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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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'Howard Boys' suspect is risk to community, federal judge rules
Published: Monday, May 07, 2012, 4:35 PM Updated: Monday, May 07, 2012, 4:37 PM
By Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com
FLINT, MI -- A Flint man who was indicted with 11 other men for their alleged involvement in a south-side gang was called a risk to the community and was ordered to be detained by a federal judge.
Federal and local charges were issued Thursday against 22 men accused of involvement in the "Howard Boys" street gang, which allegedly operated in and around Howard Estates housing complex.
Declyde P. Brewton was in front of Federal District Magistrate Judge Michael Hluchaniuk today on charges that he was part of a violent drug-dealing criminal enterprise called the "Howard Boys," which operated in and around Howard Estates Townhouses.
Brewton is charged with racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering and using a firearm during the commission of a violent crime.
The indicted members of the alleged street gang are accused of operating a criminal enterprise that sold drugs and guns and used violence to control their operation.
Ten people were charged by Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton with state crimes that included murder, conspiracy to commit murder and assault with intent to murder.
Authorities allege that Brewton, along with another man included in the indictment, attempted to murder a person referenced only as "RH" in order to maintain and increase their standing within the gang in June 2007.
The racketeering and firearm charge carry up to a potential life sentence, while the attempted murder charge carries a sentence of up to 10 years if convicted. The firearm charge also has a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence.
Brewton stood mute as Hluchaniuk reviewed the charges against him. Not guilty pleas were entered on his behalf.
Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Vance argued that Brewton should be held in custody because he represented a flight risk and was a danger to the community.
A series of pictures were displayed that included Brewton and his fellow alleged gang members posing with gang signals and firearms. Some of the photos were posted on social networking sites, Vance said.
Vance also said that Brewton was convicted in 2006 of carrying a concealed weapon, was convicted of a controlled substance charge in 2007 and was accused of being a felon in possession of a firearm earlier this year.
Brewton's attorney, Joan Morgan, disagreed with Vance's assessment of her client.
"There are positives in my client's life," said Morgan, noting that Brewton is employed and lives with his ill grandmother.
Morgan also said that Brewton has a 6-year-old and nearly 2-week-old child that he supports.
However, Vance countered by saying that evidence will show that Brewton allegedly sold crack cocaine as recently as 1-2 months ago.
Hluchaniuk agreed with Vance, saying there was "clear and convincing" evidence that Brewton posed a risk to the community. The judge ordered that Brewton be held without bail, though he did acknowledge that it is unlikely that Brewton is a flight risk. |
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Mon May 07, 2012 8:00 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Three Flint killings named in federal indictment of alleged "Howard Boys" gang members
Published: Thursday, May 03, 2012, 10:00 PM Updated: Friday, May 04, 2012, 12:34 AM
By Khalil AlHajal | kalhajal@mlive.com
FLINT, MI –
The June 15, 2009 killing of Malachi Wilson, the Aug. 11, 2006 slaying of Marion Hardy and the July 17, 2004 homicide of Jonathan Parker are each named in a 41-page federal indictment of 12 alleged members of the "Howard Boys" street gang.
The men face charges that include racketeering conspiracy related to the three murders in addition to five attempted murders and drug and weapons dealing, U.S. District Attorney Barbara McQuade announced today.
Ten other men are also charged by Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton with crimes including murder, conspiracy to commit murder and assault with intent to murder.
The federal indictment reveals details of a multi-year, multi-agency investigation into a gang that authorities believe killed, assaulted and dealt drugs and weapons in the area of the Howard Estates public housing complex for a decade.
Numerous allegations of gun possession, crack cocaine and marijuana sales, beatings, attempted murders and the three killings are listed in the federal court document.
Officials believe the Howard Boys gang, which went by several other names including the "Hot Boys," operated in the area within and around Lapeer Road, Lippincott Boulevard/Thread Lake, Dort Highway and Saginaw Street/12th Street.
"The Howard Boys maintained and controlled this territory such that, within the territory, they and their associates conducted drug and weapons sales with impunity," the indictment states.
The gang is accused of marking its territory and boundaries with graffiti that read "MV-HB," and "Murda Ville."
Tattoos, social networking websites, hand signs and handshakes are also listed as items of evidence against the suspects, who "controlled the neighborhood through intimidation, fear and violence."
"We've known for some time of their involvement in crime and this has been a lengthy investigation," said Leyton. "A lot of agencies have put in a lot of time and it's resulted in all these arrests."
Not all of the suspects have been arrested, Leyton said. |
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Mon May 07, 2012 8:13 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Alleged members of "Howard Boys" gang arraigned on charges in Flint District Court
Published: Tuesday, May 08, 2012, 6:00 PM
By Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com
FLINT, MI -- Seven alleged members of a violent Flint gang were arraigned on charges ranging from murder to drug crimes today in Flint District Court.
