Gang violence has plagued the south and west sides of Chicago for years, but a federal jury’s verdict today brings a measure of justice to a city plagued by crime. Six members of the violent Chicago street gang known as the Hobos have been convicted of participating in a criminal organization that engaged in narcotics distribution and committed murders, attempted murders and armed robberies.
The verdicts were rendered after a 15-week trial in federal court in Chicago. In convicting the six defendants of racketeering conspiracy, the jury found the Hobos were a criminal enterprise that robbed from other drug dealers, retaliated against rival gangs, and violently prevented witnesses from cooperating with law enforcement.
The Hobos, a gang that formed by members of other street gangs, were known for their ruthlessness and use of high-powered guns and assault rifles. Members of the gang shared the wealth with each other, buying luxury items and taking trips to Hawaii and Florida. Although the Hobos lacked a traditional hierarchy, Gregory Chester was recognized as its leader.
From 2004 to 2013, the Hobos engaged in narcotics trafficking, home invasions and armed robberies, often of rival drug dealers. When the Hobos learned that individuals were cooperating with law enforcement, the gang resorted to murder in order to prevent it. In 2006 Council and Poe fatally shot Wilbert Moore, whose cooperation with Chicago Police had led to state gun and drug charges against Council. In 2013 Poe shot and killed Keith Daniels after Daniels cooperated with the federal investigation that led to today’s convictions.
Convicted of racketeering conspiracy were Gregory Chester, Arnold Council, Paris Poe, Gabriel Bush, William Ford, and Derrick Vaughn. Council, Bush, Poe and Vaughn were also convicted of committing murder in aid of racketeering. Poe was convicted of committing murder to obstruct justice, and the jury convicted Council of using a firearm during a robbery of a clothing store. The jury also convicted Ford on a gun charge and a drug charge.
The convictions carry maximum sentences of life in prison. U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp Jr. scheduled sentencing hearings for June 23, 2017. The guilty verdicts bring to ten the total number of Hobos convicted in the case. Four members of the gang, including Chester’s cousin, pleaded guilty prior to trial. An eleventh Hobo was identified in the indictment as a coconspirator, but he died before the charges were brought.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Otlewski, Derek Owens and Timothy Storino. Federal, state and local authorities uncovered the gang activity through an extensive investigation conducted by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the Chicago High Intensity Drug Task Force (HIDTA).
Chicago, IL – As the city continues to grapple with gang violence, the convictions serve as a reminder of the consequences of participating in organized crime. The Hobos’ reign of terror has finally come to an end, and justice has been served. The city can now begin to heal and move forward, free from the grip of this violent gang.
Related Federal Cases
- Gregory Chester, Racketeering Conspiracy, Illinois 2013 · Florida
- Labar Spann, Racketeering Conspiracy, Illinois 2022 · Florida
- Miguel Pedraza, Racketeering Conspiracy, Florida 2023 · Florida
- Keith Poynter Jr., Armed Robbery, Maryland 2019 · Florida
- Maurice Tutt, Fentanyl Trafficking, Washington 2023 · Florida
Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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