LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville Metro Police and the FBI said they've arrested members of a major Louisville gang that was being fueled by drug money.
Seven people are behind bars, and investigators are looking for more. Authorities said they are all members of a gang known as "Everybody Shine Together," or EST.
Ten people were indicted on various drug charges, including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, fentanyl, cocaine and heroin.
Some of the individuals also face firearms charges. Authorities also confiscated $160,000 in cash and found a stolen vehicle.
- Eric D. Mosley, 30
- Zaman Taylor, 21
- Khasi Jones, 28
- Devonzo Summers, 24
- Ricos Mosley, 33
- Barry Reed, 20
- Cedric Palmer, 25
- Aerion Cook, 21
- Dazaray Rice, 27
- Darrian Toogood, 24
During a joint news conference with FBI Louisville on Wednesday morning, LMPD Chief Erika Shields said the arrests come after a months-long investigation.
"I'm often asked what is the driver of the gang activity. What I will say to you is it's violence. Violence is what makes a gang legitimate," Shields said. "And what they're describing here — the narcotics, the trafficking of drugs — that funds the mission, the mission of violence."
Shields said getting gang members like these off the streets is critical to attacking the surge of violence in Louisville.
“That has been our focus in collaboration with the FBI ... going after those individuals who are recruiting and leveraging young people to commit this violence,” she said.
FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brian Jones said part of the strategy is to take down entire gangs.
"We don't want to take off one or two individuals at a time that are committing violence,” Jones said. “We want to try to make a bigger impact by taking out the whole group and charging them all at one time.”
Authorities said the arrests will have a ripple effect on the streets.
“Any case like this where you're trying to dismantle a pretty entrenched criminal organization sends a message to everyone, everywhere, that they're not safe,” said Maj. Aaron Crowell, head of the LMPD Criminal Interdiction Unit.
The investigation is not over. Shields said they plan to target the money behind the violent gangs using all the resources available.
“We want the people who are funding this violence, and you know what I'll say to them? We're coming," she said. "And I'm banking on that you haven't paid your taxes. Welcome to the world of the IRS. One way or another, we are going to a handle on gang activity in LMPD.”
Three of the suspects — Jones, Summers and Reed — are still at large. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
The penalties on these federal charges range from 15 years to life in prison.
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