Prosecutors: 5 Gangster Disciples members convicted

Federal prosecutors in Atlanta said a jury convicted five Gangster Disciples members, including a former police officer, on charges including racketeering conspiracy involving murder.

U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak said in a news release Monday that each of the men was “responsible for horrific violent crimes.”

Pak said the Gangster Disciples are a national gang with Chicago roots dating back to the 1970s. The gang has a highly structured hierarchy.

Among the five convicted last week, three were high-level state leaders.

Prosecutors said Vancito Gumbs, who worked as a self-professed hitman for the gang while working as a DeKalb County police officer, was also convicted.

Prosecutors said the jury heard testimony and evidence about 12 people murdered by the gang and another 12 who were shot but survived.