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Published on January 17, 2025
Hoover Gang Leader Sentenced to 15 Years, Four Associates Receive Lengthy Prison Terms for Racketeering and MurderSource: Google Street View

Markell Young, leader of the Hoover Criminal Gang's notorious 83rd subset, was sentenced to 15 years in prison yesterday for orchestrating a murder, among other racketeering and firearms offenses. In the wake of a federal crackdown on gang violence, four other gang members were also sentenced, as reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee. Young's cohort included Octavius Ferguson and Jordan Powell, both of whom were sentenced to life in prison following their convictions for murder in aid of racketeering alongside other charges.

According to evidence presented in court, the group carried out the murder of a suspected rival gang member from the Gangster Disciples on January 31, 2017. Acting on orders from Young, the defendants went to the victim's Humboldt home and fired multiple shots through the front door, a violent act that led to their ascension in gang ranks. Found guilty of involvement in the killing, Bakari Lenon and Monterio Ross, who each received 30-year sentences after negotiating guilty pleas, showed a disregard for human life that the ATF works tirelessly to combat.

The collective effort of federal agencies, namely the FBI and the ATF, along with local law enforcement, was applauded for its effectiveness in bringing the gang members to justice. Special Agent in Charge Joe Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office highlighted the collaboration's success, stating, "The sentences imposed demonstrate the commitment of the FBI and our partners to thwarting gang violence and reinforcing the severe consequences awaiting those who threaten the safety of our communities," as noted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

With a determined stance against organized crime and its impact on communities, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brent S. Wible spoke on the department's position. "These defendants were members of the violent Hoover Criminal Gang who were responsible for murdering a suspected rival gang member to further the aims of the gang," he said. "Gang violence traumatizes communities and makes our streets less safe. The Criminal Division is committed to vigorously prosecuting those who engage in gun violence and other violent criminal activity," as mentioned by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney César S. Rivera-Giraud and Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary Parham, reflecting federal efforts to combat gang-related crime and violence.