Gangster Disciple Pleads Guilty to Committing Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering, Distribution of Marijuana and Firearms Violations
Jackson, TN – A Madison County man has pled guilty to committing violent crimes in aid of racketeering, distribution of marijuana and firearms violations. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the guilty plea today.
On April 17, 2017, Dontoreus Douglas, aka "D.T." 32, was indicted in the Western District of Tennessee on four counts of violent crimes in aid of racketeering activity (VICAR). Each count is based upon the attempted murder of four different victims on June 12, 2012. Each of the VICAR counts has a corresponding count for using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. There is also one count for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the indictment, Douglas and other members and associates of the Gangster Disciples engaged in narcotics distribution, firearms trafficking, and acts of violence, involving murder, attempted murder and assault.
The Gangster Disciples enterprise has a highly organized structure with nationwide reach. As of the date of the indictment, the Gangster Disciples were active in 35 states. It is further alleged in the indictment that Douglas committed the attempted murders for the purpose of gaining entrance to or maintaining or increasing position within the Gangster Disciples.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Dismantlement of criminal gangs is a top priority of the Department of Justice, and this case represents the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement to target and remove a significant violent participant in the Gangster Disciples organization. D.T. will now be removed from the streets, and will serve a significant sentence for his violent crimes. We are taking the fight to the gangs in West Tennessee, and we are relentless in our resolve."
For the four counts of violent crime in aid of racketeering activity, the maximum penalty is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Each of the using and carrying a firearm in relation of a crime of violence counts has a potential penalty of not less than 10 years, consecutive to the respective VICAR counts.
Douglas is presently in federal custody for charges that are pending from an indictment returned against him in June 2016. That indictment alleges charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 13, 2019 before U.S. Chief District Judge S. Thomas Anderson.
This case was investigated by the Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives and Firearms (ATF); Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jackson Police Department’s Gang Enforcement Unit.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Beth Boswell and Hillary Parham are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
