Memphis, TN — Federal authorities have charged eight suspected members of the violent street gang “Young Mob” (YM) with a comprehensive array of offenses, including racketeering, murder, robbery, drug trafficking, and firearms violations. This indictment comes after a thorough investigation into a string of violent crimes associated with the gang throughout Memphis.

The last suspect, Larry Wilson, appeared in federal court for the first time today, joining his co-defendants Brian Lackland, Paul Nelson, Mohamed Samba, Braxton Beck, Edgar Smith, Jerrod Cox, and Cedric Jackson, all of whom are residents of Tennessee.

Brutal Acts of Violence and Fear in Memphis

According to the Justice Department, the gang is accused of various crimes, including a deadly drive-through shooting, armed robberies, attempted murders, and arsons—actions intended to uphold the gang’s power and reputation.

On May 28, 2022, gang member Mohamed Samba and others are said to have killed a rival gang member and tried to murder two more at a McDonald’s drive-through. Following the shooting, the suspects set fire to the stolen vehicle used in the crime.

On May 13, 2023, defendants Paul Nelson, Jerrod Cox, and another member of YM are alleged to have robbed patrons at gunpoint at Tug’s Casual Grill, another restaurant in Memphis. The unnamed suspect was shot and later left in a fire station parking lot, where he succumbed to his injuries. Nelson and Cox subsequently set their getaway car ablaze.

On March 17, 2024, Lackland and Beck are accused of attempting to kill a rival gang member but were interrupted by the police.

Just three months later, on June 11–12, 2024, four defendants—Lackland, Wilson, Beck, and Jackson—tried to rob customers at a tattoo shop in Memphis. Although they were initially thwarted by law enforcement, they returned the following day with Edgar Smith and successfully held multiple customers at gunpoint to rob them.

Drugs, Music, and Gang Financing

The indictment further discloses that Young Mob financed its activities via drug trafficking, robberies, and kidnappings, in addition to earnings from music ventures, particularly through Brian Lackland, a rapper known as “Stupid Duke.”

The gang faces allegations of plotting to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl and 500 grams of methamphetamine, drugs linked to countless overdose fatalities nationwide.

Potential Life Sentences

If convicted:

Lackland, Samba, Nelson, Smith, and Cox each face life in prison.
Wilson could face up to 60 years.
Beck faces a 45-year maximum.
Jackson faces up to 20 years.

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), along with the Memphis Multi-Agency Gang Unit and the Memphis Police Homicide Unit.

“This gang engaged in numerous unlawful activities, including acts of extreme violence, which demonstrated a blatant disregard for human life,” said Jason Stankiewicz, Acting Special Agent in Charge at ATF. “We worked tirelessly to dismantle this organization.”