GoodFellas Gang Members Sentenced to Federal Prison for Crimes of Violence, Firearms Offenses, and Drug Trafficking

ATLANTA - Five members of the GoodFellas criminal street gang, four of whom were convicted felons, have been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking, armed robbery, and firearms offenses.

"These gang members maimed children in a drive-by shooting, beat and robbed a man, introduced poisonous drugs into a state prison, trafficked cocaine, and unlawfully possessed firearms," said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. "We will continue to partner with federal and local law enforcement to dismantle the GoodFellas gang and prosecute its members who engage in violence or traffic drugs in our community."

"Violent gangs like the Goodfellas terrorize local communities and threaten everyone's safety," said Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. "The FBI and its local, state, and federal partners will remain relentless in the fight to identify, disrupt, and dismantle violent criminal organizations."

"Violent gangs that engage in shootings, armed robberies, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses have no place in our communities," said Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum. "These sentences send a clear message that individuals who use violence and intimidation to further criminal enterprises will be brought to justice. We are proud of the collaborative work with our federal and local partners that helped secure these outcomes and make Atlanta safer for our residents."

According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: The GoodFellas is an Atlanta-based gang that primarily recruits members in Atlanta neighborhoods as well as jails and prisons within Georgia. The gang generates money through, among other criminal activities, drug trafficking, robbery, carjacking, fraud, and firearms trafficking. The gang protects its operation, turf, and reputation through violence and threats of violence.

This week, three GoodFellas gang members were sentenced after pleading guilty to federal crimes tied to their gang activity. Additionally, two other gang members were sentenced previously, and a sixth gang member is scheduled to be sentenced next month.

De'Andre Jackson

On January 17, 2021, Jackson and other armed members of the GoodFellas gang drove to an Atlanta apartment complex, where they intended to shoot a woman who they believed was not loyal to their gang. Jackson and the others discharged multiple firearms-striking the intended target, her 6-year-old son, and a 14-year-old child-after the mother and son walked to a mailbox to retrieve their mail. The intended target was shot more than six times; her son was shot three times, including in the abdomen and knee; and the 14-year-old victim was shot in the ear. Approximately 50 shell casings were recovered from the scene. Each victim survived.

Yesterday, U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Geraghty sentenced De'Andre Jackson, also known as "Gen," "Glock," and "Glizzy," 23, of Clarkston, Georgia, to 15 years and six months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Jackson was convicted of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence after he pleaded guilty on March 9, 2026.

Trayvon Hawkins

On April 17, 2024, Hawkins went to a relative's home in Atlanta, Georgia and struck a man there in the head with a firearm. During the attack, two additional males arrived, kicked down the front door, and joined in attacking the victim. Before leaving, Hawkins stole a backpack from the victim that contained narcotics. During a later search of Hawkins's residence in Atlanta, law enforcement agents found four firearms that Hawkins was prohibited from possessing due to his violent criminal history.

Yesterday, U.S. District Judge Mark H. Cohen sentenced Trayvon Hawkins, a/k/a "Baby Cold World" and "Freeze," 27, of Atlanta, Georgia, to nine years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Hawkins was convicted of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence after he pleaded guilty on February 24, 2026.

Daquan Cosby, Jerrell Rucker, Bentorrey Moore, and Tavarus Beard

On August 3, 2023, Cosby and a co-conspirator, Jerrell Rucker, used a drone to drop contraband into Telfair State Prison from a nearby car. After law enforcement attempted to stop the vehicle, Cosby and Rucker sped off, and a chase ensued. When the vehicle hit a ditch, Cosby and Rucker fled on foot. Rucker was apprehended but Cosby escaped. A search of the vehicle revealed a drone and more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. During a subsequent search of Cosby's residence in Decatur, Georgia, law enforcement agents arrested Cosby and recovered a dozen firearms and a kilogram of cocaine that belonged to co-defendants Bentorrey Moore and Tavarus Beard, who were both convicted felons prohibited from possessing firearms.

On June 8, 2026, Chief U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May sentenced Daquan Cosby, 28, of Decatur, Georgia, to nine years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release. Cosby was convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine after pleading guilty on November 7, 2024. Chief Judge May previously sentenced Rucker to 10 years in prison and Moore to 5 years in prison. On February 17, 2026, Beard pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, and felon in possession of a firearm. His sentencing hearing has been scheduled for July 13, 2026.

All of these cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Renaud. Additionally, Trial Attorney Sarah J. Rasalam of the Justice Department's Violent Crime and Racketeering Section prosecuted the Jackson case, and the Atlanta Police Department investigated the Hawkins case.

These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney's Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.