Cleveland, Ohio – In a significant blow to organized crime in Ohio, federal prosecutors have unsealed a second superseding indictment against 18 members and associates of the Cleveland-based Fully Blooded Felons (FBF) gang. The indictment includes charges ranging from RICO conspiracy to murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and firearms violations, exposing a decade-long pattern of violent and illegal activities. This sweeping indictment reflects years of investigative work and a coordinated effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
Decade of Criminal Activity
The Fully Blooded Felons, operating since 2012, terrorized Cleveland’s east side and established a presence in nearby cities such as Akron and Youngstown. According to court documents, the gang functioned with a Mafia-like organizational structure, complete with a “Godfather,” a “Commission,” and a rigid hierarchy. Members were required to follow strict rules, known as the “Fully Five,” to maintain discipline and ensure loyalty. Gang leaders used intimidation and violence to control their territories and expand their criminal enterprise, which included murder, arson, robbery, drug trafficking, and firearms possession.
“The Fully Blooded Felons styled themselves after a Mafia crime family, terrorizing Cleveland’s streets,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “We will aggressively pursue violent criminals who harm communities, peddle poisons, and foster fear.”
Wide-Reaching Investigation
The multi-agency investigation culminated in the coordinated arrests of the 18 defendants. Law enforcement officials uncovered two stash houses used for drug trafficking operations, seizing over 400 grams of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and several firearms.
The investigation also revealed the defendants’ use of encrypted communication platforms and other technology to organize their crimes and evade detection. In one harrowing example of violence, gang members, including their leader, Raven Mullins, allegedly killed a man in Cleveland and later set fire to the stolen getaway vehicle.
Breaking the Chain of Fear
“Violence and other gang activities make communities less safe,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri. “Addressing violent crime is one of the Criminal Division’s highest priorities.”
The indictment outlines how FBF members carried out acts of violence to protect their turf, discipline members, and further the gang’s financial interests. This includes murders, assaults, and kidnappings, as well as the distribution of dangerous drugs like fentanyl.
FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen described the FBF as Cleveland’s “most significant gang threat,” noting the collaborative efforts of federal and local law enforcement to dismantle the gang and end its reign of terror.
Charges and Defendants
The indictment charges 18 defendants with a variety of crimes, including:
- Raven Mullins, aka “Dunny”: RICO conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, drug trafficking, and firearms violations.
- Henry Burchett, aka “Noodles”: RICO conspiracy, murder, and drug-related charges.
- Elijah Johnson, aka “Loon”: Drug trafficking and interstate racketeering.
- Demarcus Elliott, aka “Moo”: RICO conspiracy and drug-related charges.
- Dontez Hammond, aka Donny, aka Tez, 35, of Cleveland, Ohio, is charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
- Jeffrey Lee, aka Fatty, 24, of Cleveland, Ohio, is charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, numerous counts of possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and use of a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense.
- Jerrell Jones-Ferrell, aka Ruga, 25, of Cleveland, Ohio, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, use of a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
- Devonte Johnson, aka D Nut, aka Nut, 32, of Euclid, Ohio, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
- Jerome Williams, aka Jay, aka JT, 29, of Cleveland, Ohio, is charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and use of a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense.
- Christepher Horton, aka Cam, aka Killa, 41, of Cleveland, Ohio, is charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, and use of a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense.
- Deeundra Perkins, aka Drizzy, 33, of Garfield Heights, Ohio, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
- Deon Blackwell, aka White Boy, 38, of Cleveland, Ohio, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and use of a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense.
- James Clemons, aka Flock, aka Pope, aka Fully Pope Flock, 32, of Cleveland, Ohio, is charged with RICO conspiracy and murder in aid of racketeering.
- Alex Darden, aka Lil’ Pee Wee, 23, of Cleveland, Ohio, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
- Esmond Williams, aka Relle, 35, of Cleveland, Ohio, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
- Adrionna Null, aka Ali, 27, of Cleveland, Ohio, is charged with kidnapping in aid of racketeering and assault in aid of racketeering.
- Myeasha West, aka Action, 31, of Lorain, Ohio, is charged with kidnapping in aid of racketeering and assault in aid of racketeering.
- Kyla Sharie Tyler, aka Yayeo, 27, of Cleveland, Ohio, is charged with kidnapping in aid of racketeering and assault in aid of racketeering.
Sentences, if convicted, will depend on the court’s evaluation of each defendant’s role, prior record, and other factors.
A Community in Recovery
The indictment represents a significant step in reclaiming Cleveland’s streets and restoring safety to neighborhoods affected by the FBF’s criminal activities. By targeting the gang’s leadership and organizational structure, law enforcement agencies aim to dismantle the enterprise entirely.
The investigation was spearheaded by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Cleveland Strike Force, comprising agents from the FBI, DEA, ATF, and other federal and local agencies. This initiative focuses on disrupting and dismantling major criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, and violent crime.
“Our mission to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle gangs remains unwavering,” said Special Agent Nelsen. “This case demonstrates the strength of collaboration between federal and local agencies.”
An indictment is not a conviction, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. If convicted, their sentences will reflect the severity of their crimes but will not exceed statutory maximums.
This prosecution underscores the government’s commitment to addressing violent crime and gang activity. By working together, federal and local agencies aim to make Northern Ohio a safer place for its residents.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul E. Hanna and Robert F. Corts, along with Justice Department Trial Attorneys Brian W. Lynch and Alyssa Levey-Weinstein.
