Memphis Gang Leader Indicted on Racketeering Charges

A federal grand jury in Memphis, Tennessee has indicted 14 alleged members and associates of the Traveling Vice Lord/Junk Yard Dogs (TVL/JYD), a violent criminal street gang. The indictment alleges that the gang engaged in a racketeering conspiracy involving acts of murder, attempted murder, and drug trafficking.

According to the indictment, the TVL/JYD is a subset of the Almighty Vice Lord Nation, which originated in Chicago, Illinois. The gang operates throughout the Western District of Tennessee and is led by Tomarcus Baskerville, 33, who held the rank of ‘Chief of Streets.’

The investigation, led by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), revealed that between June 17, 2020, and August 2020, Tomarcus Baskerville ordered five separate shootings against rival gang members, resulting in nine individuals being shot and one person dying.

The indictment names 14 individuals, including Tomarcus Baskerville, Christopher Peeler, Martivus Baskerville, and 11 others. They are charged with racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and brandishing and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

The racketeering conspiracy charge carries a maximum sentence of life, while the murder in aid of racketeering charge carries a sentence of death or life imprisonment. The brandishing and discharging a firearm charge carries a penalty of not less than 10 years consecutive to its related Attempted Murder (Violent Crime in Aid in Racketeering).

The case is ongoing, and the defendants are currently in custody. The investigation is being led by the TBI and the ATF, with assistance from the Memphis Police Department.

The indictment alleges that the gang’s hierarchy includes positions such as Chief of Streets, Deck Holder, Enforcer, Treasurer, and Chief of Security. Members and associates who participate in violent acts directed at rival gangs or as directed by gang leadership can increase their respect and potentially be promoted to leadership positions.

The investigation has been ongoing for two years and has resulted in the indictment of 14 alleged members and associates of the Traveling Vice Lord/Junk Yard Dogs gang. The case is a significant blow to the gang’s operations in the Western District of Tennessee.

The indictment highlights the violent nature of the gang and the need for law enforcement to take action against organized crime. The case is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the TBI and the ATF in investigating and prosecuting gang-related crimes.

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