In federal court today, two individuals from Kansas City, Missouri, who were in charge of a violent street gang called 246 received their sentences. They were found guilty of participating in a drug-trafficking conspiracy and engaging in other forms of violent criminal activity. These activities included possessing illegal firearms and carrying out a drive-by shooting near a daycare center where children were present.
Ladele D. Smith, who is also commonly referred to as "Dellio" and "Dog," received a sentence of 35 years in federal prison without the possibility of parole. Roy Franklin, Jr., aged 33, was sentenced separately and will serve 30 years in federal prison without the possibility of parole. These sentences were handed down by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays.
On September 15, 2022, Smith and Franklin were found guilty in court for their involvement in a plot to distribute heroin, cocaine, oxycodone, and marijuana between January 1, 2011 and October 1, 2019. In addition to the conspiracy charges, Smith was also convicted on fifteen separate counts related to drug trafficking and firearms offenses. These included allegations of committing a drive-by shooting as well as discharging a firearm during a violent crime. Similarly, Franklin faced nine additional counts connected to drug trafficking and firearms crimes. This encompassed charges related to the same drive-by shooting incident as well as discharging a firearm during the commission of a violent offense.
David J. Duncan, IV, also known as "Deej" or "DJ," aged 34, and Gary O. Toombs, aged 43, both residents of Kansas City, Mo., were found guilty in the same trial as co-defendants. Their sentencing is scheduled for September 26th, 2023.
The investigation commenced in June 2017 into the activities of the 246 street gang operating within the Kansas City metropolitan area. This gang comprises members from Kansas City's 24th, 43rd and 68th streets. Smith was identified as a key figure within this alliance while Franklin, Duncan and Toombs were recognized as fellow members of this organization.
Smith and Duncan, two local rap artists, frequently shared their content on various social media platforms like YouTube. Their posts often made references to the 246 gang. Some of these videos showcased Smith and his companions brandishing firearms and flaunting large sums of money. Additionally, their social media presence highlighted Smith and others adorning themselves with expensive jewelry, watches, hats, and clothing that clearly indicated their affiliation with the 246 gang.
According to court documents, Smith's earnings from his music only amounted to around $300. However, between 2017 and 2019, he managed to spend approximately $54,000 at Halls Department Store. Furthermore, during that same period of time he spent over $27
Members of the 246 gang utilized a dwelling located in the Kensington area, specifically within a 1,000-foot radius of George Washington Carver Dual Language School. This residence served as a hub for the gang's illicit activities, including drug trafficking and other criminal endeavors. It should be noted that this house was not used as a primary or permanent living space by any individual.
On October 2nd, 2019, law enforcement officials carried out a search warrant at this location. The search yielded significant evidence, including heroin and two assault rifles. Additionally, they discovered a stolen vehicle that had been previously employed in a drive-by shooting incident.
During their thorough investigation of the premises, officers also uncovered hidden firearms. Underneath the couch in the living room were found both a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a Century Arms International 7.62x39mm pistol. Furthermore, on top of one of the kitchen cabinets was another firearm - specifically identified as a Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol.
These findings highlight not only the illegal activities associated with this particular gang but also emphasize their potential threat to public safety due to their proximity to an elementary school.
On October 2, 2019, Smith was apprehended in his apartment. Law enforcement officers conducted a thorough search of his dwelling and discovered codeine, a sum of $31,601 in cash, and jewelry with an estimated value exceeding $40,000.
Similarly on October 2nd of the same year, Duncan was arrested in his own apartment. Officers thoroughly searched the premises and uncovered a Zastava rifle chambered for 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, a Norinco rifle also chambered for 7.62 x 39mm ammo , as well as a Glock semi-automatic pistol chambered for 9mm rounds. Additionally found under the bed in one of the bedrooms were two fully loaded magazines for rifles and another one loaded magazine intended specifically to be used with handguns . In the living room area officers seized $7,100 in cash along with four bags containing oxycodone pills.
Furthermore it should be noted that Smith,Franklin and Toombs were all convicted during their trial proceedings on charges related to participating together in an illegal conspiracy focused primarily on possessing firearms while simultaneously engaging directly or indirectly into activities associated with drug-trafficking crimes.
Smith has been convicted not only of two conspiracies, but also of a range of other charges. These include one count of engaging in a drive-by shooting, one count of firing a gun to further a violent crime, one count of operating premises involved in drug activities, and one count each for distributing marijuana near a school and distributing heroin near a school - specifically within the vicinity (within 1,000 feet) of George Washington Carver Dual Language School. In total, Smith was found guilty on four counts for distributing heroin and four counts for distributing heroin near the aforementioned school.
Franklin was convicted of two conspiracies, as well as several other charges, including drive-by shooting and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He also faced counts for maintaining a drug-involved premises and distributing marijuana, with additional charges related to distributing marijuana near a school.
Duncan, on the other hand, was found guilty of possessing oxycodone with the intent to distribute. He also faced charges for possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and money laundering connected to the purchase of money orders using proceeds from drug trafficking.
Toombs was found guilty of maintaining a residence specifically for manufacturing, distributing, and using controlled substances.
It is worth noting that fourteen co-defendants involved in this case have pleaded guilty and received their respective sentences.
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