Gang Member Sentenced for Participation in Conspiracy

NEWPORT NEWS, VA—Monquay Williams, 21, of Newport News, Virginia, was sentenced yesterday to 300 months in prison for his participation in a racketeering conspiracy, assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injuries, and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.

Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith. Monquay Williams pled guilty on October 21, 2010.

According to a statement of facts filed with his plea agreement, between 2001 and 2009, Williams was a member of the “Dump Squad” street gang, a criminal organization that operated primarily in the

Ridley Circle

, Harbor Homes, and

Dickerson Court

areas of Newport News. Members engaged in drug distribution and violence, including murder, attempted murder, and robbery. They often carried firearms to intimidate others and protect themselves from rival gangs. On Dec. 24, 2007, Williams and other gang members were involved in a fight inside the Atmosphere Club. Management at the night club made all of the patrons leave the building. In the parking lot outside, a fight ensued and several members of the gang began to beat Tony Vaughan. Martin Manley was the primary assailant who completed the beating by shooting and murdering Tony Vaughan. Williams was also involved in a separate incident where he brandished a firearm during an attempted robbery of a drug trafficker.

This case was investigated by the FBI, Newport News Police Department, the Hampton Police Department, and Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Howard Zlotnick and Robert Bradenham II prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at www.justice.gov/usao/vae. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.vaed.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.uspci.uscourts.gov.