In a significant crackdown on criminal activities, over 20 members of the notorious Kiccdoe gang were apprehended across Texas, as confirmed by the Arlington police in collaboration with the FBI. This sweeping operation marks a critical step in addressing the violence associated with the gang.
The arrests followed a series of coordinated raids executed in various cities, including Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, and Forney. FBI Dallas Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jeremy Wright, speaking at a news conference, highlighted the breadth of the operation, which also led to the seizure of weapons, drugs, and cash, according to reports from FOX 4.
The detained individuals, identified as prominent figures within the Kiccdoe gang, now face charges of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) conspiracy. This charge is often used to target organized crime groups involved in a pattern of illegal activities.
Among the charges leveled against some of these suspects are serious offenses such as murder and sexual assault, along with drug and weapons violations. These allegations underscore the gravity of the gang’s criminal operations and the threat they posed to community safety.
FBI Director Kash Patel, in a statement on X, elaborated on the charges, stating, “These individuals are charged with crimes ranging from murder and drug trafficking to assault, burglary, and even aggravated sexual assault of a child.” He also praised the collaborative efforts of over 450 local and federal law enforcement officers who were instrumental in executing this complex and expansive investigation.
The successful arrests represent a concerted effort by law enforcement to dismantle the violent networks operating within the region, aiming to restore safety and security to affected communities.
If convicted on the federal charges, many of the suspects face prison sentences of 20 years to life in prison.
The arrested suspects are 22-year-old Blake Scott, 21-year-old Bradly McArthur, 18-year-old Cortez Atkinson, 18-year-old Datraven Warren, 19-year-old DeMarco Westmoreland, 20-year-old Dillen Opare, 19-year-old Raphael Opare, 21-year-old Isaiah Wiley, 19-year-old Jakyla Totten, 20-year-old Jamarion Manogin, 22-year-old Jaylen Franklin, 18-year-old Joseph Hill, 22-year-old Kyron Oates, 18-year-old Michael Mensah, 21-year-old Lamarion Austin, 20-year-old Marcus Shaw, 21-year-old Sadedrick Wilson, 19-year-old Vernell Woods, 21-year-old Sir James Mack Williams, 22-year-old Chauncey Ross and 20-year-old Keyshawn Burton.
“Do not let the ages distract from the havoc that they’ve inflicted upon our community,” Wright said. “These gang members allegedly use violence and intimidation to protect our territory and profits. They instilled fear in their victims and took revenge on their rivals.”
Some of the suspects were slapped with murder and sexual assault charges. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
“Kiccdoe members are allegedly responsible for drive-by shootings, numerous attempted murders and even homicides,” he continued. “In addition, they’ve allegedly engaged in organized crime, drug trafficking, weapons possession, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, armed robbery, resisting arrest, assaulting a public servant and aggravated sexual assault of a child.”
Arlington Police Chief Al Jones said the gang is responsible for much of the violent crime in the city and that he asked the local FBI field office for help last year, according to FOX 4.
“Our violent crime unit and our gang specialists have investigated numerous cases involving this group and have been closely monitoring their activity since January of 2022,” he said. “We have documented 180 criminal incidents involving Kiccdoe members. This includes aggravated assaults, robberies, burglaries, shootings, and drug offenses. That’s just within the city of Arlington.”
Law enforcement executed search warrants in Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Mansfield and Forney. (Getty Images)
Jones said he hopes the arrests send a message and will help keep the community safe.
“Our city is safer with these suspects off the street, and I hope our community can rest a little easier tonight knowing that. I also hope that we have proven to them that we will not tolerate violence in our community, and we’re going to do everything in our power to stop it,” he said.
Arlington police and the FBI said their joint operation will continue.
