Eric Pridgen, VICAR murders, Virginia 2023

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – In a shocking display of justice, two brothers who were members of the notorious street gang ‘Thug Relations’ were sentenced to life in prison for their roles in multiple murders and robberies. Eric Pridgen, 33, aka ‘Rabbit’, and Herbert Pridgen, 29, aka ‘Bok’, both of Newport News, 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.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, ‘Thug Relations’ was a criminal organization whose members and associates engaged in acts of violence, including five murders, numerous drug robberies and shootings. The jury convicted the three defendants of racketeering conspiracy with special verdicts on four separate murders; the murder of Aaron Sumler on July 5, 2007; Lafayette Bailey on Dec. 15, 2009; Lloyd Robinson on Jan. 9, 2010; and Dominque Wharton on March 16, 2010.

Eric Pridgen, 33, of Newport News, was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences for racketeering conspiracy, multiple robberies, murder in aid of racketeering, use, carry, discharge of firearm resulting in murder, felon in possession of firearm and ammunition, conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, and interference with commerce by robbery.

Herbert Pridgen, 29, of Newport News, was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for racketeering conspiracy, including the murders of Lafayette Bailey and Lloyd Robinson, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, interference with commerce by robbery, murder in aid of racketeering, and use, carry and discharge a firearm during a crime of violence resulting in murder.

Maurice McClain, 33, of Newport News, was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, including the murder of Aaron Sumler, and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 16. Three other defendants, Douglas Ashby, Robbie Bowles, and Antonio Johnson, were charged in the same indictment but pleaded guilty prior to trial.

U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente stated that the sentencing of these defendants sends a clear message that violence and gang-related activity will not be tolerated in the community. The case was investigated by the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office and the Newport News Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia prosecuted the case.

The sentencing of these defendants is a significant victory for justice and a testament to the hard work and dedication of law enforcement agencies. It serves as a reminder that those who engage in violent and gang-related activity will be held accountable for their actions.

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