Atlanta Prosecutor Says – Street Gang Targeted Celebrities, Influencers

Prosecutor Announcement

A prosecutor on Monday announced a sprawling indictment targeting members of what she said is a violent street gang that has been targeting the Atlanta-area homes of famous athletes, entertainers, and others who flaunt expensive possessions on social media.

Singer Mariah Carey, Marlo Hampton of ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Atlanta United player Brad Guzan and the Atlanta Falcons’ Calvin Ridley all had their homes broken into, the indictment says. The 220-count indictment was filed on Aug. 22 and charged 26 people, most of whom are accused of violating Georgia’s anti-gang and racketeering laws.

Member Of The Drug Rich Gang

Fulton County Dist. Atty. Fani Willis said the crimes alleged in the indictment, carjacking, kidnapping, armed robbery, shootings, and home invasions, were committed by members of the Drug Rich gang, which she said emerged in 2016 in a neighboring county. In addition to the celebrity targets, social media influencers were also victimized in home invasions and burglaries, Willis said.

What they do is target people who show their wealth on social media, she said. So, I do have a message for the public: Where it is fun to put your things on social media and show off, unfortunately, these gangs are becoming savvier and more sophisticated in how they target you.

The Alleged Gang Members’ Message

But Willis also had a message for the alleged gang members: If you thought Fulton was a good county to bring your crime to, to bring your violence to, you are wrong, and you will suffer consequences, and today is the start of some of those consequences.

Willis said the indictment represented a collaboration between law enforcement agencies. Cracking down on gangs is a priority, and she said she intends to pursue tough penalties.

He is not going to negotiate with gang members. I am not going to allow pleas, she said. We are going to find you, we are going to convict you, and we are going to send you to prison for the rest of your days, and I’m not apologizing for that.

Vishnumahanthi