The seven men are accused of being members of the "Howard Boys" gang, which authorities say used violence to preserve a drug and gun traffic operation on the city's south side for the past decade.
Two more men are still waiting arraignment on state charges and 12 more have been named in a federal indictment in relation to an investigation into the alleged gang by law enforcement.
Those arraigned today by Flint District Judge Nathaniel Perry III include:
•Paki L. Bonner, 32, of Flint, is charged with conspiracy of first-degree premeditated murder, three counts of assault with intent to murder, discharge of a firearm from a vehicle, carrying a concealed weapon and felony firearm for an August 2005 incident involving rival gang the Terrace Boys.
•
Taron M. Brown, 21, of Burton
, is charged with two counts of delivery or manufacture of less than 50 grams of cocaine, conspiracy to deliver or manufacture less than 50 grams of cocaine, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a short-barrel shotgun/rifle and felony firearm.
•James Ebert, 23, of Flint, is charged with two counts of conspiracy to deliver or manufacture less than 50 grams of cocaine, delivery or manufacturing less than 50 grams of cocaine, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a short-barrel shotgun/rifle and felony firearm.
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Rodrick T. Jackson, 26, of Grand Blanc,
is charged with conspiracy of first-degree murder, two counts of assault with intent to murder, discharging a weapon from a vehicle, carrying a concealed firearm and felony firearm in relation to an August 2005 incident with rival gang the Terrace Boys.
•
Darryl D. Scott, 28, of Flint, is charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy of first-degree murder and assault with intent to murder for a June 2005 incident with rival gang the Terrace Boys.
•Eddie L. Williams, 32, of Flint, is charged with conspiracy of first-degree murder for the July 2004 death of Johnathan Parker. Suspects identified in the federal indictment are also accused in Parker's death.
•Charles T. Orr, 29, of Flint, is charged with conspiracy of delivery of marijuana and delivery of marijuana.
Perry ruled each person held on murder charges with no bond. For the others, Perry issued a bond of $15,000 for each charge.
All eight men are due back in court May 15 for pretrial hearing.
Two of the men charged in the federal indictment were also ordered by Federal District Magistrate Judge Michael Hluchaniuk to be held in custody until their trial.
Hluchaniuk ruled that Jamil Cureton, who was indicted on charges of racketeering and distribution of crack cocaine, posed a risk to the community and should be held in custody.
Prosecutors cited numerous posts and pictures on online social networking sites that allegedly showed Cureton posing with gang signs and referencing violent acts. They also cited a long criminal history of drug charges.
Cureton's attorney, Mark Gatesman, argued against the decision due to his client being employed and is attending school online.
Markus Evans was also ordered to be held in custody, but he did not dispute the decision.
Evans was indicted on charges of racketeering, four counts of distributing a controlled substance, two counts of unlawful transport of a firearm and importing/manufacture of a firearm.
Judith Gracey, Evans' attorney, said her client was already awaiting sentencing for a probation violation and is facing another drug charge in state court, and he was unable to meet the bond obligations.
Gary Ridley can be reached at 810-280-9516.
George Knox May 08, 2012 at 7:30PM
The people in this area of Michigan can be proud of having talented Gang Specialist investigators, some very skilled gang experts, who obviously did a very good and effective job.
Congratulations to the gang crime investigators who were involved in this investigation. They deserve awards all. |
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Wed May 09, 2012 6:50 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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| And who is going to take down the TERRACE BOYS? |
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Wed May 09, 2012 6:52 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Federal 'Howard Boys' case charges two Flint men with racketeering in state manslaughter case they faced in 2009
Published: Monday, May 14, 2012, 6:00 PM Updated: Monday, May 14, 2012, 6:09 PM
By Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com
FLINT, MI -- A man arraigned Thursday after federal prosecutors indicted suspected members of the “Howard Boys” gang will stay behind bars while awaiting his trial on charges that he conspired to use violence to further the gang’s hold on Flint’s drug and gun trade.
File PhotoMarion Hardy
Jonathan E. Walker, 25, of Flint, is charged with racketeering and committing murder in support of racketeering. He pleaded not guilty.
Authorities allege Walker, and his brother, Jatimothy Walker, gunned down Marion Hardy, 19, on Aug. 1, 2006.
Jatimothy Walker is also included in the federal indictment, but he has yet to be arraigned on federal charges.
The indictment accused the two men of killing Hardy to help increase their status in the gang.
If convicted, the Walkers could face time in federal prison, but it wouldn’t be the first time either of the men would spent behind bars for Hardy’s death.
