NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The last defendants
have been sentenced in a case against nine members of the Vice Lords Gang
indicted in October, 2009 for the commission of violent crimes in furtherance
of racketeering activity, announced Jerry E. Martin, U.S. Attorney for the
Middle District of Tennessee.
Roger Wayne Battle aka T-Wayne, 33, of
Nashville, Tenn., was sentenced in federal court by Chief United States
District Judge Todd Campbell on July 12, 2012, to three consecutive life
sentences for the murders committed in aid of racketeering of Moss James Dixon
in November, 2007 and Brandon Harris aka Chicago, in February, 2008. These life
sentences are to run consecutive to 335 years in prison for 12 separate
convictions for attempted murders in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to use and
carry firearms in crimes of violence, being a convicted felon in possession of
firearms and ammunition, using and carrying a firearm during a crime of
violence, and conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Battle was sentenced on 57 separate
counts.
"The crimes for which Battle and
his co-conspirators were convicted showed a blatant disregard for the respect
of human life," stated U.S. Attorney Jerry E. Martin. "Battle
directed and ordered the shootings and killings of family members and friends
of persons whom he believed were involved in the murder of a fellow Vice Lord
gang member. The sentence imposed on Battle demonstrates the seriousness of
these offenses and the commitment of this office and our law enforcement
partners to rid such violent criminals from our communities."
On May 10, 2012, Jessie Lobbins aka
Jessie Oliver aka Trap, 27, of Nashville, Tenn., was sentenced to two
consecutive life sentences for the murder committed in aid of racketeering of
Brandon Harris, to be served consecutive to 20 years in prison for tampering
with a witness, using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence, and
being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Lobbins was also sentenced
for escape from custody.
On July 2, 2012, Gary Eugene Chapman aka
Wheat, 33, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., was sentenced to 215 years in prison for
conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to commit
assault in aid of racketeering, using and carrying a firearm during a crime of
violence, being a convicted felon in possession of firearms and conspiracy to
distribute marijuana. This sentence was based upon a total of 29 separate
convictions.
Battle, Lobbins, and Chapman were found
guilty by a federal Jury on August 23, 2012, at the conclusion of a two week
trial.
Battle was the leader of the Traveling
Vice Lords, holding the rank of Five Star Universal Elite, controlling gang
activities in Middle and East Tennessee. The murders and attempted murders were
a result of Battle and other members of the Traveling Vice Lords and the
Conservative Vice Lords seeking revenge for the killing of Donnell Valentine
aka Hitman, the leader of the Conservative Vice Lords in Murfreesboro, Tenn.,
also holding the rank of Five Star Universal Elite.
Other defendants charged in this case
previously pleaded guilty and were sentenced as follows:
Demarco Smith aka Marco, 26, of
Murfreesboro, Tenn., was sentenced to 24 years in prison on June 25, 2012, for
the murder of Moss James Dixon as well as conspiracy to commit the murder in
aid of racketeering of multiple persons.
Samuel Joseph Gaines aka Born Ready, 25,
of Murfreesboro, Tenn., was sentenced to15 years in prison on June 18, 2012,
for conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to carry
firearms during and in relation to a crime of violence and conspiracy to commit
the murder of Brandon Harris.
Delregus Nebreck Alexander aka Blow, 38,
of Murfreesboro, Tenn., was sentenced on June 15, 2011, to 76 months in prison
for conspiracy to carry firearms during and in relation to crimes of violence.
Christopher David Imes aka Chris, 24, of
Murfreesboro, Tenn., was sentenced to 19 years in prison on June 15, 2012, for
the murder of Moss James Dixon as well as conspiracy to commit kidnaping in aid
of racketeering.
Curtis Green aka Curt, 31, of Nashville,
Tenn., was sentenced on November 11, 2011, to 100 months in prison for
conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering.
Lashaundra Danielle Hightower aka
Daniel, 30, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., was sentenced on October 21, 2011 to 10
years in prison for conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering and
assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering.
This case was a joint investigation
conducted by the ATF, the Murfreesboro Police Department, and the Metropolitan
Nashville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Van S.Vincent and Trial
Attorney Cody Skipper of the Department of Justice Organized Crime and Gang
Section prosecuted the case.
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