ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — State investigators said they believe they have shut down two local gangs they think are linked to a criminal enterprise tied to murders and drug trafficking in Orange County.
Investigators said 34 people are connected to the case and many of them face racketeering and conspiracy charges, while others face drug trafficking charges.
The state RICO charges are significant in that statewide prosecutors believe some of these suspects were involved in drug trafficking, which helped fund the gang activity.
“All of these victims were gunned down by retaliatory gunfire by these gang members,” Sheriff John Mina said.
He pleaded with the community to call in tips connected to the murder of four innocent children who were caught in the gang war over the last year. The youngest child was just 3 years old.
Orange County deputies believe a feud between local rappers and alleged gang leaders Jacquvius Smith, who goes by 9lockk 9, and Javarri Walker, also known as Hot Boii 438, is what fueled the shooting violence.
Investigators said Smith is a leader of the Army Gang based in the Mercy Drive area of Orlando, and that Walker connected to the 438, with its members along Silver Star Road.
“These gang members were committing crimes on a daily basis,” said MBI Director Ron Stucker.
READ: FBI says Army gang, 438 gang behind recent uptick in violence in Orange County: What we know
The arrest affidavits with details about the investigation are still sealed in court records, but investigators say they built a racketeering and conspiracy case because the criminal enterprises are allegedly linked to more than 30 shootings. Others arrested on drug trafficking charges, investigators say, helped fund the gang activity with subgroups and criminal activity that led to search warrants in gated communities in Lake Nona, Seminole County and east Orange County.
Investigators say they’ve used evidence collected along the way, over nine months of surveilling these suspects, which should make for a strong case less dependent on witnesses who are often reluctant to testify. And some of what was uncovered could lead to federal charges, too.
READ: Orange County leaders push for end to gang violence as gun-related arrests continue
“In the coming months you should see several federal indictments coming out, targeting the infrastructure that supported the financial part of these gangs,” FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ron Hopper said.
Investigators said they recovered 15 guns during this investigation. They recovered one at the home of Jacquavius Smith which was used to kill Dexter Rentz, a promising young football player. More guns, investigators say, concealed by Sonny Thornton were used in the drive-by shooting that took the life of 16-year-old Tavyiah King.
