Attorney: Gangster Disciples ‘Chief Enforcer’ sentenced after guilty plea
A high-ranking member of the Gangster Disciples, a street gang prevalent throughout Memphis and Tennessee, was sentenced to 25 years in prison Monday, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.
Demarcus Deon Crawford, known as “Trip,” received a 25-year sentence and potentially five years of supervised release Monday after he pleaded guilty to being the Chief Enforcer for the gang’s Tennessee operations, the U.S. attorney’s office said in a news release.
As part of his role as enforcer, Crawford enforced gang rules through intimidation and violence, ordering the shooting of members for retaliatory purposes.
He also admitted he participated in other gang activities such as narcotics trafficking.
Crawford was indicted as part of “Operation 38 Special,” a broad Racketeering and Corrupt Influences Act sting in 2016 that brought in 16 alleged officers of the Gangster Disciples in 2016. Those officers were split between Memphis and Jackson, Tennessee.
“This case demonstrates our ability and resolve to aggressively prosecute and hold accountable those who engage in organized criminal enterprises and gang conspiracies in furtherance of racketeering,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Dunavant.
“This office is proud to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to disrupt the Gangster Disciples gang and punish their leaders and members for the violence and lawlessness that they perpetrate across West Tennessee.”
Samuel Hardiman covers Memphis city government, politics and other news for The Commercial Appeal. He welcomes tips and feedback from the public. He can be reached by email at samuel.hardiman@commercialappeal.com.