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Topic: Howard Boys Trial and song "Pat Around"
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

When he was being cross examined, Gills did not want to discuss the real reason for the fight in the Midland County Jail between the Howard Boys and the Terrace Boys (from Atherton terrace). After being informed his taped phone call to a female from the jail had him saying he hit the Terrace Boy because he was a "Rat", he grew sullen.

Gills testified he had been told the Terrace Boy had testified against his cousin in a federal case. "I didn't tell the jury anything about the argument", insisted Gills. Vance reminded Gills that Gills' defense attorney, Simmington, had asked him what the argument was about. Obviously Gills have been watching some politicians who use repetition to get out of a difficult spot as he kept repeating "No you are not correct".

Gills maintained his combative attitude throughout the dialogue, He finally admitted the Terrace Boy did not want to fight about a gambling debt, so he shouted cross the room the guy was a rat/
Post Fri Jul 18, 2014 3:54 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

CLOSED FOJ CASE REGISTER OF ACTIONS 07/18/14 PAGE 1
09-025544-FH JUDGE FARAH FILE 09/16/09 ADJ DT 09/21/09 CLOSE 04/14/10
GENESEE COUNTY SCAO:SEC B LINE 03

D 001 GILLS,LEON, DOB: 08/16/89 SEX: M RACE: B
710 DICKINSON CTN:250900348301 TCN:
FLINT, MI 48503 SID:
DLN:XXXXXXXXXXXXX ST:XX
PIN:25FPD48743
ATY: EWING,MICHAEL EDWARD, PROSECUTOR: LEYTON,DAVID S.,
P-70814 810-760-4000 APPOINTED P-35086
LOWER DISTRICT: 68 CTY# 25 CASE# 09-1501FY PRELIM: WAIVE 09/14/09
INCARCERATION DATE: DISTRICT ARRAIGNMENT:


Bond History
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Num Amount Type Posted Date Status
--- ---------------- --------------------- ----------- -----------
1 $5,000.00 Personal Recognizance
2 $1,000.00 Ten Percent 9/27/11 Applied

Charges
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Num Type Charge(Pacc) Asc/Trf Charge Description Offense Dt Dsp Evt
--- ---- ------------------- ------- ---------------------- ---------- --- ---
01 ORG 750.227 WEAPONS-CARRY CONCEALED 09/03/09 PLG ARR



17 12/11/09 SENTENCING
ATTORNEY PRESENT: SIMMINGTON
PROCEEDING DIGITALLY RECORDED
ADJOURNED
MOTION BY D.A. SIMMINGTON
TO ADJOURN MATTER TO
ADDRESS MOTION TO WITHDRAW
PLEA FOR POSSIBLE HYTA
STATUS. MOTION GRANTED.
COURT SET NEW DATE.
BOND CONTINUED.
18 SET NEXT DATE FOR: 01/11/10 3:00 PM
SENTENCING
& MOTION TO WITHDRAW PLEA
19 12/17/09 CENTRAL INTAKE REPORT FILED
20 01/04/10 NOTICE OF HRG.1/11/10 @ 3:00
MOTION TO WITHDRAW PLEA OF
GUILTY TO ATTEMPT CCW FOR
ENTRY OF GUILTY PLEA TO CCW,
FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSIDERA-
TION OF HYTA ASSIGNMENT FILED
MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF
MOTION FILED
PROOF OF SERVICE 1/4/2010 ON
PROS. ATTY FILED
21 01/11/10 PRE-TRIAL HEARING
ATTORNEY PRESENT: SIMMINGTON
PROCEEDING DIGITALLY RECORDED
MOTION BY D.A. SIMMINGTON &
APA RIGGS TO WITHDRAW DEFT'S
GUILTY PLEA. MOTION GRANTED.
I.R. DEFT PLED GUILTY AS
CHARGED TO CCW. COURT SET
SENTENCE DATE. BOND
CONTINUE. PLEA AGREEMENT:
DEFT WITHDREW GUILTY PLEA
TO AMENDED CHARGE TO PLEA
GUILTY AS CHARGED AND
REQUESTS HYTA SENTENCE. PEOPLE
OBJECT TO HYTA SENTENCE. NO
SENTENCE AGREEMENT,7411, OR
HYTA & RESTITUTION IS TO
BE DETERMINED.
22 SET NEXT DATE FOR: 02/01/10 3:00 PM
SENTENCING
23 ORDER GRANTING DEFT'S MOTION
TO WITHDRAW PLEA OF GUILTY
TO ATTEMPTED CCW, FOR ENTRY
OF GUILTY PLEA TO CCW, FOR THE
PURPOSE OF CONSIDERATION OF
HYTA ASSIGNMENT FILED

