Related Federal Cases
- George Skylar Cloud Sentenced to Life for Murder, Gun Crimes · Washington
- Exxon & Shell Robberies: D.C. Man Gets Life Threat · Maryland
- Thug Riders Motorcycle Club Boss Charged in Widespread Violence · Pennsylvania
- Bellinger Sentenced to Life for Prison Murder · West Virginia
- D.C. Robber Nabbed: Six Counts, 25 Years Loom · Virginia
Thug Relations Gang Members Sentenced to Life in Prison
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – In a major blow to the notorious Thug Relations gang, two brothers were sentenced to life in prison for their roles in multiple murders and robberies. Eric Pridgen, 33, also known as ‘Rabbit’, and Herbert Pridgen, 29, also known as ‘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 two defendants of racketeering conspiracy with special verdicts on four separate murders.
Eric Pridgen was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences for his crimes, which included the murders of Lafayette Bailey, Lloyd Robinson, and Dominque Wharton, as well as multiple robberies, murder in aid of racketeering, and use, carry, and discharge of a firearm resulting in murder. Herbert Pridgen was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for his crimes, which included 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 of a firearm during a crime of violence resulting in murder.
Two other defendants, Maurice McClain, 33, and Robbie Bowles, 31, also faced charges in the same indictment. McClain is scheduled to be sentenced on February 16, while Bowles was sentenced to 25 years in prison in May 2016 for his role in the racketeering conspiracy and the murder of Aaron Sumler.
The sentencing of Eric and Herbert Pridgen was a major victory for law enforcement, who have been working to dismantle the Thug Relations gang for years. ‘This sentence sends a strong message that violence and gang activity will not be tolerated in our community,’ said Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.
The Thug Relations gang has been linked to numerous crimes in the Newport News area, including multiple murders, robberies, and shootings. The gang’s activities have had a devastating impact on the community, and the sentencing of Eric and Herbert Pridgen is a step towards bringing justice to the victims and their families.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, with assistance from the Newport News Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies.
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Violent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent Crime