Both men were charged with open murder in 2007 after being accused of killing Hardy.
During a preliminary examination on the charges, Michael Brown, who claimed to be with Hardy at the time of his death, testified that he witnessed the Walkers fatally shoot Hardy.
Brown, who was incarcerated at the time of his testimony and admitted to being a crack cocaine dealer, said he, Hardy and another man were walking through the Howard Estates complex around midnight when he stopped to sell some “dirt” to someone.
As Hardy and the other man walked on, Brown said he saw the two Walkers come out from behind a building and confront Hardy.
Brown said Hardy stripped off his shirt and “squared up” to fight, but Jatimothy Walker responded by shooting Hardy. Then, Brown said, both Walkers proceeded to shoot Hardy.
“Jonathan finished him off,” Brown testified.
A medical examiner testified that Hardy had been shot six times, including once through the heart.
Both men pleaded no contest to manslaughter in 2009 on state charges for killing Hardy. The plea deal called for the two to serve one year in the county jail.
Special Assistant Prosecuting Attorney John Potbury said a number of issues came to light during the initial state prosecution of Hardy's death that led to the plea deal.
"There were serious burden of proof issues that developed in our case," Potbury said.
Issues included the Walkers having credible alibis, and reliability problems with witnesses.
Ronald J. Bretz, a professor at Cooley Law School, said it isn’t uncommon in these types of cases for prosecutors to charge defendants federally for crimes that they were already convicted of in state courts.
Bretz said the constitutional protection against double-jeopardy, or trying someone twice for the same offense, would not apply in this case because the "dual sovereignty doctrine" allows federal courts to charge for the same crime a person was convicted of in a state court as long as they are charged with violating a federal law.
This doctrine is often used in federal racketeering cases, particularly when prosecutors aim to prove a pattern of racketeering activity, Bretz said.
BillyLove May 14, 2012 at 8:33PM
Genesee County prosecutors have denied any gang problems in Flint since 2006 and before.
Imjustsayin May 14, 2012 at 9:44PM
Both men pleaded no contest to manslaughter in 2009 on state charges for killing Hardy. The plea deal called for the two to serve one year in the county jail.
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One year for manslaughter? Yes folks, Deal'Em Dave gave two thugs 1 year for manslaughter, which really should have been murder. Leyton is SOFT on crime. |
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Mon May 14, 2012 11:10 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Two alleged members of 'Howard Boys gang arraigned in federal court
Published: Wednesday, May 30, 2012, 5:30 PM
By Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com
FLINT, MI -- Two more alleged members of the "Howard Boys" gang, which authorities say used violence to control the gun and drug trade on the city's south side, were arraigned in federal court today.
Michigan Department of Corrections
Carvell Gordon, 27, and Jatimothy Walker, 31, both had to be brought in from state correctional facilities for their arraignment today. Both men pleaded not guilty.
Both men are facing racketeering charges and Walker is also charged with killing Marion Hardy in support of the racketeering operation.
Walker, along with his brother, Jonathan Walker, both served one-year in the county jail for killing Hardy after reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors.
Special Assistant Prosecuting Attorney John Potbury said previously that a number of issues came to light during the initial state prosecution of Hardy's death that led to the plea deal
.
Walker is currently 7-20 years in Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility in Ionia.
Gordon is currently serving 10-25 years in St. Louis Correctional Facility for killing Scott Edmonds.
According to court records, Gordon shot and killed Edmonds in September 2006 during a drug deal gone wrong.
Charges have been filed against 22 men in federal and state court for their alleged involvement in the gang that is accused of operating out of the Howard Estates public housing complex. |
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Wed May 30, 2012 5:19 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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288572
SID Number: 2011343H
Name: JATIMOTHY EDWARD WALKER
Racial Identification: Black
Gender: Male
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Height: 5' 11"
Weight: 180 lbs.
Date of Birth: 02/17/1981 (31)
JATIMOTHY EDWARD WALKER Image Date: 6/24/2011
MDOC STATUS
Current Status: Prisoner - Released to court on writ (05/22/2012) Earliest Release Date: 07/24/2014
Assigned Location: Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility Maximum Discharge Date: 07/24/2027
Security Level: II
ALIASES MARKS, SCARS & TATTOOS
J.T.
