Gang Leaders Indicted

Alleged Leaders and Members of Bounty Hunter Bloods Gang Indicted on Murder, Robbery, Drug Charges


April 12, 2010 - NORFOLK, VA—A federal grand jury in Norfolk has indicted James Alexander Mack, 25; Jamel Spaights, 28; James Martin Harris, 22; Arous John Phillips, 22; Eric Drandell Ward, 28; Craig Steven Foster, 23, all of Portsmouth, Va.; and Danyell Jamar White, 21, and Cameron Mychal Evans, 21, both of Suffolk, Va. on various racketeering, murder, firearm, and drug charges. The majority of the defendants will face life sentences if convicted.

Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Alex J. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Norfolk Division; Edward G. Hargis, Portsmouth Chief of Police; Thomas E. Bennett, Suffolk Chief of Police; and Captain Raymond J. Scott, Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Chesapeake Division, made the announcement after the indictment was unsealed and those charged were in police custody.

“The alleged gang members are charged with terrorizing neighborhoods in Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Chesapeake, and this indictment is a crucial step in our efforts to protect citizens,” said U.S. Attorney MacBride. “It is a priority of our office to work with federal and local law enforcement partners to make our citizens safer in their homes and communities.”

The defendants are alleged to be top Generals, leaders, and gang members of the Bounty Hunter Bloods (BHB) and the Nine Tech Gangsters (NTG), who have been operating in various neighborhoods in Portsmouth, Suffolk and Chesapeake, Virginia, since the early 2000s. According to law enforcement, they joined forces in a procedure known as "tying flags" to increase their joint influence and their ability to make money.

The indictment alleges their acts of violence include murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, and assault with a dangerous weapon. It also states that members of this organization identified themselves by the colors red and black, the number “5,” the five-point star, hand signs, graffiti, and the “Dog Paw” tattoo, which consists of three dots forming a triangle on the upper right shoulder of the gang member. The alleged gang members are charged with violently retaliating against rivals—including one charged murder—and financially supporting the enterprise by trafficking illegal drugs and through robberies.

Those charged today include:

• Mack, a/k/a OG Mack, the alleged founder and leader of the criminal enterprise who is charged with carrying out and directing others to carry out “missions” aimed at promoting the status of the organization. He is charged with 86 of the 108 counts in the indictment, including attempted murder and extensive narcotics distribution.

• Jamel Spaights, a/k/a Mel or Bloody Bastard, is the alleged leader of the Nine Tech Gangsters set of the Bloods street gang in Portsmouth. He is charged with 18 counts in the indictment, including attempted murder.

• James Martin Harris, a/k/a Bloody 45, is alleged to be a leader within the Nine Tech Gangsters and charged with five counts, including the murder of Darius Powell on Aug. 25, 2006.

• Arous John Phillips, a/k/a AJ and Villan, is alleged to be a leader within the Bounty Hunter Bloods set of the Bloods street gang in Portsmouth. He is charged with 12 counts, including the murder of Darius Powell and attempted murder of another individual.

• Eric Drandell Ward, a/k/a Lil E, is alleged to be a leader within the Bounty Hunter Bloods set of the Bloods street gang in Suffolk. He is charged with 10 counts, including seriously injuring one individual and maiming another.

• Danyelle Jamar White, a/k/a Putt, is alleged to be a leader within the Bounty Hunter Bloods set of the Bloods street gang in Suffolk. He is charged with 12 counts, including kidnapping and assault.

• Craig Steven Foster, a/k/a Light Bright, is an alleged gang member who is charged with a racketeering conspiracy and assault.

• Cameron Mychal Evans, a/k/a Cam, is an alleged gang member who is also charged with a racketeering conspiracy and assault.

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Portsmouth and Suffolk Police Departments and the Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys William Muhr and Melissa O’Boyle are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

Criminal indictments are only charges and not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent untiil and unless proven guilty.