Eight members and associates of Atlanta’s notorious “GoodFellas” gang found themselves facing charges for a slew of violent crimes, as revealed in an indictment recently unsealed in the Northern District of Georgia. This group, labeled a “violent gang” by the Department of Justice, has been known to recruit members from Atlanta neighborhoods and correctional facilities. The charges stem from a range of incidents, from attempted murder to attempted carjacking, shedding light on the dark underbelly of criminal activity in the region.
The Department of Justice has identified the defendants as Frank Hubbert, Montavis Jones, Darian Sheppard, De’Andre Jackson, Ephram Marshall, Tahj Rankine, Leonunte Carson, and Ahday Nelson-George. These individuals, with the exception of Nelson-George, face charges related to attempted murder in aid of racketeering and discharge of a firearm, painting a grim picture of their alleged actions.
Violent Acts and Terrifying Incidents
Among the chilling incidents outlined in the indictment is a triple shooting in July 2024 that resulted in the tragic deaths of two teenagers. This heinous act led to the arrest and charging of several gang members, shining a harsh spotlight on the group’s activities. Furthermore, six other individuals were indicted for plotting to murder Fulton County Detention officers in November 2024, adding another layer of violence to their already grim portfolio.
An earlier incident in February 2021 saw five of the defendants—Sheppard, Jackson, Marshall, Rankine, and Carson—open fire at an Atlanta gas station, injuring a patrol officer. This targeted attack was reportedly aimed at rival gang members, showcasing the dangerous and calculated nature of their actions. In the same month, Sheppard, Jackson, and Marshall, assisted by Hubbert and Jones, unleashed approximately 50 rounds at a woman, causing severe injuries to her and two innocent bystanders, including a child. This brazen act of violence underscores the callous disregard for human life exhibited by the accused.
Legal Ramifications and Ongoing Investigation
Hubbert and Nelson-George, described as leaders of the GoodFellas gang, face charges of assault with a deadly weapon in aid of racketeering and attempted carjacking. An incident in January 2021, where the pair allegedly assaulted three victims at an Atlanta apartment complex and demanded their vehicle keys at gunpoint, resulted in a violent exchange of gunfire. The severity of their actions is reflected in the potential penalties they face, with those charged with attempted murder staring down the possibility of life in prison, while Nelson-George could be imprisoned for up to 75 years.
As the legal process unfolds, several defendants are scheduled for detention hearings in the coming week, marking the next phase in this complex and troubling case. The investigation leading to these charges involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, ATF, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Department of Corrections, and Atlanta Police Department, highlighting the collaborative effort to bring these alleged criminals to justice.
In a broader context, these charges are part of the nationwide initiative dubbed “Operation Take Back America,” a concerted effort by the Justice Department to combat cartels, gangs, and criminal organizations across the country. Launched in March, this initiative combines the resources of existing law enforcement task forces and programs, demonstrating a unified front against organized crime in the United States.
As the legal proceedings progress, the community grapples with the aftermath of these violent acts, seeking justice for the victims while striving to ensure the safety and security of all residents. The impact of these charges reverberates beyond the courtroom, serving as a stark reminder of the pervasive threat posed by criminal elements within our society.