Body Piercing- Left Ear
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Body Piercing- Right Ear
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Tattoo- Left Neck
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Tattoo- Right Arm - Tonya
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Tattoo- Right Forearm - Flint
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Tattoo- Right Neck
PRISON SENTENCES
ACTIVE
Sentence 1
Offense: Controlled Substance-Del/Manuf-Narc/Coc 50-449 Grams Minimum Sentence: 7 years 0 months 0 days
MCL#: 333.74012A3 Maximum Sentence: 20 years 0 months
Court File#: 07020926-FH-U Date of Offense: 05/08/2007
County: Genesee Date of Sentence: 10/01/2007
Conviction Type: Plea
Sentence 2
Offense: Controlled Substance-Possess Narcotic/Cocaine < 25 Grams Minimum Sentence: 1 year 0 months 0 days
MCL#: 333.74032A5 / 769.11 Maximum Sentence: 8 years 0 months
Court File#: 07020030-FH-U Date of Offense: 06/30/2006
County: Genesee Date of Sentence: 10/01/2007
Conviction Type: Plea
INACTIVE
None
PROBATION SENTENCES
ACTIVE
Sentence 1
Offense: Homicide - Manslaughter - Statutory Short Form Minimum Sentence:
MCL#: 750.321A Maximum Sentence: 5 years 0 months
Court File#: 0721905FC Date of Offense: 08/01/2006
County: Genesee Date of Sentence: 04/09/2009
Conviction Type: Nolo Contendere
INACTIVE
Sentence 1
Offense: Police Officer - Assault/Resist/Obstruct Minimum Sentence:
MCL#: 750.81D1 Maximum Sentence: 3 years 0 months
Court File#: 0413462-FH Date of Offense: 01/11/2004
County: Genesee Date of Sentence: 03/18/2004
Conviction Type: Plea Discharge Date: 04/17/2006
Discharge Reason: Offender Discharge
Sentence 2
Offense: Controlled Substance-Delivery/Manufacture Marijuana Minimum Sentence:
MCL#: 333.74012D3 Maximum Sentence: 3 years 0 months
Court File#: 99-04344-FH Date of Offense:
County: Genesee Date of Sentence: 06/21/1999
Conviction Type: Plea Discharge Date: 04/29/2002
Discharge Reason: Offender Discharge
Sentence 3
Offense: Controlled Substance-Delivery/Manufacture Marijuana Minimum Sentence:
MCL#: 333.74012D3 Maximum Sentence: 4 years 0 months
Court File#: 99-04344-FH Date of Offense:
County: Genesee Date of Sentence: 06/21/1999
Conviction Type: Plea Discharge Date: 06/20/2003
Discharge Reason: Offender Discharge
Sentence 4
Offense: Controlled Substance-Possess Narcotic/Cocaine < 25 Grams Minimum Sentence:
MCL#: 333.74032A5 Maximum Sentence: 3 years 0 months
Court File#: 0413462-FH Date of Offense: 01/11/2004
County: Genesee Date of Sentence: 03/18/2004
Conviction Type: Plea Discharge Date: 04/17/2006
Discharge Reason: Offender Discharge
SUPERVISION CONDITIONS
None |
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Wed May 30, 2012 5:26 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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506018
SID Number: 2437760A
Name: CARVELL JAMAR GORDON
Racial Identification: Black
Gender: Male
Hair: Black
Eyes: Black
Height: 6' 5"
Weight: 245 lbs.
Date of Birth: 02/16/1985 (27)
CARVELL JAMAR GORDON Image Date: 12/9/2011
MDOC STATUS
Current Status: Prisoner - Released to court on writ (05/22/2012) Earliest Release Date: 11/09/2021
Assigned Location: St. Louis Correctional Facility Maximum Discharge Date: 11/09/2036
Security Level: IV
ALIASES MARKS, SCARS & TATTOOS
CARVELL JAMAR GORDAN
Tattoo- Back Right Forearm - CDM & Cross
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Tattoo- Left Forearm - South side
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Tattoo- Left Neck - Nelle
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Tattoo- Right Forearm - Carvell
PRISON SENTENCES
ACTIVE
Sentence 1
Offense: Homicide - Murder, Second Degree Minimum Sentence: 10 years 0 months 0 days
MCL#: 750.317 Maximum Sentence: 25 years 0 months
Court File#: 10026223-FC-N Date of Offense: 09/03/2006
County: Genesee Date of Sentence: 12/06/2011
Conviction Type: Plea
Sentence 2
Offense: Weapons - Felony Firearms Minimum Sentence: 2 years 0 months 0 days
MCL#: 750.227BA Maximum Sentence: 2 years 0 months
Court File#: 10026223-FC-N Date of Offense: 09/03/2006
County: Genesee Date of Sentence: 12/06/2011
Conviction Type: Plea
INACTIVE
Sentence 1
Offense: Weapons - Firearms - Possession by Felon Minimum Sentence: 1 year 8 months 0 days
MCL#: 750.224F Maximum Sentence: 5 years 0 months
Court File#: 06018175-FH-H Date of Offense: 09/03/2005
County: Genesee Date of Sentence: 01/11/2007
Conviction Type: Plea Discharge Date: 11/16/2011
Discharge Reason: Offender Discharge
Sentence 2
Offense: Controlled Substance-Possess Narcotic/Cocaine < 25 Grams Minimum Sentence: 1 year 4 months 0 days
MCL#: 333.74032A5 Maximum Sentence: 4 years 0 months
Court File#: 06018175-FH-H Date of Offense: 09/03/2005
