A leader of the Hoover Criminal Gang has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for orchestrating the murder of a suspected rival gang member. Markell Young, aged 33, was the last among five defendants from Gibson County to receive sentencing. While Young, along with Octavius Ferguson, 27, and Jordan Powell, 25, were convicted after a trial, Bakari Lenon, 25, and Monterio Ross, 29, opted for guilty pleas.
Court documents revealed that these individuals were part of the Hoover Criminal Gang's subset known as the 83rd or Eight Tray. Their criminal activities spanned racketeering operations involving murder, robberies, and drug trafficking.
"These defendants were members of the violent Hoover Criminal Gang who were responsible for murdering a suspected rival gang member to further the aims of the gang," stated Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brent S. Wible from the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. He emphasized that "gang violence traumatizes communities and makes our streets less safe."
Acting U.S. Attorney Reagan Fondren for the Western District of Tennessee remarked on the broader implications: "This case serves as notice to all that engage in organized criminal activity that we will use every available resource to bring you to justice." He underscored that citizens deserve a community free from gun violence.
Special Agent in Charge Joe Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office highlighted law enforcement collaboration: "This case is an outstanding example of what federal, state, and local law enforcement can accomplish when we dismantle gang networks that spread violence and fear."
Marcus Watson from ATF's Nashville Field Division reiterated their mission: "The individuals who wreak havoc in the communities that we serve are a huge concern... The ATF works collaboratively with our law enforcement partners... The ATF’s primary mission is to combat violent crime in our communities."
The incident took place on January 31, 2017. Evidence presented showed that Young directed Ferguson, Powell, Lenon, and Ross to kill a member of the rival Gangster Disciples gang in Humboldt by shooting through his open front door.
Following their roles in this crime, all shooters received promotions within their gang. Young was convicted at trial for aiding and abetting firearm use during murder related to racketeering. Ferguson and Powell received life sentences for multiple charges including murder in aid of racketeering. Lenon and Ross each received 30-year sentences after pleading guilty.
The FBI and ATF led investigations with support from state and local agencies. Trial Attorney César S. Rivera-Giraud from the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section alongside Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary Parham prosecuted this case.