In a major blow to organized crime in Florida, six leaders of a violent gang in Manatee County were convicted of racketeering and multiple murders.
The gang, led by Nathaniel Harris, operated an extremely violent racketeering enterprise for nearly a decade, culminating in the August 1, 2013, murder of Coach Brenton Coleman in front of 300 children and their parents during a youth football practice.
Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Murray, Natalie Hirt Adams, and Administrative Specialist Abbey Hicks, along with Special Agents Yannick J. Deslauriers and Melinda G. Sears from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Trial Attorney Marty Ann Woelfle from the Organized Crime and Gang Section, worked tirelessly to investigate and prosecute the case.
The team successfully investigated and prosecuted the six defendants in a 28-count racketeering indictment involving charges for seven murders, one attempted murder, and two armed kidnappings, among many other crimes.
The recipients excelled in the complex task of persuasively presenting the testimony of cooperating defendants and other witnesses, coupled with physical, forensic, and electronic evidence, resulting in the conviction of all six defendants and sentences ranging from 120 years to multiple life sentences.
This case was one of the most complex and successful violent crime cases in recent history, and the recipients’ dedication and commitment to justice have made a significant impact on the safety of the community.
Related Federal Cases
- Nathaniel Harris, Racketeering Conspiracy, FL 2024 · Florida
- Miguel Pedraza, Racketeering Conspiracy, Florida 2023 · Indiana
- South Florida Cops Get FBI Elite Training · Florida
- Gregory Chester, Racketeering Conspiracy, IL 2013 · Washington
- Francisco Avellaneda-Hernandez, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Florida · Florida
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
