Newport News, Va. – In a shocking turn of events, Maurice McLain, a 33-year-old resident of Newport News, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for his role in a racketeering conspiracy involving the Thug Relations gang.
According to court documents, McLain was found guilty by a jury on June 17, 2016 after a three-week trial. The jury’s verdict came after a lengthy investigation into the gang’s activities, which included drug trafficking, numerous shootings, home invasions, and murders.
The jury specifically found McLain guilty of the murder of 17-year-old Aaron Sumler at Aqueduct Apartments on July 5, 2007. McLain, who was already serving a 15-year sentence for using a gun during narcotics trafficking, will ultimately serve 50 years in prison for his crimes.
The sentencing was announced by Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; and Richard W. Myers, Chief of Newport News Police.
A team of prosecutors, including Managing Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard J. Zlotnick, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Samuels and Lisa R. McKeel, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Yvonne Garcia, worked tirelessly to bring McLain to justice.
The case against McLain is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gang violence on our communities. As we continue to work to dismantle these organizations, we must also support those affected by their crimes.
Maurice McLain’s sentence serves as a warning to those involved in gang activity: we will not tolerate this kind of violence and will work tirelessly to bring you to justice.
Mandatory Facts: Defendant’s Name: Maurice McLain, Exact Criminal Charges: racketeering conspiracy and murder, City and State: Newport News, Va., Exact Date with Month/Day/Year: June 17, 2016 (sentencing), Sentence or Outcome: 40 years in prison.
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Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Violent Crime|Organized Crime|Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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