37 04/13/10 00001 SENTENCING
ATTORNEY PRESENT: SIMMINGTON
PROCEEDING DIGITALLY RECORDED
DEFT SENTENCED UNDER HOMES
YOUTHFUL TRAINEE STATUS.
DEFT TO PAY PROBATION
SUPERVISION FEES OF $360.00 AT
A RATE OF $10.00 PER MONTH
AND REMAINDER OF FEES AT A
RATE OF $30.00 PER MONTH
STARTING 6/1/2010.
PROBATION: 36 MONTHS TERMS: ALL STATUTORY TERMS TO APPLY.
$400.00 ATTORNEY FEE 60.00 CRIME VICTIM FEE
$68.00 STATE MINIMUM COSTS
38 04/14/10 DEFERRED SENTENCE-HYTA
ORDER OF ASSIGNMENT TO
HOMES YOUTHFUL TRAINEE STATUS
FILED
(COPIES SENT TO AGENCIES)

AUTOMATIC LATE FEE ASSESSMENT

50 06/17/11 D 001 BENCH WARRANT ISSUED
MOTION, AFFIDAVIT & BENCH
WARRANT FILED
51 09/19/11 MISCELLANEOUS HEARING
ATTORNEY PRESENT: EWING
PROCEEDING DIGITALLY RECORDED
DEFT APPEARED IN COURT BY
VIDEO ARRAIGNMENT FROM JAIL ON
BENCH WARRANT FOR PROBATION
VIOLATION. DEFT PLED GUILTY
COURT
SET SENTENCE DATE. MOTION BY
ATTY EWING FOR BOND. COURT
SET $1000.00 10% BOND.
52 BENCH WARRANT RETURNED
53 SET NEXT DATE FOR: 10/25/11 1:30 PM
PROBATION VIOL SENTENCING
54 D 001 FROM: SIMMINGTON,GLENN M.,
TO: EWING,MICHAEL EDWARD,
55 ORDER RE:JAIL PROGRAMMING
FILED
56 09/27/11 D 001 BOND POSTED (02)
RECEIPT# 00352501 AMT $100.00
57 BOND FILED
58 10/25/11 00001 SENTENCING
PROCEEDING DIGITALLY RECORDED
PROBATION VIOLATION SENTENCE.
HYTA REVOKED. DEFT TO SERVE 6
MONTHS IN GENESEE COUNTY JAIL
W/CREDIT FOR 63 DAYS SERVED.
DEFT TO BE DISCHARGED WITHOUT
IMPROVEMENT UPON COMPLETION.
SENTENCE JAIL: MINIMUM MAXIMUM CREDIT
YYY- 6-DDD YYY- 6-DDD YYY-MMM- 63
BEGIN 10/25/11
Post Fri Jul 18, 2014 4:07 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

58 10/25/11 00001 SENTENCING
PROCEEDING DIGITALLY RECORDED
PROBATION VIOLATION SENTENCE.
HYTA REVOKED. DEFT TO SERVE 6
MONTHS IN GENESEE COUNTY JAIL
W/CREDIT FOR 63 DAYS SERVED.
DEFT TO BE DISCHARGED WITHOUT
IMPROVEMENT UPON COMPLETION.
SENTENCE JAIL: MINIMUM MAXIMUM CREDIT
YYY- 6-DDD YYY- 6-DDD YYY-MMM- 63
BEGIN 10/25/11

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When Gills stated he would have completed his Holmes Youthful training Act (HYTA) had he not been indicted for the federal RICO case, Vance showed him this portion of the court docket. Gills responded "I'm devastated, I'm devastated, I'm shocked", but it sounded more sarcastic than sincere to me. He claimed he didn't understand as he was seeing the same probation officer. Gills then claimed he never understood his status was revoked and that his probation had been revoked because he went to Atlanta .
Post Fri Jul 18, 2014 4:19 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

