Three members of the notorious Thug Relations street gang have been sentenced to life in prison for their roles in multiple murders and robberies in Virginia.
In a shocking turn of events, brothers Eric Pridgen, aka “Rabbit,” 33, and Herbert Pridgen, aka “Bok,” 29, along with co-conspirator Maurice McClain, 33, all of Newport News, Virginia, were convicted by a federal jury of four VICAR murders, Hobbs Act robbery violations, felon in possession charges, and use of a firearm resulting in murder. The three defendants will spend the rest of their lives behind bars.
The guilty verdicts were handed down in connection with their involvement in Thug Relations, a Virginia-area criminal organization whose members and associates were responsible for five murders, numerous drug robberies, and shootings.
A federal jury found the three defendants guilty of racketeering conspiracy with special verdicts on four separate murders. This conviction is a significant blow to the Thug Relations gang, which has been wreaking havoc in the Virginia area for years.
The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson of the Eastern District of Virginia. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Yvonne A. Garcia of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Managing Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard J. Zlotnick, along with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa R. McKeel and Brian J. Samuels of the Eastern District of Virginia.
Three other defendants, Douglas Ashby, Robbie Bowles, and Antonio Johnson, were charged in the same indictment but pleaded guilty prior to trial. The guilty verdicts and sentences handed down in this case are a testament to the hard work and dedication of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in Virginia who have been working tirelessly to dismantle the Thug Relations gang.
The sentences imposed on Eric Pridgen, Herbert Pridgen, and Maurice McClain are a significant step towards bringing justice to the victims of their crimes and their families. It is a reminder that those who engage in violent crime and gang activity will be held accountable for their actions.
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Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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