Chicago, IL – Federal prosecutors have unsealed a sweeping indictment accusing six alleged members and associates of a South Side Chicago street gang of operating a violent criminal enterprise tied to at least 13 murders.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois, a federal grand jury charged the defendants with racketeering conspiracy for allegedly participating in the Faceworld street gang, which prosecutors say carried out shootings, armed robberies, carjackings, and drug trafficking over several years.
Authorities allege the gang violently protected its claimed territory on Chicago’s South Side and targeted rival gang members and associates. Among the most serious allegations are shootings at passengers on a Chicago Transit Authority bus and gunfire directed at mourners attending the funeral of a rival gang member allegedly killed by Faceworld members.
Prosecutors further allege that gang members used threats and intimidation to prevent victims and witnesses from cooperating with law enforcement. According to court records, Faceworld members allegedly promoted their activities on social media by posting photos, videos, and comments boasting about shootings and taunting rival groups. The indictment also claims members trafficked cocaine and heroin in both Chicago and Iowa.
The indictment was unsealed Friday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. All six defendants face racketeering conspiracy charges, while three are additionally charged with murder in aid of racketeering. Arraignments were held Friday for three defendants, with the remaining three scheduled to appear at a later date. All six are currently in custody.
Those charged include Chicago residents Dontae Harper, 28; Tyrone Foy, 31; Tyjuan Tapplar, 25; Robert Lee Thomas, 22; Davion Harris, 28; and Deavean McClure, 26.
Racketeering conspiracy carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, though life sentences are possible. Harper, Foy, and Tapplar could face the death penalty if convicted of certain murder charges.
The case was announced by U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and FBI Chicago Special Agent-in-Charge Douglas S. DePodesta, with assistance from multiple local and state law enforcement agencies.
The charges are allegations only. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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