Gang Prosecution Unit scores 52-count indictment in Fulton County

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The Attorney General's Gang Prosecution Unit secured a 52-count indictment charging three alleged gang members.

Credit: Capitol Beat News Service

ATLANTA — Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr Wednesday announced his office’s Gang Prosecution Unit has secured a 52-count indictment charging three alleged gang members with a variety of drug and weapons offenses.

Chiquille Bell, Contrellis Books, and Marcus Thornton are accused of violating the state’s Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, trafficking oxycodone, possession with intent to distribute amphetamines, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, as well as other charges.

The three allegedly took part in criminal street gang activity while associated with the Rollin 60s Neighborhood Crips, a street gang based in Los Angeles with a large presence in Atlanta.

The indictment in Fulton County stems from Operation Heatwave led by the Atlanta Police Department (APD), a summer-long effort that brought together local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to target gangs, guns, and drugs in the most violent parts of the city.

Working with Gov. Brian Kemp, Carr created Georgia’s first statewide Gang Prosecution Unit last year. In its second year, the seven-agency operation made 96 arrests, including the apprehension of 41 suspected gang members and the recovery of 62 guns.

“This indictment is further proof of the results we’re able to achieve when all levels of law enforcement come together to do one thing — protect the people of our state,” Carr said Wednesday. “We’re proud to be part of this effort alongside our partners at APD.”

Carr credited Operation Heatwave with reducing homicides in Atlanta this year by 24% compared to 2022, while robbery fell by 40% and aggravated assault dropped by 11%. Violent crime overall in the city is down 21% so far this year.

This story comes to GPB through a reporting partnership with Capitol Beat News Service.