Prison Bound: Gang Leaders Sentenced On Racketeering Charges

DETROIT, MI – Two leaders of the Detroit branch of the Rollin 60s Crips street gang on Friday were sentenced to prison for their roles in gang-related murders, shootings and drug violence. Both men previously pleaded guilty to racketeering and firearms charges.

Jerome Hamilton, 26, of Detroit, will spend 30 years in prison for charges of racketeering conspiracy and use of a firearm during a crime of violence causing death, according to a statement from U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider.

Hamilton took responsibility for issuing a “green light” to murder rival gang members of the Playboy Gangster Crips in 2011, a firebombing of a rival Blood gang member’s house, and the Aug. 8, 2011, homicide of Kionte Atkins during a drive-by shooting. Hamilton also admitted to being involved in the distribution of marijuana and illegal prescription pills as part of his membership with the Rollin' 60s Crips.

Hamilton's second in command, Darriyon Mills, 22, of Detroit, was sentenced to 24 years in prison. Mills previously pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and use of a firearm during a crime of violence. Mills committed armed robberies, carjackings, and attempted multiple murders, according to court records. He also trafficked drugs for the Rollin 60s, according to Schneider's statement.

The Rollin’ 60s Crips is a national street gang founded in Los Angeles in the mid-1970s. Hamilton started the Detroit chapter in approximately 2006. The local gang now boasts approximately 150 members who operate primarily on the west side of Detroit in the vicinity of 7 Mile and Tracey roads, according to court documents.

The Rollin' 60s Detroit chapter is a violent organization responsible for numerous assaults, robberies, carjackings and the unlawful possession and trafficking of firearms, and narcotics in and around the Detroit metropolitan area over the last nine years, authorities said. The gang uses violence as a means of retribution for acts done by rival gang members, to intimidate witnesses, and as a means for individuals to maintain or advance their position within the gang.

"This office is making it a top priority to pursue violent criminals and remove them from our streets," said Schneider in a statement. "All Michigan residents deserve safety and we will relentlessly prosecute gang members who commit violence."

In addition to Hamilton and Mills, 12 other members of the gang have been convicted on various racketeering and firearms charges.

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