Reputed leader of Black Disciples street gang among 23 arrested in federal drug takedown
The reputed leader of the Black Disciples street gang was among 23 people arrested in a federal gang takedown involving drug and weapons trafficking in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, records show.
The case is expected to be announced Wednesday afternoon at a news conference.
Darnell McMiller, who goes by the street name “Murder,” was charged with distribution of fentanyl-laced heroin to a cooperating individual last September in the 7000 block of South Lowe Avenue, according to court records.
McMiller, of Chicago, is described in the charges as the current leader of the Black Disciples, a national street gang founded in the city in the 1960s.
Among the others swept up in the probe was John Ector, owner of the South Side nightclub V-75, who was charged with bank fraud for allegedly helping the gang launder drug proceeds.
Also arrested was Shongo Collier, part owner of the popular chicken restaurant Wings Around the World on West 61st Street. Collier was charged with dealing fentanyl and other narcotics.
The two-year investigation also resulted in several alleged gang members charged with unlawfully trafficking handguns. Several other previously convicted felons have been charged with unlawfully possessing firearms, including rifles and a shotgun furnished to members of the Black Disciples, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.
U.S. Attorney John Lausch, Chicago FBI boss Emmerson Buie Jr., and Chicago police Superintendent David Brown were expected to join other officials to discuss the case at a 2 p.m. news conference Wednesday at the Englewood police district headquarters.
More to come.
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