Delaware law puts gangsters away for a long time

Three members of a Wilmington gang are going away for a long time, in connection to a street “war” with a rival gang, capping off a two-year long investigation.

The Delaware Attorney General’s office says this “war” between the Trapstars and Pope’s Group resulted in five gun battles and the shooting deaths of two people, among other crimes in the spring of 2010.

Kevin “Jr. Black” Rasin, Marc “Guntown” Taylor and Terrence Mills, all in their 20’s, were sentenced Wednesday, to life without parole, 15 1/2 years and 16 years in prison respectively. The three men are the first to be convicted and sentenced on gang participation charges, a relatively new charge in the city of Wilmington that targets organized crime and carries hefty jail time for members of street gangs.

“This should be a message, loud and clear, that we will utilize all tools available in the fight to end violence on our city streets,” said State Prosecutor Kathleen Jennings.

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The AG’s office says a police investigation uncovered evidence against the Trapstars, tying its members to organized criminal activity between April 2008 and August 2010.

“Residents of Wilmington deserve to be safe in their homes and have the right to let their children walk through their neighborhoods without fear for their safety,” Attorney General Beau Biden said.

The Dept. of Justice says Trapstars member Darnell Flowers, who earlier pled guilty to gang participation, robbery and conspiracy, will be sentenced this afternoon. Five additional Trapstars members have already been convicted and sentenced in connection with these crimes. 

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