11-028414-FH JUDGE HAYMAN FILE 03/16/11 ADJ DT 06/14/11 CLOSE 10/20/11
GENESEE COUNTY SCAO:SEC B LINE 03

D 001 GILLS,LEON, DOB: 08/16/89 SEX: M RACE: B
710 DICKINSON AVENUE CTN:251100060401 TCN:
FLINT, MI 48507 SID:
DLN:XXXXXXXXXXXXX ST:XX
PIN:25FPD49304
ATY: BOND,RANDY L., PROSECUTOR: LEYTON,DAVID S.,
P-35074 810-496-9520 APPOINTED P-35086
LOWER DISTRICT: D68 CTY# 25 CASE# 11-277FY PRELIM: HELD 03/11/11
INCARCERATION DATE: DISTRICT ARRAIGNMENT:



Charges
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Num Type Charge(Pacc) Asc/Trf Charge Description Offense Dt Dsp Evt
--- ---- ------------------- ------- ---------------------- ---------- --- ---
01 ORG 333.74012A4 CONTR SUB DEL LESS 50GRAM 11/11/10
LES 333.74032A5 CNTRL SUB POSSESS <25 GRM NOC MSH
02 ORG 333.7405D CS-MAIN/DRUG HOUSE/VEHICL 11/11/10 NOC MSH


Actions, Judgments, Case Notes
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Num Date Judge Chg/Pty Event Description/Comments
---- -------- ---------- ------- ---------------------------------------------
1 03/11/11 YUILLE RETURN TO CIRCUIT COURT
SET NEXT DATE FOR: 03/21/11 9:00 AM
ARRAIGNMENT
(PERRY)
BINDOVER RECEIVED 03/16/11
ARRESTING AGENCY: CITY OF
FLINT (FPD 49304-10)

13 WRITTEN DEMAND FOR
TRANSCRIPT OF PRELIMINARY
EXAMINATION (DUE 05/02/11)
FILED (JUDGE SIGNED ON
03/28/11)


PROCEEDING DIGITALLY RECORDED
NOLO CONTENDRE
MOTION BY APA GUINN TO AMEND
COUNT 1 TO POSSESSION L/T
25 AND TO ADD A CHARGE OF
MAINTAINING DRUG HOUSE.
COURT GRANTS. PLEA OF NOT
GUILTY ENTERED WITH COURT
WITHDRAWN. PLEA: NO CONTEST
TO AMENDED COUNT 1 AND ADDED
COUNT 2. PLEA AGREEMENT:
NO COBBS/SENTENCE AGREEMENT,
DRUG/SENTENCE ENHANCEMENT,
CONSECUTIVE SENTENCING,
HYTA, OR 7411 STATUS. DEFT.
TO PAY RESTITUTION IN AN
AMOUNT TO BE DETERMINED.
COURT USES PRELIM. EXAM
TRANSCRIPT AS FACTUAL BASIS.
SENTENCE DATE SET BY THE
COURT. COURT SETS BOND AT
$25,000 PERSONAL RECOG.
COURT ORDERS IARC EVALUATION.


42 00002 SENTENCING
SENTENCE JAIL: MINIMUM MAXIMUM CREDIT
YYY-MMM-180 YYY-MMM-180 YYY-MMM- 5
BEGIN 10/20/11
43 ORDER OF PROBATION FILED
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gills was silent when asked if his second case was the true reason for the loss of his HYTA status. The arrest on the drug charges was only months before his HYTA status was revoked.
Post Fri Jul 18, 2014 4:31 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Final man indicted in Howard Boys gang case picked up in Georgia, arraignment scheduled

Ron Fonger | rfonger1@mlive.com By Ron Fonger | rfonger1@mlive.com
on June 21, 2012 at 2:31 PM



FLINT, MI -- Federal prosecutors say they have located the final man indicted as a part of the Howard Boys gang that police say trafficked in drugs and guns and used merciless violence to protect their turf.

Leon Gills, indicted for racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering and using a firearm during a violent crime, was arrested by the FBI in Georgia and is scheduled to be arraigned June 27, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Flint.

In all, 12 men, including Gills, were named in a 41-page federal indictment on charges ranging from murder and racketeering to drug and gun charges in May.


Another 10 men were charged in state court on charges ranging from murder and conspiracy to commit murder to drug and larceny charges.


Officials believe the Howard Boys gang, which went by several other names including the Hot Boys, operated in the area around Lapeer Road, Lippincott Boulevard/Thread Lake, Dort Highway and Saginaw Street/12th Street.

Several allegations of gun possession, crack cocaine and marijuana sales, beatings, attempted murders and the three killings were listed in the federal court document.




