U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal | U.S. Department of Justice
Nine men from the Quad Cities have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a violent racketeering conspiracy. The group, known as the Fifth Street gang or by other names such as "Arsenal Courts Posse" and "Zone Fifth," was involved in various criminal activities, including murder, attempted murder, and drug trafficking. Their operations spanned Rock Island, Illinois, and Davenport.
Court documents and evidence presented at trials revealed that the gang's activities included numerous shootings and at least seven homicides over two decades. Incidents connected to the gang include the 2006 shooting of Andrell Hearn in Rock Island and multiple shootings in Davenport in 2020 during civil unrest.
The sentences handed down on December 18 and 19, 2024, varied among the defendants. Don Christopher White, Jr., received a 40-year sentence for racketeering conspiracy and firearm possession charges. Raheem Jacques Houston was sentenced to 30 years for similar charges. Other members received sentences ranging from 12 to 33 years.
Davenport Police Chief Jeffery Bladel stated, “Violent crime against our community and attacks on law enforcement will not be tolerated.” He expressed pride in his department's efforts to hold criminals accountable.
Two additional defendants have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing: Ricky Lee Childs, Jr., scheduled for January 23, 2025, faces up to 20 years; Timothy Justin Beaver is set for February 13, 2025, with a potential maximum sentence of 40 years.
Meanwhile, Kylea Dapri Cartwright, Jr., and Rasheem Damonte Bogan await trial on charges related to racketeering conspiracy and firearm possession. Their trial is scheduled for February 10, 2025.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal announced these developments. The case was investigated by several agencies including the Davenport Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
