Twenty-one members and associates of the Kiccdoe street gang have pleaded guilty to federal racketeering and related offences in a massive case aimed at a violent criminal organisation tied to over 180 crimes in Arlington, federal officials stated.
The newest development occurred on June 4, when 22-year-old Chauncey Ross of Arlington was sentenced to life in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Mark T. Pittman for his role in the racketeering conspiracy.
According to federal authorities, Ross was involved in a murder and another gunshot that injured a woman who was protecting her infant child. Prosecutors also presented evidence that Ross recorded a rap song after the murder that mentioned the incident.
The prosecution arises from a federal investigation into the Kiccdoe gang, which police said was responsible for a wide range of violent crimes and narcotics trafficking in Arlington.
Seven additional defendants have already received sentences after pleading guilty to racketeering conspiracy or related counts.
Kyron Oates, 22, of Grand Prairie, received a 188-month jail term after confessing to a racketeering conspiracy. Prosecutors said evidence indicated that he was involved in a premeditated attempted murder in February 2024.
Cortez Atkinson, 19, from Fort Worth, was sentenced to 176 months in jail. Authorities said he started a gang-related shootout outside an apartment complex, during which a stray bullet hit a 13-year-old girl in her bedroom.
KeyShawn Burton, 21, from Arlington, was sentenced to 127 months in jail. According to prosecutors, Burton smuggled narcotics and participated in discussions about targeting a rival gang member.
Jaylen Jeshawn Franklin, 23, of Arlington, was sentenced to 122 months in prison after admitting to his involvement in two drive-by shooting schemes in 2022.
Sir James Mack Williams, 22, of Arlington, was sentenced to 92 months in jail for his role in a November 2022 drive-by shooting spree aimed at two residences.
Raphael Opare, 19, of Arlington, received a 41-month sentence after confessing to narcotics trafficking and conspiracy to retaliate against a rival gang member.
JaMarion Manogin, 20, of Forney, received a 12-month jail sentence after pleading guilty to drug trafficking-related communication offences.
The remaining thirteen defendants are slated to be sentenced between June and September.
According to federal investigators, the group engaged in substantial illegal activity. Arlington Police Chief Al Jones reported that investigators documented over 180 criminal occurrences involving Kiccdoe members, the majority of which were violent.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Arlington Police Department jointly handled the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Laura G. Montes and Eric B. Chen are prosecuting the case, with Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Capoccia providing support.
Sentencing for the other defendants is anticipated to continue until September.
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