Here is a related story on the Howard Boys' case: http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2012/06/post_303.html#incart_river_default

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gills HYTA was revoked long before he fled to Atlanta, Georgia.
Post Fri Jul 18, 2014 4:41 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Jury delivers guilty verdicts for five of six defendants in Howard Boys gang trial

Amanda Emery | aemery@mlive.com By Amanda Emery | aemery@mlive.com
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on July 22, 2014 at 8:45 PM, updated July 22, 2014 at 8:46 PM


FLINT, MI – A federal jury has handed down verdicts in a massive racketeering case, pronouncing five of the six men on trial guilty of being part of a deadly south Flint street gang.

Jurors began deliberations Monday and delivered the verdicts on Tuesday, July 22, against the men accused of being part of the Howard Boys gang. Prosecutors accused the men of using violence and intimidation to control the drug and gun trade on Flint's south side.

The trial ended after more than a month of testimony in the case that began June 2, in Flint U.S. District Court.

One of the six men on trial, Jamil Cureton, was found not guilty on a racketeering charge, and a charge of selling crack cocaine was dismissed. Cureton's attorney, Mark Gatesman, said his client is happy the trial and ordeal are over.

"He's grateful after battling for two years to clear his name and that the jury found what the government said about him wasn't true," Gatesman said. "He's grateful to get back to his family."

During the trial, prosecutors outlined a number of violent encounters the men were accused of, including the killings of Marion Hardy, Jonathan Parker and Malachi Wilson. The group is also accused in seven attempted homicides.

Attorney Glenn Simmington, who represented Leon Gills, said his client, as well as the other co-defendants he didn't represent -- Johnathan Oldham, Jonathan Walker, Jatimothy Walker and Alexandra Norwood -- were convicted of a racketeering charge, the Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organizations statute, along with other charges.

Simmington said Gills was also found guilty of two counts of attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and use or discharge of a firearm in connection with a violent felony. He said he plans to file a motion by the deadline in September to appeal the jury's verdict.

"Mr. Gills plead not guilty to every one of these charges. He testified that he was not guilty to any one of these charges," Simmington said. "Interestingly, he never claimed to be innocent, so to speak, he had stuff that he had done that was wrong, so he testified and told the jury. 'I'm no angel, I've done this and that, but I'm not guilty of these charges.' We're going to appeal on the same basis, that these charges were not appropriate charges, this was not a racketeering organization."

Simmington said the RICO statute was designed for organized crime, like the mob. He believes testimony and evidence in the trial didn't support that his client along with the co-defendants were organized.

"These guys were friends that grew up together, they were engaged in various criminal activities, but as a racketeering or corrupt organization, we just don't think that the facts were there," Simmington said.

During the trial, a number of accusations arose claiming that people associated with the gang were attempting to influence jurors and witnesses during the trial.

A 36-year-old woman is facing charges that she allegedly approached a witness who was subpoenaed to testify in the case of Jonathon and Jatimothy Walker.

A 30-year-old woman is also facing charges after authorities claim she approached a witness outside the Flint U.S. District Court and attempted to manipulate the testimony he was expected to give.

An attorney representing one of the suspected gang members also asked Flint U.S. District Judge Mark A. Goldsmith to declare a mistrial after he argued jurors have been followed home by people possibly associated with the gang.

Attorney John Minock argued in his motion that several jurors believe that they have been followed when leaving court by people they believe are somehow associated with the suspects on trial.

Jatimothy Walker's attorney, Jerome Sabbota, said he also plans to appeal and has already filed motions regarding his concerns with the trial. Sabbota said from the beginning he asked that his client be tried separately.

"Most jurors are anonymous." Sabbota said. "Then you have jurors that believe they were threatened. And whether or not my client, and there is no evidence that my client's family or friends did anything, the jurors were saying that people in the gallery were threatening them and have intimidated them. That's all going to fall on the people being tried together. That's going to create an atmosphere of fear."

Sabbota also said he doesn't believe the government proved the racketeering case against his client. He said Jatimothy Walker was found guilty of racketeering and murder in support of racketeering.

Sentencing is scheduled for November.

Here is a brief look at the charges each suspect faced:
•Jamil Cureton -- Acquitted of a charge of racketeering, with a charge dismissed of 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.

Amanda Emery is a police reporter for MLive-Flint Journal. Contact her at aemery@mlive.com or 810-285-0792. Follow her on Twitter or Facebook.
Post Wed Jul 23, 2014 6:44 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

I am not surprised at the dismissal of Cureton as he was barely mentioned during the trial.