County: Genesee Date of Sentence: 01/11/2007
Conviction Type: Plea Discharge Date: 11/16/2011
Discharge Reason: Offender Discharge
Sentence 3
Offense: Controlled Substance-Possess Narcotic/Cocaine < 25 Grams Minimum Sentence: 0 years 11 months 0 days
MCL#: 333.74032A5 Maximum Sentence: 4 years 0 months
Court File#: 07019719-FH-A Date of Offense: 03/04/2006
County: Genesee Date of Sentence: 03/06/2007
Conviction Type: Plea Discharge Date: 11/16/2011
Discharge Reason: Offender Discharge
PROBATION SENTENCES
ACTIVE
None
INACTIVE
Sentence 1
Offense: Weapons - Carrying Concealed - Attempt Minimum Sentence:
MCL#: 750.227 Maximum Sentence: 2 years 0 months
Court File#: 0414442-FH Date of Offense: 07/14/2004
County: Genesee Date of Sentence: 08/30/2004
Conviction Type: Plea Discharge Date: 09/20/2006
Discharge Reason: Offender Discharge
Sentence 2
Offense: Controlled Substance-Possess Narcotic/Cocaine < 25 Grams Minimum Sentence:
MCL#: 333.74032A5 Maximum Sentence: 2 years 0 months
Court File#: 0618175-FH Date of Offense: 09/03/2005
County: Genesee Date of Sentence: 11/16/2006
Conviction Type: Plea Discharge Date: 01/11/2007
Discharge Reason: Probation Violator New Sentence
SUPERVISION CONDITIONS
None |
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Wed May 30, 2012 5:29 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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| With the demise of the South Side task force, the Terrace Boyz and those in the regency will run the police ragged. |
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Sat Jun 02, 2012 9:09 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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| The regencies have tightened up their security and much of the violence has been slowed down. |
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Wed Jun 04, 2014 3:17 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Prosecutors detail killings as Howard Boys racketeering trial begins
t
Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com By Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com
Follow on Twitter
on June 02, 2014 at 5:30 PM, updated June 02, 2014 at 5:51 PM
(Khalil AlHajal | MLive.com)The "Howard Boys" gang is accused in a federal indictment of marking their territory in and around Howard Estates with graffiti like these markings seen at the public housing complex.
FLINT, MI -- Opening arguments have begun in a racketeering conspiracy case against a half-dozen men accused of using violence and intimidation to control the gun and drug trade on the city's south side.
Federal prosecutors on Monday, June 2, outlined their accusations against the group they referred to as the Howard Boys.
Authorities claim the group used threats and violence to protect their business of selling drugs and illegal weapons.
"Ladies and gentlemen, let me welcome you to Murda Ville," assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Vance told jurors, referencing a phrase the suspects allegedly used to describe the territory they controlled on the city's south side.
Vance outlined a number of violent encounters the men are accused of, including the killings of Marion Hardy, Jonathan Parker and Malachi Wilson. The group is also accused in seven attempted homicides.
"The goal of this enterprise was to provide an exclusive area where only Howard Boys associates could make money selling drugs," Vance said.
Authorities claim the group operated in and around the Howard Estates housing complex. Its territory generally included the area in and around Lapeer Road, Lippincott Boulevard, Dort Highway and 12th Street near South Saginaw Street.
Prosecutors claim the men controlled the sale of crack cocaine and marijuana in this territory with violence by assaulting, even shooting, others who attempted to sell drugs in the area.
Vance told jurors that Parker was killed by Alexandra Norwood after Parker shot a man that provided drugs and guns to the group.
Prosecutors allege Norwood found Parker riding a bicycle in the neighborhood, pushed him off the bike and shot him four times. Vance claims Norwood was paid by Parker's initial victim for the killing.
Wilson was killed after a love triangle involving his brother, his brother's girlfriend and Leon Gills erupted in gunfire, prosecutors said.
Vance told jurors that Wilson's brother found Gills in bed with his girlfriend. Wilson's brother responded by pulling a gun on Gills but eventually left the apartment where he discovered the two.
Gills allegedly later responded by firing multiple shots into a van that Wilson's brother was known to drive. Wilson's brother was not in the van, but two of the four people who were in the vehicle suffered gunshot wounds.
