Five Tampa men have been indicted on charges that include racketeering murder conspiracy, after federal prosecutors allege they engaged in a series of violent acts and a far-reaching fraud scheme. The indictment, which was returned by the United States Attorney's office, targets members of the "Glock Boys," who prosecutors say are part of a criminal enterprise based in West Tampa, notorious for their ongoing feud with the rival Robles Park gang. According to a report by the United States Department of Justice, the conflicts between these gangs have led to multiple shootings across Tampa, including high-profile incidents at International Plaza Mall's parking lot and in residential areas near Walnut Street and Central Avenue.
The defendants, identified as Greg Kendrick, aka "Cheese," Corey Davis, aka "Coe," Arius Johnson, aka "Streetz," Damion Council, aka "Dane," and Antonio Phillips, aka "Lil Glockie" or "Twin," face potential life sentences if convicted. Their alleged crimes span beyond pugilist engagements to include a nationwide identity theft and unemployment fraud operation. The indictment asserts they managed to file fabricated unemployment claims in various states using stolen personal information, a crime spree that seemed to easily stretch across state lines.
Notably, some of these shootings have occurred in broad daylight, with incidents resulting in injury to innocent bystanders, bringing the violence home to unsuspecting civilians. The investigation into the "Glock Boys" was carried out by the Tampa Police Department with support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Labor. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey Chang and Diego Novaes are now set to prosecute the case, tying up the loose ends of a lengthy investigation.
This case is part of a broader crackdown known as Operation Take Back America, an initiative by the Department of Justice to eradicate illegal immigration, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and prevent violent crimes in communities. The operation consolidates efforts from various law enforcement divisions such as the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods—a concerted push to indeed take back control of neighborhood streets from those who perpetrate violence and crime.
An indictment is not a conviction, and these five men are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Still, the charges bring to light the extent of criminal activity attributed to the "Glock Boys" and the lengths to which law enforcement will go to ensure such acts are met with justice.