The government had an A team in the prosecution of the RICO case. Besides Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Vance, there was Assistant united States Attorney Craig Wininger, Chief, Branch offices.

Vance gave the opening statements and Wininger gave the closing arguments. Wininger addressed all of the arguments that the government had not proven the existence of the enterprise as he went through all of the elements of an enterprise and wove a case connecting the players to the citations of the indictment and more.


Wininger addressed the jury by reminding them how six weeks prior they were introduced to "murdaville". he described the area, the lifestyle of the area and how the area was secured as a drug marketplace and outsiders were not allowed to sell drugs there without consequences. He recited the crimes of a number of those indicted.

Wininger discussed the three essential thing for the jury to consider, territory, identity and purpose. Wininger then described the territory claimed by the group and noted the testimony which exemplified how when the territory was violated the violators were hurt or killed. Testimony confirmed the boundaries of the territory and how the same area sometimes went under different names.

Only Howard Boys could sell drugs in their territory , said Wininger. He went on to describe how their gang signs and graffiti meant a demand for respect and gave them the power of life and death in the protection o the territory. Testimony and statements demonstrated a common identity. Although the identifiers and the members of the group could change, the identity of the group remained intact. While there was a transition in names, hey were the same group with the same territory and the same purpose, said Wininger. The RICO Act allows for these changes.

Wininger described the purpose as the maintaining of an exclusive drug marketplace where there was a need to protect the territory. Only Howard boys could sell drugs here and the testimont was how they "had each others backs".



Wininger described how Malachi Wilson died because he disrespected some Howard Boys and was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He noted how when Gills demanded to "lay the law down", people were hurt or killed.


Last edited by untanglingwebs on Wed Jul 23, 2014 8:09 am; edited 1 time in total
Post Wed Jul 23, 2014 7:25 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Winnger told the jury that they could listen to the arguments, but they were required to follow the law. He asked that they listen to the Judge and follow the law and the facts. Wininger stressed the jury as to look at the context of what comprised an enterprise under the RICO Law. The enterprise existed, said Wininger, and demonstrated a pattern of racketeering.

Using visual screens, Winnger recapped the evidence and testimony as they applied to the existence and purpose of the group. He noted how the witnesses testified to the boundaries of the territory. Wininger described the testimony concerning the acts of retribution and violence perpetrated by the group.
Post Wed Jul 23, 2014 8:04 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Wininger recalled testimony about the importance of respect. XT testified that if 1 person disrespected you, everyone could disrespect you -Respect is everything. Norwood, called the 'Boss' advocated there would be no tolerance for disrespect.

If the subject of revenge could not be found, their families would be targeted.
Post Wed Jul 23, 2014 8:27 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

This trial was years in the making. Norwood was first indicted in October of 2007 on federal charges of felon in possession of firearms. Norwood had a sawed off shotgun with the serial number removed. Other Howard Boys were indicted before the RICO indictment. Some cases were still sealed as of last week.

The FBI and the South Side Task Force put together a lengthy investigation that built an evidence trail detailing over 10 years of acts of racketeering. I was taken by surprise to hear the witnesses describe murder and other acts of violence nonchalantly.
Post Wed Jul 23, 2014 8:54 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

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.
Post Sun Jul 27, 2014 3:24 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Take an in-depth look at cases against Flint's Howard Boys street gang


Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com

on July 28, 2014 at 2:00 PM, updated July 28, 2014 at 2:05 PM



FLINT, MI -- Nearly two dozen men were convicted in state and federal court for their role in the Howard Boys street gang, which prosecutors say terrorized the streets in Flint's south side.

READ: Flint street gang taken down by same law used against the mafia

The cases revolved around a number killings, attempted killings as drug deals associated with street gang that prosecutors claimed.

The gang -- which claimed its turf as "Murda Ville" -- used violence and intimidation to control the drug and gun trade on Flint's south side, prosecutors say.

