and justice, five leaders of the notorious Gangster Disciples gang have been sentenced for their involvement in a long-lasting interstate racketeering conspiracy that included drug trafficking, witness tampering, and multiple murders. The Gangster Disciples, known for their history of violence and lawlessness, operated on a national and regional scale, wielding their influence and terrorizing communities across the United States. The sentences, including life imprisonment for four of the defendants, reflect a staunch commitment to dismantling criminal organizations and ensuring that violent offenders are held accountable for their crimes. This outcome represents a collaborative effort by the U.S. Department of Justice, law enforcement agencies, and prosecution partners in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the well-being of communities.
Defendants and Sentences
Frank Smith, aka Little Frank, aka Red Beard
Frank Smith, also known as Little Frank and Red Beard, has been sentenced to life in prison for his involvement in a years-long racketeering conspiracy. Smith, 50 years old and from Naperville, Illinois, was found guilty of racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and related firearms offenses. His long-standing leadership position within the Gangster Disciples made him a key player in the criminal organization.
Warren Griffin, aka GG, aka Big Head
Warren Griffin, also known as GG and Big Head, has also been sentenced to life in prison for his participation in the racketeering conspiracy. Griffin, 54 years old and from Glenwood, Illinois, was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and related firearms offenses. His role as a Board Member in the Gangster Disciples made him a prominent figure in the criminal organization.
Sean Clemon, aka Pops
Sean Clemon, known as Pops, has received a life sentence for his involvement in the racketeering conspiracy. Clemon, 53 years old and from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, was charged with racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and related firearms offenses. His active participation in the criminal organization led to his leadership position within the Gangster Disciples.
Dominique Maxwell, aka D-Mac, aka Monster
Dominique Maxwell, also known as D-Mac and Monster, has been sentenced to life in prison for his role in the racketeering conspiracy. Maxwell, 31 years old and from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and related firearms offenses. His actions within the Gangster Disciples propelled him to a leadership position within the criminal organization.
Anthony Dobbins, aka Crazy, aka Tony Rome
Anthony Dobbins, aka Crazy and Tony Rome, has been sentenced to 32 years in prison for his participation in the racketeering conspiracy. Dobbins, 55 years old and from East St. Louis, Illinois, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and related firearms offenses. While not a leader within the Gangster Disciples, Dobbins played a significant role in the criminal organization.
Charges and Convictions
The defendants in this case have been convicted of various charges related to their involvement in the Gangster Disciples’ racketeering conspiracy. These charges include racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and related firearms offenses. The charges and subsequent convictions reflect the serious and heinous nature of their criminal activities.
Law Enforcement’s Perspective
The dismantling of criminal organizations is of utmost importance to law enforcement agencies. By targeting and convicting leaders and key members of criminal organizations like the Gangster Disciples, law enforcement can deliver a devastating blow to these groups. The collaboration between various law enforcement agencies and prosecution partners is crucial in ensuring the success of such operations.
Background on Gangster Disciples
The Gangster Disciples is a notorious criminal organization that operates throughout the United States. With a presence in both federal and state prisons, the gang maintains a structured hierarchy. This hierarchical structure includes positions such as national “Board Members” and state “Governors.” The leadership roles within the gang are essential in maintaining control and furthering their criminal activities.
Leadership Dispute and Murders
One of the key events that led to the unraveling of the Gangster Disciples’ criminal enterprise was a leadership dispute within the organization. Frank Smith, one of the defendants, ordered the shooting of a Gangster Disciples leader who opposed his regime. This act of violence resulted in Smith and Warren Griffin, another defendant, being promoted to leadership positions within the gang.
In another murder, Smith and Griffin targeted a former powerful Board Member who had opposed their rise to leadership in the gang. The victim was lured into the street, and Anthony Dobbins shot him multiple times. These murders were carried out to solidify Smith and Griffin’s status as leaders and to eliminate any opposition within the Gangster Disciples.
Other Acts of Violence
The defendants were not only involved in murders but also engaged in other acts of violence. One such incident was a nightclub stabbing in East St. Louis, where members of the Gangster Disciples were involved. Additionally, there was a shooting in Cape Girardeau that was linked to the criminal activities of the defendants. These acts of violence further highlight the dangerous and lawless nature of the Gangster Disciples.
Drug Trafficking
The Gangster Disciples were also heavily involved in drug trafficking. They engaged in a scheme to smuggle the synthetic drug ‘K2′ into Missouri state prisons. This illicit drug trade served to further the criminal enterprise of the gang and contribute to the violence and instability within the community. The involvement in drug trafficking demonstrates the multifaceted nature of the Gangster Disciples’ criminal activities.
Law Enforcement Agencies Involved
Multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in the investigation and prosecution of the defendants. These agencies include the ATF, FBI, DEA, Bureau of Prisons, Missouri Department of Corrections, Illinois State Police, Chicago Police Department, Bridgeton Police Department, Cape Girardeau Police Department, Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, O’Fallon (Illinois) Police Department, and others. The collaborative efforts of these agencies were instrumental in bringing these criminals to justice.
Prosecution
The prosecution of the defendants was led by trial attorneys from the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section. The assistant U.S. attorney, Ali Summers, from the Southern District of Illinois, provided substantial assistance in the case. The successful prosecution of these individuals is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the prosecution team in upholding the rule of law.
Conclusion
The sentencing of the Gangster Disciples leaders serves as a clear message to violent criminal organizations across the country. Law enforcement agencies are committed to dismantling these organizations, holding their members accountable, and pursuing justice for the victims. The collaboration between various law enforcement agencies and prosecution partners is essential in upholding the rule of law and protecting communities from the violence and lawlessness associated with these criminal enterprises.