Georgia’s Crackdown on the 1-8 Trey Gangster Bloods

In a significant stride toward fighting gang violence and organized crime, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced on Wednesday that the state’s Gang Prosecution Unit has successfully secured convictions against 16 members of the notorious 1-8 Trey Gangster Bloods. This operation, spanning multiple years, was part of a sweeping investigation that shed light on a web of violent crimes, drug trafficking, and gang recruitment efforts both inside and outside Georgia prisons.

The Gang Leader: Jamar Ramsay

At the center of this operation is Jamar Ramsay, identified by prosecutors as the statewide leader of the 1-8 Trey enterprise. Ramsay, who is already serving a life sentence at Hays State Prison for a previous murder conviction, allegedly continued orchestrating criminal activities from behind bars. His influence extended to directing other gang members and communicating about critical issues like the recruitment of minors and the movement of illegal drugs and contraband.

Criminal Operations Unveiled

Investigators uncovered that members of the 1-8 Trey gang played pivotal roles in coordinating the packaging, sale, and distribution of controlled substances, cell phones, and other banned items into state correctional facilities. The implications of these operations were profound, reaching far beyond prison walls and impacting ten Georgia counties — namely Athens-Clarke, Barrow, Bulloch, Candler, Chattooga, Fulton, Gwinnett, Laurens, Monroe, and Walton. Notably, evidence also revealed connections to gang activity in parts of California.

RICO Charges and Additional Convictions

All 16 defendants have been convicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, which encompasses their alleged activities from January 2019 to October 2022. Among the group, four defendants faced additional charges. Brantavious Sims, for instance, was also convicted of Murder for the shooting death of Lane Bullard in Barrow County in 2022.

Impact on Communities

Attorney General Carr emphasized that these convictions represent a significant victory in dismantling the gang’s operations. "These gang members thought they could orchestrate violence and criminal activity from inside a prison cell — they were wrong," he stated. His commitment to combating gang-related violence and disruption of these criminal enterprises remains unwavering.

A Broader Initiative Against Gangs

This operation is part of a larger, statewide anti-gang initiative spearheaded by the Attorney General’s office. Over recent years, they have secured multiple RICO indictments targeting hybrid and prison-based gang networks, reflecting Georgia’s commitment to a comprehensive approach to combat organized crime. The successful convictions in this case serve as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to maintain safety and order within communities affected by gang influences.

Conclusion

The convictions of the 1-8 Trey Gangster Bloods mark a critical milestone in the fight against organized crime in Georgia. The state’s Gang Prosecution Unit continues to showcase its determination to dismantle and disrupt gang operations, sending a clear message that illegal activities, whether orchestrated from behind bars or on the streets, will not be tolerated.