Vance said Gills then allegedly called Wilson's brother to tell him that he was the intended target of the shooting and that he planned to next target Wilson.
Three months later, Wilson was allegedly gunned down by Johnathan Oldham and Shawn Gardner in the middle of Lapeer Road.
Gardner has reached an agreement with prosecutors to testify in the case.
Defense attorneys told jurors that they should be skeptical of testimony provided by people like Gardner, who received preferential treatment from prosecutors in exchange for their cooperation.
"They have a lot of reasons to be untruthful," said attorney Randall Roberts, who is representing Jonathan Walker.
Defense attorneys also denied that the men were acting as an enterprise, which prosecutors are required to prove to succeed with the racketeering conspiracy charge.
Attorney Jerome Sabbota, who is representing Jatimothy Walker, admitted that his client sold drugs, but that he did so as an "independent contractor."
Opening arguments from the remaining defense attorneys are scheduled to continue Tuesday, June 3.
Here is a brief look at the charges each suspect is facing:
•Jamil Cureton -- Charged with racketeering and selling crack cocaine to a customer Sept. 9, 2009, near 12th Street and Lapeer Road in Flint.
•Leon Gills -- Charged with racketeering, two counts of attempted murder in support of racketeering and two counts of using a gun in a violent crime. Authorities say Gills attempted to kill four people March 17, 2009, when he shot into a vehicle at 3280 Lippincott Boulevard in Burton. Authorities also claimed that he attempted to kill Charles Orr, another alleged Howard Boys member, July 22, 2009, after Orr allegedly killed Oldham's brother.
•Johnathan Oldham -- Charged with racketeering, murder in support of racketeering, attempted murder in support of racketeering, six controlled substances violations, two counts of using a firearm in a violent crime, possessing an unregistered firearm, possessing a defaced firearm and dealing firearms without a license. Authorities say Oldham killed Malachi Wilson June 15, 2009, at Howard Estates. He is also accused of attempting to kill a second person Feb. 13, 2010, at the Boogie Down Motorcycle Club during a dispute with a member of the Drifters Motorcycle Club.
•Jonathan Walker -- Charged with racketeering, murder in support of racketeering, attempted murder in support of racketeering and using a gun during a violent crime. Authorities claim Walker killed Marion Hardy Aug. 1, 2006, at Howard Estates. Witnesses have testified in state court that Hardy stripped off his shirt and "squared up" to fight, but Jatimothy Walker, Jonathan's brother, responded by shooting Hardy. Then, a witness testified, both Walkers proceeded to shoot Hardy. He is also accused of attempting to kill Alonzo Golfin Feb. 7, 2010, after Golfin, an alleged member of a rival gang, was found on Howard Boys turf.
•Jatimothy Walker -- Charged with racketeering and murdering Hardy in support of racketeering.
•Alexandra Norwood -- Charged with racketeering and murder in support of racketeering. Norwood is accused of fatally shooting Jonathan Parker July 17, 2004, near Crocker Avenue and Lippincott Boulevard. |
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Wed Jun 04, 2014 4:58 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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April 25, 2013
Michigan Court of Appeals Reverses Conviction of Flint Man Serving Time for Second-Degree Murder, Other Charges
by Scott Grabel
In March of 2011, Shawn D. Gardner was convicted by a jury of second-degree murder in the 2009 shooting death of 20-year-old Lennon Johnson Jr. outside a Flint nightclub. Gardner was also found guilty on charges of felony firearms and felon in possession of firearms. On April 17, Gardner’s conviction was reversed by the Michigan Court of Appeals on grounds that Gardner had ineffective counsel in his 2011 trial.
Gardner, who is believed to be a member of an alleged gang known as the “Howard Boys,” was serving 80 to 120 years in prison for Johnson’s murder. The gang, according to a news article at Mlive.com, had been formed in 2002; members allegedly used violence to control a territorial drug operation.
In January of this year Gardner was charged with two other murders related to incidents from 2004 and 2009. He was also charged with three counts of assault with intent to murder in connection with three shootings that occurred in 2004 and 2009.
In the murder of Lennon Johnson Jr., Gardner allegedly fired an assault rifle during a car chase involving the victim, who was struck in the head while inside his vehicle. His car then entered an intersection and was struck by oncoming traffic.
The appeals court found that Mark Clement, Gardner’s attorney in the 2011 trial, failed to object to polygraph evidence taken from a witness who pinned Ricco Holmes for the murder. Holmes was with Gardner at the nightclub the night of the murder, and the two men followed the victim out of the club.
Clement said there was nothing he could have done, and that had he requested a mistrial it would have either forced a new trial, or shone attention on the significance of the polygraph. Clement blames the error on prosecutors for asking about the results of the polygraph. Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton told reporters that he intends to retry the case.
