10 alleged gang members indicted

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - A federal grand jury has indicted 10 alleged members of the "Dump Squad" street gang, bringing a total of 39 charges against them.

Federal, state and local law enforcement along with the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Dana J. Boente, made the announcement at a press conference Friday morning in Newport News.

Among the list of charges include Murders, Attempted Murders, Robberies, Assaults, Arson, Witness Intimidation, Narcotics Distribution and Weapons Violations.

Those indicted range from 20 to 27-years-old and all were from Newport News. The suspects are identified as Edward D. Davis, Martin J. Manley, Latroy A. Urquhart, Cordero B. Ellis, Twann D. Bugg, Steven A. Davis, Rickey Irving Rice, Samuel Leslie Bates, III, Ty Ramon Davis, and Travis T. Horton. Authorities say an 11th suspect, Tina Whalen, was indicted as an accessory after the fact.

“This indictment should reassure the residents of Newport News that criminal organizations that use repeated violence and witness intimidation can be taken down and brought to justice,” said Boente. “Today’s announcement is the result of law enforcement at all levels acting as one team to fight street gangs in our communities, and we will continue to work together to pursue these cases.”

Alex J. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Norfolk Division, added, "The arrest of these 10 alleged Dump Squad members represents an excellent multi-agency effort achieved through the investigative strategies of the Peninsula Safe Streets Task Force, which serves as a model for the implementation of an effective anti-gang effort and one that I hope the citizens of Newport News and Hampton can rely upon."

The indictment states that members of the "Dump Squad" identified themselves by the color red, hand signs and tattoos. The gang also used names such as "Slump Mobb" and "Bang Gang," according to the indictment.

Newport News Police Chief Jim Fox has a stern warning for the Dump Squad and any other gangs in Newport News.

""We're not going to tolerate violence. We're going to do what we have to do to dismantle the gangs, cut them off at the top and the bottom and we're coming after you. If you are a gang member today, I'd look over your shoulder because we're following you, we're looking at you, we're going to target you, and we're going to take you off the street," says Fox.

WAVY.com was the only news organization in the federal courtroom today as five of the 10 suspected gang members walked in handcuffed.  All answered the judge's question with quiet yes and no answers.

The judge read off 26 felony counts between the five and said they will stay in "temporary detainment" of the U.S. Marshals until another hearing that is scheduled for next week.

Fox also has a warning for children thinking of getting involved with gangs like the Dump Squad.

"You don't want to end up with your name being read off on a day like today. Join the Boys and Girls Club. Go to school and join a club. Go to the YMCA. Go to church groups. Don't join a gang, because when you join a gang, and you get involved with violence, this is how it's going to end up...we're going to come after you. We're committed to making our communities safe," says Fox.