Dump Squad Gang Member Sentenced 37 Years

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Travis T. Horton, 21, of Newport News, Va., was sentenced today to 37 years in prison for his participation in a conspiracy to commit numerous acts of violence perpetrated by the “Dump Squad.” Horton pled guilty on May 15, 2009, to a racketeering conspiracy, maiming in aid of racketeering activity, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a robbery, and conspiracy to burn the Newport News Police High Impact Patrol Station located in the Harbor Homes apartment complex in Newport News.

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.

“This case shows the brazen attempts by street gangs to intimidate the community and law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney MacBride. “This sentence should send a clear signal that these gangs are not above the law. Through the combined efforts of law enforcement they will be taken down and brought to justice.”

According to court documents, Horton was a member of the “Dump Squad,” a criminal street gang that grew from a national gang known as the “Bloods” and operated in the Ridley Circle, Harbor Homes and Dickerson Court areas of Newport News. Horton and fellow gang members protected their territory through acts of violence that allowed the members to earn money through robberies and the sale of controlled substances. Gang members, including Horton, also participated in the assault of Tony Vaughan outside a Hampton nightclub, which preceded Vaughan’s murder by Martin Manley, another member of the Dump Squad.

This case was investigated by the FBI, Newport News Police Department, the Hampton Police Department, and Virginia State Police.