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Date: 10-05-2018
Case Style:
United States of America v. DeMarcus D. Morris; Jimmie R. Durden Jr.; Lonnie D. Johnson; Gary J. McCain; and Larshanda C. Davenport
Case Number: 5:17-cr-00173-EEF-MLH
Judge: Elizabeth E Foote
Court: United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana (Caddo Parish)
Plaintiff's Attorney: Allison D. Bushnell and Tennille M. Gilreath
Defendant's Attorney: Joey Greenwald for Demarcus D. Morris
Nichole Buckle for Ravion M. Alford
Steve Glassall for Lonnie D. Johnson
Shelley Goff for Frank J. Morris
Broocks Greer for Gary J. McCain
Charles Kammer for Rodrick R. Hicks
Ross Shacklette for Larshandra C. Davenport
Mike Vergis for Jimmie R. Durden, Jr.
Joseph Woodley for Colanda W. Atkins
Description:
Shreveport, LA - Federal jury finds members of ‘Block Boyz’ gang guilty on RICO conspiracy, drug trafficking and firearm offenses
A federal jury in Shreveport found five members of the “Block Boyz” gang guilty on RICO and drug trafficking offenses, as well as firearm offenses.
The five Shreveport residents found guilty were: DeMarcus D. Morris, 29; Jimmie R. Durden Jr., 29; Lonnie D. Johnson, 24; Gary J. McCain, 24; and Larshanda C. Davenport, 45. United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote presided over the trial that started Monday, September 17, 2018 and ended today. The jury deliberated for approximately five hours before returning the verdict. All of the defendants were named as part of a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization or RICO conspiracy in the indictment, which was filed in July of 2017.
The defendants were found guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Distributing Crack Cocaine, and Distributing Powder Cocaine.
The “Block Boyz” gang has terrorized the Queensborough neighborhood for too long,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “Today’s verdict will bring some peace to the citizens in Shreveport, and sends a clear message to drug dealers and gangs that this type of violent crime will not be tolerated - you will go to federal prison. These defendants were given a fair trial, and now they will face their consequences. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners and the citizens of our communities to rid our streets of violent crime, and make our communities a safer place to work, live and play.“
“I applaud the jury’s decision and thank them for their hard work and sacrifices throughout this trial,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric J. Rommal stated. “I also commend the great work put forth by all of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to locate, apprehend, and bring the “Block Boyz” to justice. Without a doubt, the residents of Shreveport will feel much safer now and hopefully be able to reclaim their neighborhoods.”
Evidence admitted at trial revealed that beginning in 2012, the defendants took part in a criminal organization known as the “Block Boyz” and the “Get Money Boyz” or “GMB.” The organization distributed controlled substances, murdered, robbed, possessed firearms illegally and conducted other crimes primarily within the Queensborough and Ingleside neighborhoods of Shreveport. Gang members were charged with at least 66 acts that members of the organization committed to further the RICO conspiracy. The acts include threats, sale of drugs and shootings. The organization sold crack cocaine, powder cocaine, roxicodone, marijuana, ecstasy and alprazolam.
Gang members sold illegal drugs and committed armed robberies. They maintained and circulated a collection of firearms for use in their criminal activity and used cell phones to operate their criminal enterprise. Members of the organization bragged about their illegal activity, such as their possession of firearms, and took pictures of themselves with firearms and money to intimidate others and increase their position in the community.
As a result of their conviction on the RICO count, each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison. In addition to the RICO penalties, four of the five defendants face additional penalties for the drug and firearm offenses. The defendants also face fines up to $5 million and forfeiture of property seized in the case.
Frank J. Morris, 25; Ravion M. Alford, 23; Rodrick R. Hicks, 24; and Golanda W. Atkins, 41 all of Shreveport, were also indicted as part of the conspiracy. Alford pleaded guilty on December 21, 2017 to the RICO count. The court set sentencing for October 17, 2018. Hicks pleaded guilty on January 29, 2018 to the RICO count with a sentencing date of October 17, 2018. Morris pleaded guilty on August 30, 2018 to the RICO count with a sentencing date of January 4, 2019. Atkins was dismissed from the indictment on September 7, 2018.
The FBI Northwest Louisiana Violent Crimes Task Force, ATF, the U.S. Marshal’s Service, Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Shreveport Police Department participated in the investigation.
Charges:
RACKETEERING - Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Conspiracy with Notice of RICO Forfeiture
(1)
CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE - Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances with Notice of Drug Forfeiture
(2)
NARCOTICS - SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE - Distribution of Crack Cocaine
(9-11)
UNLAWFUL TRANSPORT OF FIREARMS, ETC. - Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon with Notice of Firearm Forfeiture
(12)
UNLAWFUL TRANSPORT OF FIREARMS, ETC. - Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon with Notice of Firearm Forfeiture
(15)
Outcome: 10/01/2018 337 MINUTES for proceedings held before Judge Elizabeth E Foote: JURY TRIAL Day 11 as to Demarcus D Morris (1), Jimmie R Durden, Jr (3), Lonnie D Johnson (4), Gary J McCain (5), Larshandra C Davenport (8) held on 10/1/2018. Testimony and evidence for the Government concluded. Government Rests. ORAL ORDERS denying 331 , 332 , 333 , 334 , and 335 Motions for Rule 29 Judgment of Acquittal as to Demarcus D Morris (1), Jimmie R Durden Jr (3), Lonnie D Johnson (4), Gary J McCain (5), and Larshandra C Davenport (8). Testimony and evidence for the Defense concluded. Defendants rest. Evidence closed. Case laid over to the following day for jury instructions and closing arguments. ORAL ORDER denying 336 Motion in Limine regarding the Government's use of Johnson's prior conviction for a shooting as to Lonnie D Johnson (4). The two arrest warrants issued on Friday RECALLED. (Court Reporter: Barbara A Simpson) (crt,YocumSld, M) (Entered: 10/02/2018)
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
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