Jordan Gilmore, RICO Conspiracy for Drug Trafficking and Over $500,000 in Fraud, Michigan 2026

Detroit, Michigan – In a move that’s sure to send shockwaves through the city’s streets, 27-year-old Jordan Gilmore, a self-proclaimed founder of the notorious Purple Heart Vets (PHV) gang, pleaded guilty to a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Conspiracy charge on April 16, 2026.

According to court documents, Gilmore and his crew used a combination of violence, drug trafficking, and fraud to enrich themselves and fund their illicit enterprise. The PHV gang, known for promoting their activities through music and rap videos featuring firearms, cash, expensive cars, and jewelry, distributed marijuana, Percocet pills, and other controlled substances to further their goals.

Gilmore’s rap career was used as a front to promote the PHV, with his music and videos showcasing the gang’s territory and activities. The gang also used two houses in Detroit to store, prepare, and sell drugs, with members armed with firearms to protect their operation.

But that’s not all – Gilmore and his associates also engaged in a scheme to fraudulently obtain pandemic relief grants, specifically Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits to which they were not entitled. The gang managed to scam an astonishing $520,709 in federally-funded stimulus money.

Gilmore’s guilty plea is a significant blow to the PHV gang, and it’s likely that more arrests and convictions will follow. The case serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of gang activity and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes.

Gilmore is set to face sentencing for his crimes, but the exact date and outcome are still unknown. One thing is certain, however – the streets of Detroit are a little bit safer today, thanks to the efforts of law enforcement and the justice system.

Source: Department of Justice

Related Federal Cases