Cuccinelli wants home grown gangs gone

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Leaders from across the nation are meeting in Virginia Beach to discuss gang prevention strategies.

The 13th Annual Virginia Gang Investigators Association Conference is being held from October 18 until the 21at the Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel.

Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli was a keynote speaker at Tuesday's opening ceremony.

"I wouldn't say the numbers of gangs are changing a whole lot," Cuccinelli said.

While the numbers haven't increased dramatically, those at the conference know organized crime continues and is a big problem.

"Richmond, Southeast Virginia corridor are more home grown. The overwhelming situation is a broken family where mom's overwhelmed and dad's not around," Cuccinelli added.

Research done by Cuccinelli's office showed children from those homes are usually targets for gang recruiting.

Cuccunelli explained, "The overwhelming proportional need here is for male mentors." 

Hampton Roads has seen its share of gang violence. Three years ago, a Portsmouth pizza delivery driver was shot and killed by gang members.

And in September 2008, I.C. Norcom High School football star Rashawn Finney was shot and killed.

A Portsmouth police investigation later revealed that Finney was a leader of the Bloods.

A life lost that could have been prevented if the right steps were put in place, the Attorney General said.

Cuccinelli added, "You can really make a big difference in a kids life if you're willing to do that."