Use the database below to review the case against each person convicted in state and federal court for their role in the gang:


NameAscending

Most-serious conviction

Alexandra Norwood Murder in aid of racketeering Details
Carvell Gordon Second-degree murder Details
Charles Orr Delivery of marijuana Details
Darryl Scott Second-degree murder Details
Declyde Brewton RICO conspiracy Details
Eddie Williams Manslaughter Details
Jamel Cheeks Second-degree murder Details
James Elbert Delivery of cocaine Details
Jatimothy Walker Murder in aid of racketeering Details
Johnathan Oldham Murder in aid of racketeering Details
Jonathan Walker Murder in aid of racketeering Details
Leon Gills Attempted murder in aid of racketeering Details
Malcom Evans RICO conspiracy Details
Markus Evans RICO conspiracy Details
Paki Bonner Felonious assault Details
Ricco Holmes Second-degree murder Details
Roderick Dudley Manslaughter Details
Rodrick Jackson Assault with intent to do great bodily harm Details
Sean Cunningham RICO conspiracy Details
Shawn Gardner Second-degree murder Details
Taron Brown Possession of a short-barreled rifle Details
Terrell Roche First-degree murder Details
Willie Chambers RICO conspiracy Details


Records 1-23 of 23

Online Database by Caspio




Photo sources: U.S. Attorney's Office, Genesee County Sheriff's Department, Michigan Department of Corrections.
Post Tue Jul 29, 2014 3:30 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Flint street gang taken down by same law used against the mafia



Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com

on July 28, 2014 at 6:00 AM, updated July 28, 2014 at 9:56 AM

Howard Boys RICO case



FLINT, MI -- A violent south-side gang is believed to be the first from Flint targeted by a federal law that has taken down the mafia.

In the more than 40 years the RICO act has been used against everything from the Gambino Family to the Hells Angels, it wasn't until now that federal prosecutors in Flint used the anti-racketeering statute to go after a dozen members of the Howard Boys.
The gang -- which claimed its turf as "Murda Ville" -- used violence and intimidation to control the drug and gun trade on Flint's south side, prosecutors say.
Eleven of those charged in the Howard Boys case eventually pleaded to or were found guilty of federal charges of participating in a racketeering conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, including five men convicted in the case last week.

"Based on our recollections, this is likely the only RICO case that has been prosecuted in the U.S. District Court in Flint," said Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Wininger.

Mike Dunn, an associate professor with Thomas M. Cooley Law School, said RICO, which was passed in 1970 as part of the Organized Crime Control Act, was first enacted to take down those involved with the mafia.

"It was designed for La Cosa Nostra and organized crime," Dunn said of the law.

Members of the Gambino, Lucchese and Genovese crime families have all been targets of prosecutions under the act.

However, Dunn said the use of the act has evolved over the years beyond targeting mobsters.

Street gangs, politicians and outlaw bikers have all been targeted by RICO prosecutions.

"They're starting to look at RICO cases more and more," Dunn said of federal prosecutors. "It's like the big hammer of the U.S. Attorney's office."

Dunn said the RICO act lets prosecutors cast a wide net when taking on criminal organizations, allowing them to focus on the minor players and major shot callers in the same case.

The law targets individuals who have engaged in a pattern of criminal activity, such as murder, robbery and extortion, in support of an enterprise. However, prosecutors don't need to prove a person committed a crime themselves to get a conviction under the RICO act. The act allows prosecutors to obtain a conviction if they can prove that an individual ordered others to commit a crime.

"RICO allows the government to indict and try several members of a criminal enterprise at once as opposed to prosecuting them separately," said assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Vance, who tried the Howard Boys case along with Wininger. "RICO conspiracy, the charge utilized here, permits the prosecution of a gang member even if he did not directly commit the crime but only agreed or conspired with the perpetrators."

Convictions can land defendants sentences of up to life in prison, depending on the underlying racketeering activity.


Dunn, a former federal defense attorney of 25 years who worked on three RICO cases, said this inclusive approach combined with stiff sentences puts pressure on defense attorneys to reach plea agreements for clients who would be considered minor actors in the criminal enterprise and whose testimony could help secure convictions against the organization's biggest members.

"If you can plea to something outside of RICO, plea," Dunn said.

Six of the dozen men associated with the Howard Boys who were indicted on federal RICO charges reached plea agreements with prosecutors prior to trial. Numerous other gang associates also pleaded guilty to state court charges in exchange for their cooperation.

"These convictions -- both state and federal -- should send an important message to this community that violence will not be tolerated," U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade said in a statement. "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."

Outside of the federal trial that yielded guilty verdicts against five suspected Howard Boys gang members, the plea agreements also helped secure a first-degree murder conviction in Genesee Circuit Court for a man associated with the gang.

