ATLANTA — A former Georgia police officer was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison Monday after a racketeering conviction.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Vancito Gumbs, 28, of Stone Mountain, claimed to be a hitman and member of a gang, while at the same time serving as a police officer.
Gumbs, a native of St. Thomas, was reportedly a member of a national gang with roots in Chicago dating back to the 1970s.
The gang, a spokesperson with the U.S. Attorney’s office noted, is highly structured with a hierarchy of leadership positions known as “Positions of Authority.”
“The gang strictly enforces rules for its members, the most important of which is Silence and Secrecy — a prohibition on cooperating with law enforcement. Violations of the rule are punishable by death” the spokesperson said.
The gang was responsible for at least 24 shootings in metro Atlanta from 2011 through 2015. 12 of the shootings were fatal.
After Gumbs’ arrest, it was reported members affiliated with the gang may also have been involved in extortion of a rap artist, identified by XXL Magazine as possibly being Rick Ross.
The U.S. Attorney said Gumbs was photographed flashing gang signs.
Gumbs was recorded in phone conversations relaying law enforcement information to a fellow gang leader.
Additionally, Gumbs provided a firearm to a fellow gang member, authorities noted.
“Vancito Gumbs moonlighted as a member of the Gangster Disciples while serving as a DeKalb County Police Officer,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “His brazen disregard for his sworn duty as a police officer, betrayal of the public’s trust, and disregard for human life warrants the significant sentence he received in this case.”
“It is reprehensible for a law enforcement officer sworn to serve and protect the public to instead serve a ruthless gang that has preyed upon, and threatened the well-being of the good people in his community,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Because of the efforts of the FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force and its state and local partners, our community is safer and Gumbs is no longer a part of it.”
“No one is above the law and this sentencing demonstrates that everyone is held accountable for their actions even if they wear a badge,” said DeKalb Police Chief Mirtha V. Ramos.
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/former-police-officer-and-gangster-disciples-member-sentenced-prison