A prominent member of the violent Hoover Criminal Gang was sentenced to 15 years in prison today for orchestrating the murder of a suspected rival gang member. Markell Young, 33, was the final defendant to be sentenced in a case involving multiple gang members from Gibson County. Young’s co-defendants, Octavius Ferguson, 27, and Jordan Powell, 25, were convicted after trial, while Bakari Lenon, 25, and Monterio Ross, 29, pleaded guilty to charges related to the crime.
All five defendants were part of the Hoover Criminal Gang’s violent subset, the 83rd or Eight Tray, which engaged in a range of criminal activities, including murder, robberies, and drug trafficking, such as the distribution of marijuana, cocaine, and cocaine base. The gang’s activities led to the 2017 murder of a suspected member of the rival Gangster Disciples in Humboldt, Tennessee.
According to court documents, Young directed Ferguson, Powell, Lenon, and Ross to murder the victim as part of the gang’s efforts to further its illegal operations. On January 31, 2017, the group shot and killed the victim by firing multiple guns through an open door at the victim’s home. The gang members’ violent actions were rewarded with promotions within the Hoover Criminal Gang.
“These defendants were members of the violent Hoover Criminal Gang who were responsible for murdering a suspected rival gang member to further the aims of the gang,” said Brent S. Wible, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Gang violence traumatizes communities and makes our streets less safe.”
The other convicted defendants received significant sentences: Ferguson and Powell were sentenced to life in prison for their roles in the murder, while Lenon and Ross were each sentenced to 30 years for their involvement.
This case highlights the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement to dismantle gang networks and combat violent crime. FBI Nashville Field Office Special Agent in Charge Joe Carrico emphasized that the sentences reflect the commitment of law enforcement agencies to confront gang violence and protect communities.
“The sentences imposed demonstrate the commitment of the FBI and our partners to thwarting gang violence and reinforcing the severe consequences awaiting those who threaten the safety of our communities,” Carrico stated.
The investigation was led by the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), with assistance from state and local law enforcement agencies. Federal prosecutors, including Trial Attorney César S. Rivera-Giraud and Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary Parham, successfully prosecuted the case.
“This case serves as notice to all that engage in organized criminal activity that we will use every available resource to bring you to justice,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Reagan Fondren for the Western District of Tennessee.
With these sentences, law enforcement officials hope to send a strong message that gang violence and organized crime will not be tolerated and that perpetrators will face justice for their actions.
“This case serves as notice to all that engage in organized criminal activity that we will use every available resource to bring you to justice,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Reagan Fondren for the Western District of Tennessee. “The citizens of this district deserve a safe and secure community, one not riddled with gun violence, and this is a great example of the diligent and collaborative work of law enforcement to protect those rights to safety.”
