Three more Memphis gang members plead guilty in racketeering case (DOJ)

In the last month, three members of the Memphis-based gang known as Young Mob or Young Mob Military have pleaded guilty to Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy, robbery, death by firearm, and drug crimes.

These defendants ─ Paul Nelson, also known as "Big Paul" and "Paul Walk," 33; Edgar Smith, also known as "Chuck P" and "Chucky," 40, and Cedric Jackson, also known as "Ced," 35, all of Memphis, Tennessee, were indicted as part of a larger investigation against the violent gang that resulted in multiple indictments alleging crimes by those associated with the gang. In total, 20 individuals from the Memphis area were indicted on federal charges.

"This case is part of the Department of Justice's Criminal Division ongoing commitment to quell the violent crime that plagued Memphis," said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department's Criminal Division. "As to the Young Mob gang alone, Criminal Division's partnership with the United States Attorney's Office in the Western District of Tennessee has resulted in 20 members and associates of this violent gang have been hauled before federal courts to answer for their crimes, wich include murder, attempted murder, robbery, and large-volume drug dealing, including trafficking in fentanyl. Our commitment to the people of Memphis is unwavering."

"These successful federal prosecutions have significantly dismantled the Young Mob gang here in Memphis," said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee. "If you are a member of a gang committed to a culture of criminality that terrorizes our community with violence, no matter your role or nickname - your days are numbered - there will be a reckoning."

On Aug. 14, 2026, Nelson pleaded guilty to armed Hobbs Act robbery and using a firearm to cause death during the robbery, as well as conspiring to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. As part of his guilty plea, Nelson admitted to the May 13, 2023 robbery at Tug's Casual Grill in Harbortown, Tennessee. Nelson and two Young Mob members targeted a rap musician affiliated with another Memphis musician and longtime nemesis of Young Mob. During the robbery, Nelson and his accomplice approached the victim and his girlfriend while they were seated at an outdoor table. The male victim fled and was followed by Nelson's accomplice, who was armed with a rifle. The male victim was also armed and shot the accomplice in self-defense. After the accomplice was shot, Nelson, the wounded accomplice, and co-defendant Jerrod Cox allegedly dropped the dying accomplice off in the parking lot of a fire station: he later died of his wounds. Nelson faces up to life in prison when he is sentenced on Nov. 18, 2026.

On Aug. 20, 2026, Smith pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy. As part of the conspiracy, Smith agreed that he and other members or associates of the Young Mob criminal enterprise would commit at least two racketeering acts. In particular, Smith agreed with other conspirators that on June 12, 2024 they would commit acts of attempted robbery and robbery, in violation of Tennessee law. Smith also agreed that he other members and associates conspired to distribute and did distribute fentanyl. Smith faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on Dec. 3.

On Aug. 20, 2026, Jackson pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy. As part of the conspiracy, Jackson agreed that he and other members or associates of the Young Mob criminal enterprise would commit at least two racketeering acts. In particular, Jackson agreed with other conspirators that on June 11 and 12, 2024 they would commit acts of attempted robbery and robbery, in violation of Tennessee law. Jackson faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on Dec. 4.

Codefendants Larry Wilson, also known as "L," and Braxton Beck, also known as "B Mack," each pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy and admitted their roles in the June 11, 2024 attempted robbery and June 12, 2024 robbery at a tattoo shop in Memphis. Beck and Wilson were sentenced to 120 and 87 months in prison, respectively.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Memphis Police Department and Multiagency Gang Unit (MGU) are investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Amanda Kotula of the Criminal Division's Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case, with significant assistance from the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Western District of Tennessee.

This case is part of the Criminal Division's Violent Crime Initiative to prosecute violent crimes in Memphis, Tennessee. 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.