“Young Mob” Gang Busted: 29 Face Federal Drug Charges

MEMPHIS, TN – Twenty-nine individuals are facing federal drug trafficking charges following a sweeping indictment unsealed yesterday, authorities announced. Fourteen of those indicted are identified as members and associates of the violent street gang known as “Young Mob.” The arrests mark the culmination of a six-year investigation into the gang’s extensive narcotics operation throughout the Western District of Tennessee.

The first indictment targets alleged “Young Mob” members and associates. According to Acting U.S. Attorney Lawrence J. Laurenzi, the gang distributed “substantial amounts of drugs” and brought dangerous weapons into the community. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to eliminate the violence gang members inflict upon our communities and put a stop to their criminal enterprises,” Laurenzi stated. “Dismantling violent gangs at the highest levels remains a priority.”

Those arrested in connection with the “Young Mob” indictment are: Travlis Banks, a/k/a “Puncho,” 37, of Memphis, TN; Cordarius Frost, a/k/a “Red,” a/k/a “Lil Red,” 26, of Memphis, TN; Antwaun Mathews, a/k/a “Twaun,” a/k/a “Mobhomie Twaun,” 27, of Memphis, TN; Ronneill Ross, a/k/a “BG,” 37, of Memphis, TN; Cortney Williams, a/k/a “CC,” 26, of Memphis, TN; Darrell Booth, a/k/a “Boo,” a/k/a “Pawntell,” 37, of Memphis, TN; Rubin Hampton, 26, of Memphis, TN; Johnquis Jones, a/k/a “Bug,” 24, of Memphis, TN; Anthony Allen, a/k/a/ “UNC,” 50, of Memphis, TN; Damein Pack, 32, of Memphis, TN; Carlus Johnson, 34, of Memphis, TN; Shavita Hampton 25, of Memphis, TN; Angela Boyd, a/k/a “Auntie,” 53, of Memphis, TN; and Tori Dickson, 24, of Memphis, TN.

The investigation, a joint effort by the ATF, DEA, Tipton and Shelby County Sheriff’s Offices, U.S. Marshals, and the Memphis Gang Unit, yielded a significant haul of evidence. Authorities seized over forty firearms, many stolen, along with 15-20 digital scales, numerous cellular phones, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and $85,661 in cash – proceeds allegedly from drug and firearm sales. ATF Special Agent in Charge Steve Gerido stated the operation “severely limited the criminal behavior in the affected Memphis neighborhoods.”

A second indictment charged fifteen additional Memphis-area residents with conspiracy to distribute large quantities of drugs throughout West Tennessee. Nine of these individuals were taken into custody today. The indictment alleges a conspiracy that began around March 1, 2016, and continued until recently, involving the distribution of methamphetamine and marijuana, among other controlled substances. Details on the names of the fifteen individuals in the second indictment were not immediately available.

The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Sam Stringfellow. Law enforcement officials are urging the public to report any illegal activity using the ATF’s report it phone app. This bust signals a continued crackdown on gang violence and drug trafficking in the Memphis area, with authorities vowing to pursue further dismantling of criminal enterprises operating within the Western District of Tennessee.