Detroit gang members handed down prison sentences.
Robert Brown II, 37, also known as “RO” and head of the Seven Mile Bloods gang in Detroit, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge George Caram Steeh, nominated by former president Bill Clinton, to forty years in prison without parole. Brown is originally from Warren, Michigan, and was found guilty of “RICO (racketeering) conspiracy, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and attempted murder” according to court records. The underwent a ten-week trial in Detroit in August of last year and faced up to life in prison.
Brown was acquitted of two charges against him, including the death of 25-year-old Cleo McDougal, who was fatally shot in June 2006. Another man was sentenced and later exonerated after spending seven years behind bars. U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider said, “Four decades behind bars is the consequence for gang members who incite violence, drug dealing, and mayhem on city streets.” He added, “Michigan has no tolerance for the senseless murders and violence spread by gang members, and that is why we will continue to fight these gangs in court.”
Defense attorney James Feinberg said, “The government overstated Brown’s crimes.” In an eight-page sentencing memo, he pointed out several details which he felt made the case flawed. Feinberg said his client had “family problems” during his childhood and, thus, became a “people pleaser.” He detailed an account in which Brown was shot and nearly lost his life in 2010, and denied his client was a lead of the gang.
“While Mr. Brown was a member of the Seven Mile Bloods, all the government was able to prove was that Mr. Brown hung around with some members for social, not criminal activity. All other allegations of violence by the government were at least circumstantial evidence without verification of credible witnesses,” Feinberg said.
Prosecutors noted the gang was known for inciting violence, dealing illegal drugs and murdering their rivals. The Seven Mile Bloods are most active between Gratiot Avenue and Kelly Road in Detroit, and between Seven Mile and Eight Mile. They refer to this area was the “Red Zone.” Some gang members to refer to the “Red Zone” in the 48205 area code as “4-8-2-0-Die.”
Law enforcement believe the Seven Mile Bloods are responsible for at least 14 shootings, four homicides, and 11 attempted murders. According to the Department of Justice report, among the others convicted during trial were: “Corey Bailey, aka Sonny, Cocaine Sonny, 31, of Detroit, was sentenced to two life sentences and three 10 year sentences, all to run concurrent, after having been convicted of RICO conspiracy; murder in aid of racketeering; attempted murder in aid of racketeering; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence;
Arlandis Shy, aka Grymee, Vil, 30, of Clinton Township was sentenced to 18 years after having been convicted of RICO conspiracy;
Keithon Porter, aka KP, 32, of Detroit; is awaiting sentencing after having been convicted of RICO conspiracy; murder in aid of racketeering; attempted murder in aid of racketeering; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.”
Eugene Fisher, known as Fes, 38, of Detroit, was sentenced to ninety months after he was convicted of two counts of felon in possession of a firearm.
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