CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A federal jury has convicted the accused leader of the Wicked Town faction of the Traveling Vice Lords street gang, as well as his associate, of a variety of charges stemming from a deadly, illegal drug operation on the city's West Side.
John Lausch, the U.S. Attorney for Northern Illinois, said the jury found Donald Lee, 40, responsible for three murders and providing the guns used in three other killings.
He said the jury found Lee's top associate, 30-year-old Torance Benson, responsible for one murder and three attempted killings.
Lausch said the charges stemmed from a much wider investigation into an illegal drug operation, which was linked to 19 murders and 19 attempted murders.
“Truly a remarkable case, and I say that as someone who’s been around for a little while,” Lausch said. “I’ve had 16 years as a federal prosecutor. Most of that time, working gang cases — and I’d say gang cases like this one — but there’s not many gang cases like this one. This was truly remarkable in its scope and its breadth.”
In a press release, officials said the investigation resulted in the seizures of over “45 firearms, approximately 1,000 rounds of ammunition, approximately 17 kilograms of cocaine, approximately 7 kilograms of heroin, and approximately 100 grams of crack cocaine.”
“Robberies and assaults on people, as well as drug trafficking, threats of violence and violence in order to protect and promote that drug trafficking during the course of the criminal activity, which lasted for several years,” Lausch said.
WARNING: The video below contains strong language
Prosecutors also accused Wicked Town members of routinely boasting about murders and other acts of violence on social media.
Lausch said Lee faces a mandatory life prison sentence, while Benson could also be sentenced to life in prison.
Related
Related
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!