Michigan criminal appeals attorneys know that while it is not true in every case, there are times when mistakes are made in the legal justice system, or innocent people find themselves in a prison cell. The appellate court makes it possible in some cases for individuals to have a second chance in presenting their case, whether you feel you have been sentenced unfairly, or even wrongfully convicted.
It is essential that you consult with a capable and experienced Michigan murder appeals and post-conviction lawyer if you have been wrongly convicted or feel that your legal counsel was inadequate or ineffective. Don’t assume that you have reached a dead end; there may be other options.
Posted in: Criminal Appeals
Updated: February 19, 2014 7:05 pm |
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Wed Jul 09, 2014 5:36 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Accused Howard Boys gang member convicted of stepfather's slaying
Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com By Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com
Follow on Twitter
on July 22, 2014 at 1:00 PM, updated July 22, 2014 at 1:01 PM
FLINT, MI -- A man already serving a prison term for armed robbery has been convicted of the 2005 killing of his stepfather.
Jurors found Terrell Dejuan Roche guilty July 18 of first-degree premeditated murder, second-degree arson and felony firearms.
Prosecutors filed charges against Roche in November 2013 for the Oct. 23, 2005, death of his stepfather.
Ralph Matthews, 49, was found shot to death in the kitchen of a burning home at 2009 Stanford Ave.
The case included extensive testimony from people associated with the accused Howard Boys street gang.
"It is our contention that Roche was connected to the Howard Boys," said Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton. "Through agreement with federal authorities, we handled this prosecution."
Jury deliberations in a separate federal case are currently underway in a massive federal racketeering case against six men accused of being part of a deadly south Flint street gang. Others associated with the gang, including some charged with murder, reached plea agreements with prosecutors to cooperate in the ongoing cases.
Attorney Tricia Raymond, who represented Roche, said that her client loved his stepfather and that he has maintained his innocence throughout the trial.
"I am disappointed in the jury's verdict," Raymond said. "I believe there was reasonable doubt."
Raymond said the conviction will be appealed.
Roche, 31, is currently serving time in the Ionia Correctional Facility after pleading no contest to a 2006 armed robbery and assault. His earliest release was December 2019, according to state records.
Sentencing is set for Aug. 25. First-degree murder carries an automatic sentence of life in prison without parole.
"(It was) really top-notch work by the investigators and Assistant Prosecutor Karen Hanson in bringing this case to justice," said Leyton. |
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Wed Jul 23, 2014 8:39 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Members of Howard Boys Gang Convicted of RICO Conspiracy
U.S. Attorney’s Office
July 23, 2014
Eastern District of Michigan
(313) 226-9100
Five Flint men were convicted of RICO conspiracy yesterday afternoon in the United States District Court in Flint, Michigan, United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced. The convictions followed a seven week trial in front of the U.S. District Judge Mark A. Goldsmith.
McQuade was joined in the announcement by Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton and Paul M. Abbate, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office.
The five men were convicted of participating in the Howard Boys criminal enterprise which operated from 2002 to 2012. The Howard Boys enterprise was described during the trial as a street gang whose activities included murders, attempted murders and drug dealing on the south side of Flint.
“These convictions—both state and federal—should send an important message to this community that violence will not be tolerated. It will not be tolerated by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office and it will not be tolerated by the people of Flint. Despite immense pressure not to testify, many from this community assisted these cases by providing information and testifying. The jury’s verdict shows that their voices were heard,” McQuade said.
“For years, the violence committed by the defendants in this case was perpetrated on the city of Flint and surrounding areas in epidemic proportions,” said Paul M. Abbate, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “Ultimately, the arrest, conviction and punishment of these individuals were due, in large degree, to the assistance provided by members of the community, demonstrating that it takes a collective effort—between federal, state and local law enforcement, along with a concerned citizenry—to take back our communities from violent offenders, one neighborhood at a time. The FBI will continue to work with its law enforcement partners and the community as a whole to aggressively combat violent crime.”
These convictions follow convictions which were obtained by the Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office in state court for additional members and associates of the Howard Boys.
“For the better part of a decade, the members of this gang reigned terror on the streets of Flint with their criminal enterprise,” said Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton. “But justice has prevailed and these defendants will now pay their debt to society behind closed walls, steel bars, and barbed wire fences,” he said.
“We will continue to work together to punish those who have committed these crimes. Ultimately, however, we will not be successful unless we can prevent these crimes from happening in the first place,” McQuade added.
The case included crimes and investigations from as early as 2002. The federal case was investigated by the Genesee County Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of agents from the FBI and officers from the Flint Police Department and the Michigan State Police. Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as well as officers from the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department participated in the investigation and trial as well.
