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.
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