Albany gang members convicted, sentenced

ALBANY — Attorney General Chris Carr announced Monday that the office’s Human Trafficking and Gang Prosecution Units have secured the conviction of Johnny Howard and Tre’Shawn Smith for their involvement in criminal gang activity and human trafficking in Dougherty County.

Bryant Hooker also was convicted of directing criminal gang activity while in federal custody. The defendants are members of the Inglewood Family Gangster Bloods. They have each been sentenced to prison, as detailed below.

“Gangs are actively engaged in human trafficking as a primary means to make money, and the Inglewood Family Gangster Bloods is no different,” Carr said. “When we created our Human Trafficking and Gang Prosecution Units, we promised to go after these criminal networks and those who prey on our most vulnerable Georgians, and that is exactly what we are doing.

“Whether they are operating in our communities or behind prison walls, anyone who directs or participates in this illegal activity will be held accountable.”

This case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit. The defendants, along with five other individuals, were first indicted in July 2021.

“Criminal street gangs commit heinous crimes across Georgia and target even the most vulnerable in our communities,” GBI Director Chris Hosey said. “This conviction is a testament to the commitment of the GBI’s Gang Task Force to make our streets safe. We are grateful for the partnership with the Georgia Attorney General’s Office to address this important public safety issue.”

This case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Chris Keegan of the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit and Assistant Attorney General Mike Tabarrok of the Gang Prosecution Unit.

Howard, 35, is a high-ranking member of the Inglewood Family Gangster Bloods in southwest Georgia. Howard admitted to benefitting financially from the sale of two underage females.

On July 26, Howard entered a non-negotiated guilty plea on the below charges. Dougherty County Superior Court Judge Victoria Darrisaw sentenced Howard to 45 years, with the first 20 years to be served in prison. He also is required to register as a sex offender.

Charges include:

♦ 2 counts of trafficking of persons for sexual servitude

♦ 4 counts of Violation of the street gang terrorism and prevention act

♦ 3 counts of Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act

Smith, 23, admitted to selling an underage female for commercial sex. On July 26, he pleaded guilty to the below charges and was sentenced to 30 years, with the first 15 years to be served in prison. He is also required to register as a sex offender.

Charges include:

♦ 2 counts of trafficking of persons for sexual servitude

♦ 6 counts of violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act

♦ 3 counts of Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act

♦ 1 count of pimping

Hooker, 35, is a high-ranking member of the Inglewood Family Gangster Bloods in Georgia. While in federal custody, Hooker directed criminal gang activity and received proceeds from the criminal activities of the Inglewood Family Gangster Bloods. On July 26, Hooker pleaded guilty to the below charges and was sentenced to 25 years, with the first 10 years to be served in prison.

Charges include:

♦ 4 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act

♦ 3 counts of Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

File Photo: Carlton Fletcher