Rusty Eugene Duke, Racketeering, Texas 2024

A Dallas man has pleaded guilty to racketeering charges, capping a six-year effort that has led to 73 convictions across five federal districts.

HOUSTON – In a major blow to the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT), the remaining two defendants of 36 accused in the Southern District of Texas of racketeering activities as part of their roles with the ABT have pleaded guilty. Those convicted were charged with involvement in a criminal organization that engaged in murders, kidnappings, brutal beatings, fire bombings, and drug trafficking.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson and Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge Robert W. Elder of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)’s Houston Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI’s Houston Field Division, and Special Agent in Charge David M. Marwell of the Homeland Security Investigations’ Dallas Field Division made the announcement.

“Today, public safety is the winner,” said Magidson. “A significant blow to the ABT criminal activities culminated today with the convictions of all 36 as charged in relation to this significant racketeering activity. Only with a coordinated federal, state, and local law enforcement effort, could these criminals’ extensive and heinous gang activities be brought before the bar of justice.”

The Aryan Brotherhood of Texas launched its murderous and racist ideology within the Texas prisons, but unleashed a violent crime wave that jumped the prison walls and spread like a virus, said Caldwell.

The 36 convicted are part of a larger, six-year effort that has led to the conviction of 73 ABT members and associates in cases brought in the Southern District of Texas, Eastern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, Northern District of Texas, and Western District of Oklahoma.

“Today marks a great day for the citizens of Texas,” said Elder. “As they go about their daily lives, they can rest easier knowing that law enforcement across the state is working tirelessly to keep them safe from violent criminals.

“While these convictions have dealt a serious blow to the gang, there are always others waiting to take their place in the organization,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Turner. “We have a message for them too: Violence and intimidation will not rule the streets of Houston. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue gang leaders and their associates at every level to ensure the safety of our communities.

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