Gang Member Sentenced for Participation in Conspiracy
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Darryl Vaughn, 23, of Newport News,Va., was sentenced yesterday to 300 months in prison for his participation in a racketeering conspiracy and discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.
Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith. Darryl Vaughn pled guilty on Sept. 28, 2010.
According to a statement of facts filed with his plea agreement, between 2001 and 2009, Vaughn was a member of the “Dump Squad” street gang, a criminal organization that operated primarily in the Ridley Circle, Harbor Homes and Dickerson Court areas of Newport News. Members engaged in drug distribution and violence including murder, attempted murder and robbery. They often carried firearms to intimidate others and protect themselves from rival gangs. On April 26, 2006, in the area of 18th Street and Roanoke Avenue, Vaughn, along with other members of the “Dump Squad” were in a vehicle that passed a rival gang member walking on the street. They turned the car around and began firing at the individual as he attempted to flee. The victim was later treated at a local hospital for a gunshot wound to the head.
On September 3, 2006, Vaughn was involved in a second confrontation with an individual in the parking lot of the Atmosphere Club. Vaughn brandished a firearm and shot the victim in the abdomen. Vaughn was identified by security officers at the club. The victim was treated at a local hospital and continues to suffer from his injuries.
This case was investigated by the FBI, Newport News Police Department, the Hampton Police Department, and Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Tayman and Robert Bradenham II prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at www.justice.gov/usao/vae. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.vaed.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.uspci.uscourts.gov.
