posted November 26, 2007
An ATF special agent testified Monday morning in Federal Court that Michael Lebron Jackson, 33, and Brolin Demont "Bear" Berry, 35, headed the Gangster Disciple gang in Chattanooga.
Agt. Lorin Coppock said Berry told a confidential informant that the local gang was "180 strong."
He said the Chicago gang had 70,000 members, and nationwide the Gangster Disciples counted a million members.
Magistrate Susan K. Lee ordered Berry held until his trial following a detention hearing.
Jackson is charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and distribution of crack cocaine. Berry is charged with distribution of crack cocaine.
Prosecutor Chris Poole said Berry, who was brought into court in a wheelchair, faces 10 years to life.
Agt. Coppock said the informant was buying cocaine from Jackson and, when he asked for larger amounts, he was referred to Berry.
He said phone calls between the informant and Berry were taped and he and other agents monitored sales of cocaine by Berry to the informant.
The witness said the first small sale was at a Brainerd Road restaurant on Nov. 2. He said he saw Berry slide the drugs across the table to the informant.
He said there was a sale of more cocaine on Nov. 5.
Agt. Coppock said on Nov. 8 it was arranged for the informant to buy a large amount of cocaine that turned out to be 67.8 grams.
He said the meeting place was a Food Lion parking lot, but Berry appeared suspicious and it was moved across the street. He said there was a Cadillac "counter-surveillance" vehicle present.
The witness said Berry told the informant concerning the gang that he was "at the top" and Jackson was "at the very top. He's the man man."
Prosecutor Poole said Berry did not have any felonies on his record, but he did have a number of misdemeanor arrests - many while he was already on probation.
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