Twenty-one members and associates of the violent Kiccdoe street gang, which operated in Arlington, Texas, have pleaded guilty to federal charges, including racketeering (RICO conspiracy) and other drug and violent crimes. This comprehensive prosecution culminated recently with one defendant, Chauncey Ross, 22, receiving a life sentence for his role in the conspiracy, which included murder.
Ross was sentenced to life in federal prison by United States District Judge Mark T. Pittman on June 4. The government presented evidence that Ross shot and killed one young male and injured a young female who was shielding her infant child. Shortly after the murder, Ross recorded a rap song bragging about the incident, with lyrics directly referencing the victim and the murder. U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould said, "Through his conduct, defendant Ross earned the life sentence he received, and I hope his sentence serves as a warning to all gang members in our community." FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock added that Ross's role in the murder and his involvement in a gang that "terrorized the Arlington community warrants the life sentence imposed."
The successful prosecution of the Kiccdoe gang members marks a significant victory for law enforcement. Arlington Police Chief Al Jones said, "In Arlington alone, we documented more than 180 criminal incidents, many of them violent in nature, involving the members of this street gang." He expressed gratitude, stating, "I have no doubt that our city is safer with these defendants off our streets."
In addition to Ross, seven other defendants have received sentences ranging from 12 to 188 months imprisonment for their involvement in the RICO conspiracy or related conduct. These include Kyron Oates for attempted murder, Cortez Atkinson for initiating a shootout that injured a 13-year-old, and KeyShawn Burton for narcotics trafficking and conspiring to shoot a rival gang member. The remaining 13 defendants are scheduled for sentencing between June and September 2026. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Arlington Police Department conducted the investigation.