In addition to the convictions for RICO conspiracy, the jury convicted the five defendants of the following crimes:
Alexandra Norwood
◾Murder in aid of racketeering
Jatimothy Walker
◾Murder in aid of racketeering
Jonathan Walker
◾Murder in aid of racketeering
◾Attempted murder in aid of racketeering
◾Use and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
Johnathan Oldham
◾Murder in aid of racketeering
◾Attempted murder in aid of racketeering—two counts
◾Use and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence—three counts
◾Distribution of cocaine base—six counts
◾Possession of a short barreled firearm
◾Possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number
◾Dealing in firearms without a license
Leon Gills
◾Attempted murder in aid of racketeering—two counts
◾Use and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
The five men are facing up to life in prison for their convictions on the RICO conspiracy charge. Norwood, Oldham, and Jatimothy and Jonathan Walker face mandatory life in prison for their respective murder in aid of racketeering convictions.
In addition to those convicted at trial six men had previously pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy in federal court. Those six were:
◾Declyde Brewton
◾Willie Chambers
◾Sean Cunningham
◾Markus Evans
◾Malcom Evans
◾Carvell Gordon
Among those convicted in the Genesee County Circuit Court were:
Paki Bonner
◾Felonious assault
◾Felony firearm
Taron Brown
◾Possession of a short barreled rifle
◾Carrying a concealed weapon
◾Possession of cocaine
Jamel Cheeks
◾Second degree murder
◾Felony firearm
Roderick Dudley
◾Manslaughter
◾Felon in possession of a firearm
James Elbert
◾Delivery of cocaine
◾Carrying a concealed weapon
Carvell Gordon
◾Second degree murder
◾Felony firearm
Shawn Gardner
◾Second degree murder
Ricco Holmes
◾Second degree murder—two counts
◾Felony firearm—two counts
Rodrick Jackson
◾Assault with intent to do great bodily harm
◾Felony firearm
Charles Orr
◾Delivery of marijuana
Terrell Roche
◾First degree murder
◾Felony firearm
◾Second degree arson
Darryl Scott
◾Second degree murder
Eddie Williams
◾Manslaughter
The federal case was prosecuted by the Flint Branch of the United States Attorney’s Office.
This content has been reproduced from its original source. |
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Tue Jul 29, 2014 7:07 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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bing.com/news
Kilmartin Responds to Hodgson on RICO Gang Initiative
Go Local Prov · 1 day ago
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Kilmartin has responded to State Senator and Republican candidate for Attorney General Dawson Hodgson's proposal that state…
Kilmartin Responds to Hodgson on RICO Gang Initiative
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Tuesday, July 29, 2014
GoLocal News Team
RI Attorney General Peter Kilmartin
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Kilmartin has responded to State Senator and Republican candidate for Attorney General Dawson Hodgson's proposal that state prosecutors use his “RICO Gang Initiative" to fight gang violence.
Statement from Kilmartin's Office
“The suggestion to use the RICO law in this way is not new, and the use of federal and state RICO laws to address gang violence has been discussed by this office and other law enforcement officials for several years. Although the RICO law has been a very successful tool in the efforts to prosecute organized crime, RICO investigations are generally the result of proactive, long term and labor intensive investigations involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Because RICO investigations require significant police resources, law enforcement agencies are critical partners in the decision whether their often limited resources are best used in such an effort.
In reality, violation of the RICO statute it is not simply a charge that the Attorney General, or any prosecutor, adds to an existing case. Under Rhode Island law, the term “racketeering activity” is specifically defined and requires more than simply gang membership. In addition, the Rhode Island RICO statute requires the receipt of income derived from a racketeering activity. Because of that limitation, it is more limited than federal law. Rest assured, however, that police and prosecutors are already well aware of the potential use of federal and state RICO statutes.
Recognizing that RICO is one tool that can be used to combat gang violence, but looking to develop additional prosecutorial options, Attorney General Kilmartin this year proposed a new sentencing enhancement statute for individuals who are convicted of a felony and are found to be associated with a criminal street gang. This new law allows for prosecutors to seek an additional 10 years to serve for any person who is convicted of any felony that is knowingly committed for the benefit, at the direction of, or in association with any criminal street gang.
The law, in combination with seeking strict criminal penalties for the underlying criminal acts, will provide for harsher penalties for anyone whose motivation to commit crimes comes from their loyalty to a criminal organization, and whose disregard for public safety has resulted in numerous deaths and serious injuries, particularly from gun violence. And, it will hopefully deter vulnerable youths from joining a criminal gang.”
Related Slideshow: Providence’s Most Violent Neighborhoods |
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Wed Jul 30, 2014 11:39 am |
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