ATLANTA, GA – Jong Sung (John) Kim, a 53-year-old resident of Suwanee, has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in the violent extortion of Gwinnett County business owners, according to a recent court ruling.
Kim, who served as a lieutenant for Eugene Chung, the former leader of a gang that specialized in the collection of debts from business owners in the Korean community, was convicted by a jury on two counts of interfering with commerce by extortion.
According to the US Attorney’s Office, Kim and his fellow gang members conspired with each other and others to extort money and property from legitimate business people, using threats, force, violence, and firearms in furtherance of their criminal enterprise.
One such victim was the owner of the Gah Bin Korean bar and restaurant in Gwinnett County, who was strong-armed into making monthly protection payments ranging from $400 to $800.
On December 16, 2009, Kim and his associates assaulted the victim at the restaurant, breaking his nose and knocking him unconscious, with Chung threatening to kill him if he didn’t pay.
The FBI opened an investigation shortly after, and the victim resumed making payments under FBI surveillance, including two payments that were made to Kim for Chung.
Kim was sentenced on June 12, 2018, to 1 year, 6 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and 160 hours of community service.
The Korean community in Gwinnett County is safer now that Kim and his fellow gang members are off the streets, according to Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, J.C. Hacker.
Kim’s conviction is part of a larger effort to bring to justice those responsible for the violent extortion of business owners in the community.
Defendant: Jong Sung (John) Kim
Criminal Charges: Interfering with Commerce by Extortion
City and State: Suwanee, GA
Date: June 12, 2018
Sentence: 1 year, 6 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release and 160 hours of community service
Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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