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 individuals, identified as Don Christopher White, Jr., Raheem Jacques Houston, Deaguise Ramont Hall, Michael Linn Cross, Devell Carl Lewis, Lashawn D. James Hensley, Simmeon Terrell Hall, Devante Atwell French, and Cortez Deangelo Cooper, Jr., were part of a criminal enterprise known by several names including "Fifth Street gang," "Arsenal Courts Posse," and "Rock Town Money Getters."
This organization operated out of Rock Island, Illinois but extended its activities to Davenport. Their criminal acts included distributing controlled substances and engaging in violent confrontations with rival gangs such as 12th Street and Savage Life. Evidence presented at trials linked them to numerous shootings and at least seven homicides over two decades.
Notable incidents include the August 6, 2006 murder of Andrell Hearn in Rock Island and the August 19 shooting that killed Vincelina Howard during a family gathering in Davenport. Other significant events involve multiple shootings in Davenport between May 24-31, 2020 following a dice game dispute that resulted in Timon Mayfield's death.
On June 1, 2020, amidst civil unrest in Davenport, members of this group engaged in two shootings involving more than 60 shots fired. One incident resulted in serious injuries to two men after an attempted burglary at Necker’s Jewelers turned into gunfire when they mistook someone for a rival gang member.
The sentences handed down on December 18-19 include:
- Don Christopher White Jr., received 40 years.
- Raheem Jacques Houston was sentenced to 30 years.
- Deaguise Ramont Hall received a sentence of 33 years.
- Michael Linn Cross was given an 18-year sentence.
- LaShawn D. James Hensley was sentenced to 12 years.
Additional sentences include:
- Devante Atwell French received a sentence of 30 years.
- Simmeon Terrell Hall also received a sentence of 30 years.
- Devell Carl Lewis was sentenced to eighteen-and-a-half years.
- Cortez Deangelo Cooper Jr., received thirteen-and-a-half years.
Davenport Police Chief Jeffery Bladel emphasized the commitment to community safety stating: “Violent crime against our community and attacks on law enforcement will not be tolerated.” He commended his department’s dedication alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office for ensuring justice is served.
Two other defendants have pled guilty and await sentencing early next year while two others are awaiting trial scheduled for February.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal announced these developments noting collaboration among various law enforcement agencies including local police departments and federal entities like the FBI and DEA.
