Multiple defendants in court after charged with organized gang crimes

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Multiple defendants are in court Wednesday morning after being charged with crimes ranging from murder to armed robbery and gang activity.

Eleven among 23 defendants were charged with crimes involving gang activity, ranging from murder to armed robbery.

Most of the suspects have been in jail since 2017. The delay came from accommodating the large number of suspects and attorneys.

All are allegedly involved in a gang called the 4 MG, a hybrid of the Gangster Disciples, believed to be led by Reginald ‘Eldorado Red’ Jackson.

“The main rule I would say that I’ve seen in prosecuting the case is that you don’t respect Reginald Jackson,” said the prosecutor.

Jackson pled guilty to the murder of Brandon Scott and Michael Fleming in 2017.

“Now, two people have lost. Brandon is gone, and your life is a wasteland. May God have mercy on your soul,” read the prosecutor from a letter.

Scott died July 7 after being shot on Rigdon Road. Then on July 10, Fleming’s body was found in the back of a burned-out car. Jackson was slated to serve life plus 45 years in prison.

A letter from Scott’s aunt was read in court by a prosecutor, calling Jackson a killing machine.

“You stole his opportunity to possibly turn his life around. You had no right,” read the prosecutor.

Judge Bobby Peters agreed with the letter, saying it is good to have Jackson off the streets.

“This community is drawing the line, and they’re tired of the murders. So, you’re right where you belong from now on,” said Peters.

Many of the defendants taking their plead deals, like Jackson, included Kendrick Washington, Fredret Culliver and Jamal Head, to name a few.

The judge is being very adamant about not lightening any charges with possession of firearms.

“I’m just not going to dismiss the gases. I’m sorry you can include them in your plea bargains,” said Peters.

Additionally, on March 17, Quantavius Pigler, Keyonna James, and Jimmy Chatman all pleaded guilty to multiple charges.

Pigler was sentenced to 10 years with five to serve for being the driver in a 2017 armed robbery at a pawn shop, but prosecutors say they couldn’t prove he was the gunman.

James also pleaded guilty to racketeering charges and was led back to jail in a yellow jumpsuit, as she is charged in the murder of Destiny Nelson.

Chatman pleaded guilty in association with the 4 MG street gang in Columbus.

Also, four other defendants held a motion hearing for the same RICO case.

The trial for this RICO case is set for May 8.

News Leader 9 will keep you updated on the latest.