U.S. Attorney Bill Killian said Friday that a cooperative investigation and roundup has netted almost 60 individuals, including many with gang affiliations.
Federal authorities, where sentences are the most severe, have charged 29 with gun and drug violations. Those include 16 validated gang members.
U.S. Attorney Killian said, "Chattanooga gang activity is a serious problem. Gang members commit violent felonies, involving weapons, drugs, shootings and other illegal activity. The focus of the gang task force initiative has been and will continue to be on the individuals involved in this illegal activity."
Of the gang members charged, he said, "They come from gangs like the Bloods, Crips, Gangster Disciples and the Aryan Nation. Four others are accused of being drug suppliers whose customers are gang members.
"They all face harsh penalties. Some face a life sentence in federal prison, and, as you know, in the federal system there is no parole."
He said authorities are seeking to confiscate a house that was a stronghold of crack cocaine sales.
U.S. Attorney Killian said the Chattanooga Police Department "arrested 20-30 defendants on state charges this week, and executed four search warrants on local businesses that resulted in the recovery of synthetic marijuana and approximately $10,000 in cash that will be forfeited in state court."
He said a focus on gang leaders "will continue."
Of those charged in Federal Court, five still have not been caught. They are Alfred Ford, Quinlin Newby, Cortney Nelson and Brandon Morris of Chattanooga and Pamela Walters of Marion County.
Others facing federal charges, including some who have already been arraigned this week, are Raphael Ar-Rahmaan, Joshua Ausberry, Johnny Barbour, Stephen Beasley, Michael Cal, Izaac Coffelt, Mario Common, Quantez Davis, Spencer Easting, Michael Evans, Lewande Haggard, Eric James, Yolanda King, Gregory Lewis, Rodriguez McGlockton, Cedric Paige, Brandon Pollard, Damien Powell, Jermaine Shepheard, Jodero Spears, Terrence Sterling and Adam Vogelmeier.
Those who are charged in Federal Court