Detroit gang leader gets 35 years for racketeering
Detroit — A high-profile local gang leader, who is both the national president of the Phantom Outlaw Motorcycle Club and “Three Star General” of the Vice Lords street gang, was sentenced to 35 years in prison Tuesday by a federal judge for violent racketeering-related crimes.
Antonio Johnson, who also goes by the aliases Mister Tony, MT and Big Bro, was convicted in March following a trial that lasted several weeks of engaging in a racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit murder in the aid of racketeering, assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, said federal authorities Tuesday.
U.S. Judge Paul Borman oversaw the case and trial of 39-year-old Johnson, a Detroit resident.
"Through his leadership positions in two gangs, Johnson spread violence in Detroit and beyond," said Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell in a press release following the sentencing. "Here, through the Detroit One initiative, the collective efforts of federal agents, state and local police, and private citizens helped thwart a mass murder plot and ensure the convictions and lengthy prison sentences of Johnson and his fellow gang members. This case is emblematic of law and order at its best: a true partnership between law enforcement authorities and the community they serve."
U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade added that the conviction and sentencing of Johnson and others is the result of ongoing state and federal efforts to prevent and combat gun violence in local communities.
"Gang wars fuel violence in our community, and the resulting drive-by shootings create unacceptable risk to innocent lives. The Detroit One partners are systematically dismantling violent street and motorcycle gangs that are destroying the peace in our neighborhoods."
During the September 2013 trial, prosecutors presented evidence that showed the Phantom Outlaw Motorcycle Club, with headquarters on the city’s northwest side, and the club’s members were part of a range of criminal activities and enterprises which included conspiracy to commit murders , robbery, shooting, extortion and the sale of stolen motorcycles and vehicles. The prosecutors say evidence showed that the Phantoms and the Vice Lord, a nationally known street gang which started in Chicago, are entwined through their leaderships.
Prosecutors say Johnson and other Phantom members plotted the murders of three rival gang members from the Hell Lovers Motorcycle Club, whom the Phantoms believed were responsible for the fatal shooting of a member of their own group. Federal agents from the ATF and FBI, were able to intervene and squash the plot.
Besides Johnson, other defendants convicted in the case are, according to federal authorities. They are:
■Marvin Nicholson, 46, of Detroit, was convicted of RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, use and carry of firearms during and in relation to a crime of violence, assault of federal officers and felon in possession of firearms. He was sentenced to serve 40 years in prison.
■Brian Sorrell, 28, of Detroit, was convicted of RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and use and carry of firearms during and in relation to a crime of violence. He was sentenced to serve 21 years in prison.
■Matthew Schamante, 33, of Waterford Township, convicted of RICO conspiracy. He was sentenced to serve 102 months in prison.
■Brian Jackson, 48, of Detroit, convicted of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering. Jackson was sentenced to 96 months in prison.
■Sherman Brown, 44, of Detroit, convicted of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering. He was sentenced to 100 months in prison.
■Brandon Paige, 21, of Detroit, convicted of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering. Paige was sentenced to 90 months in prison.
■Roger Valdes, 30, of Pontiac, convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering and use and carry of firearms during and in relation to a crime of violence. He was sentenced to 49 months in prison.
The following defendants also have been convicted, but have not yet been sentenced:
■Raynard Brown, 39, of Detroit, convicted of RICO conspiracy.
■Vicente Phillips, 51, of Pontiac, convicted of RICO conspiracy.
■Maurice Williams, 34, of Detroit, convicted of RICO conspiracy.
■Christopher Odum, 30, of Detroit, convicted of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering.
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