Memphis, TN – A high-ranking member of the Gangster Disciples has been sentenced to 210 months in federal prison for felony possession and distribution of cocaine. Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, Kevin Coleman aka “Booger,” 34, of Covington, Tennessee, holds the rank of chief enforcer for the Covington region of the Gangster Disciples. A violent criminal organization present in more than 30 states, the Gangster Disciples are organized into different positions, including board members and governor-of-governors who each control geographic regions; governors, assistant governors, chief enforcers, and chief of security for each state or regions within the state where the Gangster Disciples are active.
Beginning in July 2014, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began investigating members of the Gangster Disciples in the Tipton County area. They later identified Coleman as the Chief Enforcer/Assistant Chief Enforcer for the Covington region.
As the Chief Enforcer, Coleman was tasked with administering punishment to members who violated gang rules. He also permitted other members to illegally possess firearms and commit violent actions when deemed necessary.
Because of his position of authority, Coleman was required to have a firearm at all times, or have another armed gang member accompany him. During the investigation, agents became aware of two instances in which Coleman ordered the physical punishment of two fellow gang members.
Law enforcement also discovered that Coleman regularly conspired with others to obtain cocaine from other high-level members of the Gangster Disciples for distribution.
On November 3, 2015, law enforcement officers conducted a knock-and-talk at Coleman’s residence. At the time, Coleman was on probation and, as part of his probation, agreed to a provision allowing law enforcement to search him or his residence without a warrant.
When Coleman came to the front door, law enforcement asked if he possessed anything illegal. He admitted to having cocaine on his kitchen table. A search was conducted on his residence and the cocaine was recovered. Agents also seized $1,100 in drug proceeds, a scale, and .45 caliber ammunition.
After waiving his Miranda rights, Coleman informed agents that he had been buying and selling cocaine since around 2011. He admitted to purchasing ounce quantities of cocaine once a week for distribution.
In June 2016, Coleman proceeded to trial. However, after the government presented their first witness, he pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Samuel H. Mays Jr. to one count of unlawfully possessing with the intent to distribute and distributing more than 500 grams of cocaine.
On Monday, November 14, Judge Mays sentenced Coleman to 210 months in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 25th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office, and the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Stringfellow prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.
