ARLINGTON, Texas — Twenty-one members and associates of the Kiccdoe street gang have pleaded guilty to federal racketeering and related charges in a sweeping prosecution targeting a violent criminal organization linked to more than 180 crimes in Arlington, federal authorities announced.
The latest development came June 4 when 22-year-old Chauncey Ross of Arlington was sentenced to life in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Mark T. Pittman for his role in the racketeering conspiracy.
According to federal prosecutors, Ross participated in a murder and a separate shooting that injured a woman who was shielding her infant child. Prosecutors also presented evidence that Ross recorded a rap song after the killing that referenced the crime.
The case stems from a federal investigation into the Kiccdoe gang, which authorities say was responsible for a wide range of violent crimes and drug trafficking activities throughout Arlington.
Seven additional defendants have already been sentenced after pleading guilty to racketeering conspiracy or related offenses.
Kyron Oates, 22, of Grand Prairie, received a 188-month prison sentence after admitting to participation in a racketeering conspiracy. Prosecutors said evidence showed he was involved in a premeditated attempted murder in February 2024.
Cortez Atkinson, 19, of Fort Worth, was sentenced to 176 months in prison. Authorities said he initiated a gang-related shootout outside an apartment complex, during which a stray bullet struck a 13-year-old girl inside her bedroom.
KeyShawn Burton, 21, of Arlington, was sentenced to 127 months in prison. Prosecutors said Burton trafficked narcotics and participated in discussions to target a rival gang member.
Jaylen Jeshawn Franklin, 23, of Arlington, received a 122-month sentence after admitting involvement in two drive-by shooting conspiracies in 2022.
Sir James Mack Williams, 22, of Arlington, was sentenced to 92 months in prison for his role in a November 2022 drive-by shooting spree targeting two homes.
Raphael Opare, 19, of Arlington, received a 41-month sentence after admitting involvement in drug trafficking and a conspiracy to retaliate against a rival gang member.
JaMarion Manogin, 20, of Forney, was sentenced to 12 months in prison after pleading guilty to drug trafficking-related communication charges.
The remaining 13 defendants are scheduled to be sentenced between June and September.
Federal authorities said the investigation revealed extensive criminal activity by the gang. Arlington Police Chief Al Jones stated that investigators documented more than 180 criminal incidents involving Kiccdoe members, many of them violent offenses.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Arlington Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura G. Montes and Eric B. Chen, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Capoccia.
Sentencings for the remaining defendants are expected to continue through September.
