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(Davenport, IA) -- 12 Rock Island men are accused of a pattern of violence, stemming from the late 1990s.
A federal grand jury in Davenport returned an indictment related to a racketeering conspiracy, which included murder, attempted murders, robbery, and drug trafficking.
"To those that choose criminal violence this case is an example of the fate that awaits you," said United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa.
The men charged were members or associates of a criminal organization known as the Arsenal Courts Posse, Zone Fifth, Fifth Street Mafia, Rock Town Money Getters (RTMG), or Money Team. The indictment alleges the organization distributed "controlled substances, obtain money and things of value, and earn and maintain respect in the Quad Cities."
The following members and associates are charged in the indictment:
- Ricky Lee Childs, Jr., 38, charged with racketeering conspiracy, faces up to 30 years of prison.
- Don Christopher White, Jr., 37, charged with racketeering conspiracy and felon in possession of a firearm, faces up to 40 years in prison.
- Devell Carl Lewis, 35, charged with racketeering conspiracy, faces up to 20 years in prison.
- Deaguise Ramont Hall, 34, charged with racketeering conspiracy, faces up to 20 years in prison.
- Simmeon Terrell Hall, 34, charged with racketeering conspiracy, faces up to 20 years in prison.
- Brandon Deshane Branigan, 32, charged with racketeering conspiracy, faces up to 30 years in prison.
- Rasheem Damonte Bogan, 31, charged with racketeering conspiracy and felon in possession of a firearm, facing up to 30 years in prison.
- Raheem Jacques Houston, 30, charged with racketeering conspiracy and felon in possession of a firearm, faces up to 30 years in prison.
- Michael Linn Cross, 30, charged with racketeering conspiracy, faces up to 20 years in prison.
- Lashawn D James Hensley, 30, charged with racketeering conspiracy, faces up to 20 years in prison,
- Devante Atwell French, 29, charged with racketeering conspiracy and felon in possession of a firearm, faces up to 30 years in prison.
- Timothy Justin Beaver, 28, charged with racketeering conspiracy, faces up to 20 years in prison.
"We will continue to place violent crime as our highest priority," said Westphal. "With our law enforcement partners, like the Davenport Police Department, we are dedicated and motivated to use every legal tool to help protect the Davenport community."