DETROIT (WWJ) - A pair of gang members have been sentenced for their roles in a "shooting war" on Detroit's east side.
The U.S. Attorney's Office said 31-year-old Corey Bailey of Detroit, known as "Cocaine Sonny," was sentenced to two life sentences and three 10 year sentences, all to run concurrent, after he was convicted on charges of RICO conspiray; murder in aid of racketeering; attempted murder in aid of racketeering; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
His co-defendant, 30-year-old Arlandis Shy of Clinton Township, known as "Grymee," was sentenced to more than 18 years in prison on a RICO charge.
“These sentences should send a clear message to other members of gangs operating in the City of Detroit – our community has no tolerance for the senseless murders and violence spread by gang members,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider.
The Justice Department says evidence presented during the 10-week trial showed an ongoing gang war between the Seven Mile Bloods and an alliance of other gangs operating on Detroit’s east side stemming from a murder that occurred in July of 2014. Prosecuros said the rival gangs have been violently attacking one another, and have posted respective "hit lists" on social media, leading to a "shooting war" that's increased homicides and non-fatal shootings the east side.
Authorities say the Seven Mile Bloods operate on the east side of Detroit, between Gratiot Avenue and Kelly Road and between Seven and Eight Mile Roads. “SMB” members have claimed this area as their territory and refer to it as the “Red Zone.” The area is in zip code 48205, which SMB members refer to as “4-8-2-0-Die” in their rap lyrics.
More than 20 firearms, including several high-powered assault rifles, were seized during an investigation by the Detroit Police Department Gang Intelligence Unit and FBI Violent Gang Task Force.
“Mr. Bailey and Mr. Shy did not give a second thought to the lives they took, the harm they caused, or the terror they created in the community,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Steven M. D'Antuono. “This case highlights the dangers posed by the Seven Mile Bloods and reinforces the need to continue to work with our law enforcement partners to rid our communities of gang violence.”
Two additional gang members are still awaiting sentencing in the case. They are 37-year-old Robert Brown II, aka “R.O.,” of Warren, convicted of RICO conspiracy, attempted murder in aid of racketeering; and use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; and 33-year-old Keithon Porter, aka “KP,” of Detroit, convicted of RICO conspiracy; murder in aid of racketeering; attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence causing death.
Earlier, authorities said a fifth defendant, 39-year-old Eugene Fisher, aka “Fes,” of Detroit was sentenced to 90 months after having been convicted of two counts of felon in possession of a firearm.