Attorney Tricia Raymond said her client, Terrell Roche, was convicted after Howard Boys members agreed to cooperate with prosecutors in the case.

Roche was found guilty July 18 of first-degree premeditated murder, second-degree arson and felony firearms for the 2005 killing of his stepfather, 49-year-old Ralph Matthews.

Raymond said after the conviction that there was little physical evidence to tie her client to the killings and that her client was convicted largely on the testimony from suspected gang members -- including some who were facing murder charges before reaching plea agreements.

She added that six of the 22 witnesses called in the case testified as part of cooperation agreements with prosecutors.

"I am disappointed in the jury's verdict," Raymond said. "I believe there was reasonable doubt."

But, prosecutors say this cooperative effort between local, state and federal prosecutors and law enforcement agencies is needed to clean up some of the nation's most-violent cities.

"The more bad actors we can remove from the streets, we have a better chance of having safer streets," Leyton said, adding that the cooperation between law enforcement agencies operating in the Flint area has been "unprecedented."

Federal authorities agree that prosecutions like the Howard Boys case can have a large impact in fighting crime.

"In the long term, these convictions should send a strong message that violence of this kind will not be tolerated," Wininger said, adding that residents around the Howard Boys' territory have noted an improvement since the arrests. "We hope that the impact will be far ranging and that through continued cooperation and coordination between the different law enforcement agencies, we will deter those who might otherwise engage in this type of violence."

Despite never being used previously in Flint, prosecutors say that the RICO act is being used more and more to target criminal organizations.

"RICO charges have been increasingly utilized to battle violent gangs throughout the nation," said Wininger. "This includes both national gangs like MS-13, the Bloods and Crips, as well as local neighborhood-based gangs like the Howard Boys."

Vance said that use of the RICO act often allows for longer sentences than trying each suspect individually and allows federal prosecutors to highlight previous state and local convictions to satisfy the need of proving a pattern of criminal activity.

Despite never being used in Flint, the U.S. Attorney's office of Michigan's Eastern District has previously used the RICO act to secure convictions against high-profile defendants.

Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was sentenced to 28 years in federal prison after he was found guilty of 24 federal crimes related to public corruption, including violations of the RICO act.

Suspected longtime Detroit mob boss Giacomo "Black Jack" Tocco died in July with only one felony on his record -- a 1998 racketeering conspiracy conviction that forced the sale of Hazel Park Raceway. The conspiracy included loan-sharking, illegal gambling and attempts to gain hidden control of Nevada casinos, the government said.

Multiple members of the Detroit motorcycle club, the Highwaymen, were also convicted of a racketeering conspiracy that involved violence, drugs and robbery on the city's southwest side.

Members of the Detroit-based Bounty Hunter Bloods gang are currently under indictment after gang members allegedly participated in stabbings, carjackings and house fire-bombings between 2007 and 2014.

"I hope they're getting the message," Leyton said of those groups committing crimes in the Flint area. "If you want to break the law, we're coming at you with everything we have."
Post Tue Jul 29, 2014 3:40 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

"I hope they're getting the message," Leyton said of those groups committing crimes in the Flint area. "If you want to break the law, we're coming at you with everything we have."

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Ridiculous comment by Leyton! All you have to do is look at the number of plea deals and the failure to prosecute gun charges and you know his office is usually a joke. Most of these 22 suspects and their unindicted associates have been in and oout of the state courts.
Post Wed Jul 30, 2014 7:24 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Name Charles Orr
Alias Pooh Bear
Convicted of Delivery of marijuana
Sentence 2 years probation
Details Orr was convicted of delivering marijuana. Orr, a member of the gang was attacked by Leon Gills and Shawn Gardner, other gang members, after Orr allegedly killed the brother of gang member Johnathan Oldham.
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Orr could be classified as collateral damage from the Howard Boys. Alexandra (Al)Norwood is his cousin. Al was living with Orr when Orr learned from the streets that Norwood had killed Parker. Al, when questioned by Orr as to the reason for the murder, responded it was because Parker had previously tried to kill Eddie Williams (E-Dub). Orr stated that Al always carried a gun nd got more respect on the street after he killed Parker.

August 20,2004
Omar Bashir was allegedly responsible for drug thefts. Al was allegedly mad because Bashir did not pay him for a drug transaction. Bashir was dead the next day and Al claimed he killed Bashir. Orr was angry because he believed Al's actions placed Orr's family at risk.
Post Fri Aug 01, 2014 3:08 pm 
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