In a significant blow to the 4th Street Bloods gang, four of its members, following their guilty pleas earlier this year, were sentenced to federal prison terms, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. The sentencing took place in a federal court in Houston, where U.S. District Judge David Hittner handed down the penalties to the Bacliff, Texas residents.
Judge Hittner Sentence
Thomas Tyler Black, 26, and Jamie Lynn Finley, 30, identified as key figures in the gang's drug trafficking operations, received lengthy sentences for their roles. Black, pinpointed as the conspiracy's ringleader, was sentenced to 150 months for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Finley, who played a substantial part in the drug distribution, was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison for aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.
Drug RunnersJudge David Hittner. Public domain photo.
Drug Runners With No History
Cameron Lee Sanford, 20, and William Hunter Sanford, 21, believed to have been primarily involved as drug runners with minimal criminal history, received sentences of 37 months and 63 months, respectively, for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine.
The 4th Street Bloods, originating in the mid-1990s in Galveston County's Bayshore Area, have been a focal point of law enforcement efforts to dismantle the gang's operations. Notorious for their activities centered around the 4400 block of 4th Street in Bacliff, Texas, gang members are known for distinctive tattoos symbolizing their allegiance. In response to the gang's evolving leadership, a targeted operation led by the Galveston County Sheriff's Office Special Crimes Unit commenced in 2009, aiming to disrupt and dismantle the gang's activities.
The defendants will remain in custody pending their transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility, with the specific location to be announced shortly.
Investigation Team
This case was the result of an extensive investigation by a coalition of federal and local law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, DEA, Texas Department of Public Safety Narcotics Division, Galveston Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Galveston County Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Donnelly and Tim S. Braley led the prosecution efforts.
In a concerted effort to combat organized crime and drug trafficking, this sentencing marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against gang-related activities in Texas, the FBI said.