Feds: 8 Detroit Gang Members Indicted After Bragging About Crimes On Social Media

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Authorities say eight members of a northwest Detroit street gang have been indicted for their roles in attempted murders, robberies and shootings.

The U.S. Justice Department says the indictment unsealed Tuesday names members of the "Band Crew" and stems from the Detroit One initiative — an ongoing collaborative effort between law enforcement and the community to reduce violent crime in the city.

According to the indictment, Band Crew was comprised of smaller gangs that used graffiti to mark a territory in the city. They were allegedly active on social media, posting fight videos on YouTube and bragging about their "gang-related accomplishments" on Facebook and Twitter. The indictment also alleges the accused used social media to communicate about and promote their criminal activities.

[View a copy of the indictment]

Authorities say those involved used violence to defend their territory, to promote and maintain the status and reputation of the gang, and to engage in or threaten violence in retaliation for perceived wrongs.

The following eight people, ages 18 to 22, are in custody:

• Corey Deandre Mapp, 22, of Detroit, is charged with RICO conspiracy, use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering.

• Alexander Teontae Johnson, 20, of Detroit, is charged with RICO conspiracy.

• Leo James Johnson, 20, of Detroit, is charged with RICO conspiracy, assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and possession of a stolen firearm.

• Joseph Hezekiah Ford, 19, of Detroit, is charged with RICO conspiracy.

• Travontae Javon Joseph, 19, of Detroit, is charged with RICO conspiracy, assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and possession of a stolen firearm.

• Jamell Loval Smith, 19, of Detroit, is charged with RICO conspiracy.

• Mario Perkins, 18, of Detroit, is charged with RICO conspiracy, use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and conspiracy to assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering.

• Akeem Arteaze Walker, 19, of Detroit, is charged with RICO conspiracy, use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering.

This case is being investigated by the ATF's CVRP (Comprehensive Violence Reduction Partnership) Task Force, including officers from the ATF, Detroit Police Department, Michigan State Police and Michigan Department of Corrections.

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