MEMPHIS, TN — In a stark reminder of the relentless gang warfare gripping Tennessee’s Western District, six alleged members of the Unknown Vice Lords (UVL) Ghost Mob have been indicted on nine counts, including conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and firearms violations. The grim charges stem from a retaliatory shooting incident that left residents in fear.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti from the Justice Department’s Criminal Division called out the gang members’ disregard for public safety, noting their involvement in a residential neighborhood shootout. ‘Gang violence inflicts profound harm on our communities,’ Galeotti said, emphasizing the Justice Department’s commitment to dismantling criminal organizations and ensuring public safety.
Special Agent in Charge Jamey VanVliet of the ATF Nashville Field Division echoed this sentiment, pointing out that the gang members’ premeditated acts demonstrated a ‘blatant disregard for human life.’ The ATF, along with local and federal law enforcement partners, are dedicated to combating violent crime, he added.
Court documents reveal that on September 6, 2020, rival gang members attacked UVL Ghost Mob members and their families, resulting in injuries. In retaliation, UVL leaders ordered an attack on the rivals’ residence. On September 7, 2020, armed with assault-style rifles and wearing masks, five defendants executed a shooting spree, firing approximately 40-50 bullets into the residence while rival gang members were inside. Security cameras captured the entire incident.
The indicted defendants are Antwon Brown (32, Memphis), Cordera Douglas (36, Memphis), Willie Merriweather (41, Antioch), Tevin Richardson (34, Memphis), Ricky Rogers Jr. (32, Memphis), and Laraveus Williams (32, Memphis). The charges carry maximum penalties ranging from 10 to 20 years’ imprisonment.
Investigation was led by the ATF and the Memphis Police Department, with prosecution handled by Trial Attorneys Lisa M. Thelwell and Dennis Robinson of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. This case is part of the Violent Crime Initiative to combat gang-related crime in Memphis and surrounding areas.
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- Memphis Felon Faces Firearm Charges Conviction · Tennessee
- “Young Mob” Gang Busted: 29 Face Federal Drug Charges · Tennessee
- Memphis Gunman Gets 10 Years for Robbery, Illegal Firearm · Tennessee
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Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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