Heartless Felons Hit Nine States in $500K Robbery Spree

CLEVELAND, OH – Federal authorities today unsealed charges against eight individuals allegedly connected to the ‘Heartless Felons’ street gang, accusing them of orchestrating a brazen interstate robbery conspiracy that spanned nine states. The group is accused of systematically targeting retail stores and kiosks for cell phones and other valuable electronics, racking up losses and damages exceeding $500,000, according to a criminal complaint.

The investigation, a joint effort between the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, and the Cleveland Division of Police, revealed that from April to July 2016, the suspects allegedly traveled across state lines on 18 separate occasions. Their method was simple but effective: break into businesses using pry bars, typically just before or after closing, and make off with the merchandise.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony, U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon, and Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams announced the arrests this morning. Adolph Boyd III, 24, Tyron Hicks, 30, and Jerome Goins, 21, were taken into custody without incident by FBI agents and detectives from the Cleveland Police Department’s Gang Impact Unit. Four other suspects were already behind bars. Padra Graves, 35, Delante Hudson-Frost, 22, Dennis McKenzie, 20, and Darnell Foster, 20, were transferred into federal custody today.

The stolen devices weren’t kept long in Cleveland. Authorities allege the gang quickly fenced the stolen goods, selling them to unsuspecting gas stations and phone stores, then moving the profits either out-of-state or overseas. One suspect, Melvin Swinney, 21, remains at large and authorities are actively seeking information regarding his whereabouts. He is also from the Cleveland area. Graves, currently incarcerated in Columbus, will be transported to Cleveland next week.

All eight defendants are facing federal charges of interstate transportation of stolen property and conspiracy. They are scheduled to appear in Judge Greenberg’s courtroom this afternoon for their initial appearances. The full extent of the gang’s operation and potential connections to other criminal activity remains under investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this case, or the location of Melvin Swinney, is urged to contact SA Vicki D Anderson at the Cleveland Office of the FBI at 216-522-1400 or Vicki.Anderson@ic.fbi.gov. This is a developing story and Grimy Times will continue to provide updates as they become available.