US Federal Jury Indicts 14 Members of Baltimore’s Most Influential Gang

A federal grand jury has indicted 14 affiliates of the Black Guerilla Family (BGF) gang who have contributed to the rising violence in Baltimore, Maryland, US Attorney Rod Rosenstein announced in a press conference.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Rosenstein explained BGF is one of the most significant security challenges in Baltimore, because the gang has been involved in drug dealing, extortion, murder, witness intimidation and other violent crimes.

“The indictment today alleges that 14 BGF members were engaged in a pattern of racketeering activity.”

By the Numbers: Baltimore is the Face of Inequality in the US

© AP Photo / Patrick Semansky

The US Attorney argued Maryland law enforcement must intervene more forcefully to counter gang activities and disputes, and take perpetrators of violent crimes off Baltimore’s streets.

Arrests will “eliminate the opportunities for retaliation that fuel some of the increasing violence that we have seen over the past six weeks,” Rosenstein said.

Baltimore has been plagued by growing violence following the April 2015 riots after African American Freddie Gray died from injuries sustained while in police custody. Protests over his death resulted in 15 destroyed buildings, 144 burned cars as well as numerous looted stores.