PEORIA, Ill. — After a trial that lasted close to two months in federal court, 13 members of a Peoria gang were found guilty of several charges, including murder, attempted murder and gang violence.
In a news release from the Department of Justice it said the gang called the ‘Bomb Squad’, “plagued the Peoria community with gun violence for years.”
The 13 defendants were convicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or (RICO). The defendants were found to be involved in Bomb Squad activity between 2013 to this year involving murder, attempted murder, assault and arson to protect its gang members and associates from rival gangs.
In a news release from the Department of Justice it said the gang called the ‘Bomb Squad’, “plagued the Peoria community with gun violence for years.”
The 13 members convicted are between the ages of 20 and 29. The sentencing of the defendants has been scheduled for mid-June. At sentencing, each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison with several facing more lengthy prison sentences including up to life.
Peoria Police Chief Loren Marion said in the release, “I would personally like to commend the officers and agencies involved in this investigation for the outstanding work that was done.”
