A federal indictment from the Southern District of Texas has charged 20 men in the Houston area for crimes related to alleged involvement with the Houston-based “Free Money” gang.
‘This ends now’: 20 alleged ‘ Free Money ’ gang members charged in federal RICO indictment in Houston Operation Zero Traction launches to crack down on drunk driving, illegal street racing, parking lot takeovers A federal indictment from the Southern District of Texas has charged 20 men in the Houston area for crimes related to alleged involvement with the Houston -based “ Free Money ” gang.
The RICO case includes charges of racketeering conspiracy, murder and attempted murder in aid of racketeering, Hobbs Act robbery, firearm offenses, and drug trafficking crimes.Federal prosecutors say the group carried out a years-long campaign of violence across Houston, including drive-by shootings, armed robberies, and drug trafficking operations designed to control territory and retaliate against rival criminal organizations. The indictment includes 18 total counts. It accuses the 20 suspects of using violence and intimidation to terrorize neighborhoods, often carrying out shootings in public places such as grocery store parking lots.“Houstonians should be able to live their lives without fear of either themselves or their loved ones being robbed, maimed, or caught in the crossfire of gang warfare.” In the statement, authorities detailed several specific incidents in court filings, including robberies, murders and shootings, some of which targeted gang rivals.Surveillance video allegedly captured brothers Terry Ardoin, 24, and Travonte Ardoin, 28, following an SUV into a shopping center parking lot during the day. When the car’s driver returned from shipping, prosecutors say the men exited their vehicle wearing masks and opened fire on the occupants. Multiple rounds struck the vehicle, and the vehicle’s passenger was killed.Defendant Shakeil Anderson, 23, and others are accused of firing multiple shots into the home of the grandmother of a perceived rival gang member.Several defendants allegedly planned to rob a rival gang’s house—in search of drugs—and kill anyone inside. Court documents state that during a meeting, members vowed to “kill and do everything they needed to do” to obtain drugs and money they believed were inside the home. Law enforcement intervened before the robbery occurred, and during a subsequent chase, Travonte Ardoin allegedly threw a firearm from his vehicle.Walter Tolbert, 21, and others allegedly robbed a pawn shop at gunpoint, stealing jewelry, gaming systems, and cash. The indictment further alleges the gang trafficked crack cocaine, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. Authorities say Orlando Calloway, 52, supplied crack cocaine to the group by cooking cocaine they ordered. Calloway is named as a defendant in the case. Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Hudson of the FBI Houston Field Office described the alleged violence as alarming. “The sheer number of murders and shootings these individuals are suspected of freely carrying out for years, and the level of indiscriminate violence they’re accused of executing is alarming,” Hudson said.It is being prosecuted by the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas as part of a broader initiative to combat violent crime in Houston. “SDTX’s message on this point is clear and unmistakable: if you’re thinking of engaging in violent, criminal conduct on a Houston street, think again,” U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei for the Southern District of Texas said. “The Southern District has your number.”Michael is a Kingwood native who loves visiting local restaurants and overreacting to Houston sports. He earned his BA from Texas A&M University in 2022 and his MA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2023.Hitchcock mayor, who also serves as Hitchcock ISD assistant sup., arrested after gambling raidsMagnolia ISD votes to allow daily prayer period under Senate Bill 11Off-duty HCSO deputy killed in motorcycle crash in north HoustonFormer Harris County Tax Office employees accused in vehicle registration sticker schemeLegendary Houston sketch artist ‘unretires’ for Nancy Guthrie caseSuspicious person report prompts lockdown at Dobie High SchoolBurglars Use Ladders to Break Into Second-Story Windows Across HoustonFirefighters Save Elderly Woman from Apartment Fire Near Eastex Freeway
Crime RICO Houston Shooting Murder Robbery Racketeering Organized Crime Gang Violence Gangs Free Money Free Money Gang FBI Houston FBI
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