Reagan T. Fondren Acting United States Attorney for the Western District Of Tennessee | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee
Six individuals alleged to be members of the Unknown Vice Lords (UVL) – Ghost Mob gang have been indicted in the Western District of Tennessee on charges including conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and firearms violations. The indictment, unsealed in federal court, follows an investigation into a retaliatory shooting incident that took place in September 2020.
“As alleged, these individuals showed a blatant disregard for public safety, engaging in a retaliatory gang shooting in a residential neighborhood,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Gang violence inflicts profound harm on our communities, fostering fear, destabilizing neighborhoods, and damaging the quality of life for law-abiding residents. The arrest of these violent gang members underscores the Justice Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting public safety and the rule of law. We will continue to dismantle these criminal organizations and protect the safety and security of our citizens.”
Special Agent in Charge Jamey VanVliet of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Nashville Field Division stated: “The premeditated and horrendous acts of violence that these gang members committed demonstrates a blatant disregard for human life. The men and women of the ATF, along with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, remain committed to combatting violent crime and swiftly bringing these individuals to justice before they commit other senseless acts of violence.”
Court documents describe UVL Ghost Mob as a violent street gang operating throughout western Tennessee and affiliated with the larger Almighty Vice Lord Nation originating from Chicago. Authorities allege that after rival gang members shot at UVL Ghost Mob members and their families on September 6, 2020—injuring four people—the UVL Ghost Mob leaders ordered retaliation. In response, shortly after midnight on September 7, 2020, six defendants allegedly traveled to a rival residence armed with assault-style rifles. They are accused of firing approximately 40-50 rounds into the home while occupants were inside; security cameras recorded the event.
Those charged include Antwon Brown (also known as Yayo), Cordera Douglas (Chuckie Dee), Willie Merriweather, Tevin Richardson (Santana), Ricky Rogers Jr. (Double R or RR), all from Memphis or Antioch, Tennessee; and Laraveus Williams (Ray Ray).
Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering carries up to 20 years in prison. Conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder in aid of racketeering can result in up to 10 years each. Discharging a firearm during a crime of violence has a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years consecutive to any other penalty imposed by the court.
The ATF worked with Memphis Police Department on this investigation. Trial Attorneys Lisa M. Thelwell and Dennis Robinson from the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case alongside substantial assistance from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee.
This prosecution is part of ongoing efforts under the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative targeting violent crimes committed by gangs in Memphis and surrounding areas through collaboration among federal prosecutors and local law enforcement agencies.
An indictment is not evidence of guilt; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
