Six Alleged “Unknown Vice Lord Gang” Members Indicted for Attempted Murder in aid of Racketeering and Firearm Charges

WASHINGTON - A nine-count indictment was unsealed in the Western District of Tennessee charging six alleged members of a criminal street gang known as Unknown Vice Lords (UVL) - Ghost Mob with conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and firearms violations.

"As alleged, these individuals showed a blatant disregard for public safety, engaging in a retaliatory gang shooting in a residential neighborhood," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department's Criminal Division. "Gang violence inflicts profound harm on our communities, fostering fear, destabilizing neighborhoods, and damaging the quality of life for law-abiding residents. The arrest of these violent gang members underscores the Justice Department's unwavering commitment to protecting public safety and the rule of law. We will continue to dismantle these criminal organizations and protect the safety and security of our citizens."

"The premeditated and horrendous acts of violence that these gang members committed demonstrates a blatant disregard for human life," said Special Agent in Charge Jamey VanVliet of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Nashville Field Division. "The men and women of the ATF, along with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, remain committed to combatting violent crime and swiftly bringing these individuals to justice before they commit other senseless acts of violence."

According to court documents, the UVL Ghost Mob is a violent, criminal street gang that operates throughout the Western District of Tennessee and elsewhere. The UVL Ghost Mob is a subset of the Almighty Vice Lord Nation, which originated in Chicago, and eventually spread to other parts of the United States, including Tennessee.

Court documents allege that on Sept. 6, 2020, after rival gang members opened fire on UVL Ghost Mob members and their families, injuring four people, UVL Ghost Mob leaders ordered a retaliatory attack. Shortly after midnight on Sept. 7, 2020, the defendants travelled to the residence of the rival gang members, armed with assault style rifles and wearing masks and gloves. The defendants intentionally shot approximately 40-50 bullets into the residence while the rival gang members were inside. Neighborhood security cameras captured the shooting. In the video, the defendants are depicted using, carrying, and firing multiple firearms into the residence.

The following defendants were charged for their role in the offense:

• Antwon Brown, also known as Yayo, 32 of Memphis, Tennessee;
• Cordera Douglas, also known as Chuckie Dee, 36 of Memphis, Tennessee;
• Willie Merriweather, 41 of Antioch, Tennessee;
• Tevin Richardson, also known as Santana, 34 of Memphis, Tennessee;
• Ricky Rogers, Jr., also known as Double R, RR, 32 of Memphis, Tennessee; and
• Laraveus Williams, also known as Ray Ray, 32 of Memphis, Tennessee.

Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering carries a maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment. Conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder in aid of racketeering carries a maximum sentence of 10 years' imprisonment. The charge of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence carries a mandatory sentence of at least 10 years consecutive to any other sentence. If convicted, a federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The ATF and Memphis Police Department investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Lisa M. Thelwell and Dennis Robinson of the Criminal Division's Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case, with substantial assistance from the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Tennessee.

This case is part of the Criminal Division's Violent Crime Initiative to prosecute violent crimes in Memphis, Tennessee, and surrounding areas. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Tennessee have partnered, along with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, to confront violent crimes committed by gang members and associates through the enforcement of federal laws and use of federal resources to prosecute the violent offenders and prevent further violence.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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