Jacksonville Sheriff John Rutherford says they have brought down a gang that had been terrorizing the Grand Park neighborhood. The investigation began in 2007 after a noticeable increase in the number of crimes being committed in the area.
Rutherford says neighbors lived in fear until they decided to not take it anymore and began cooperating with investigators. At a joint press conference with the State Attorney's office and The Florida Department of Law Enforcement he called those arrested the poster children for the "don't snitch" attitude that can engulf a neighborhood when a gang is able to establish itself and begin a criminal enterprise.
He says members of the Grand Park Gang have been charged with 77 felonies and 55 misdemeanors. Investigators recovered 13 guns and a large supply of narcotics.
Six members have pled guilty to additional racketeering charges under the state’s RICO act.
Rutherford says the cooperation between his department, the State Attorney’s Office and the FDLE led to the dismantling of the gang.
The gang members have been sentenced or are awaiting sentence on various charges.
Rutherford says since the arrests in late 2011 there has been a noticeable drop in crime in the area.
