[Tallahassee, FL]Yesterday, the office of Attorney General Pam Bondi press-released that a notorious “Top 6″ gang leader has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for terrorizing West Palm Beach residents.
For the crimes of racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering and others, Futo Charles, 30, was sentenced to 65 years behind bars.
“We have successfully prosecuted this criminal and kept a dangerous gang member off our streets,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “I am grateful to state, federal and local law enforcement for their hard work investigating and detaining this violent gang.”
The sentence is the end of a long legal journey that began in 2007. It was the first such indictment issued by the Statewide Grand Jury on Gangs in December 2007. To date, two other Top 6 members have already been convicted – also of racketeering – and sentenced to 25 years in state prison.
According to the press release, the Top 6 gang has been linked to 14 homicides and 150 shootings in the past few years, mostly in Palm Beach County. Through the years-long trial process, Charles has always maintained that Top 6 was a rap group.
Now he will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Charles’ influence is still being felt on the streets however, as a witness set to appear at his trial was found shot to death before he could testify.
By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate
Image: 2006 mug shot Resource: Attorney General’s office press release
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