NEW: Hodgson Calls for RI to Use RICO Law to Combat Gang Violence
GoLocalProv Politics Team
NEW: Hodgson Calls for RI to Use RICO Law to Combat Gang Violence
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statue would be used to prosecute and sue members of violent gangs. The 1979 statute makes it illegal to use a criminal enterprise to commit criminal acts including drug dealing, murder, and extortion.
According to Hodgson, the federal version of the law has been used in Rhode Island to prosecute cases ranging from the Latin Kings street gang to declaring Providence city government a criminal enterprise, and convicting city officials of RICO crimes.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTSee Hodgson's Plan HERE
“I want to use this law to describe each violent street gang as a criminal enterprise,” said Hodgson. “I will go after each gang and gang member for using the gang organization to perpetuate what is becoming criminal terrorism in our city and state.” Hodgson explained that violation of Rhode Island RICO is a separate criminal violation punishable by ten years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The gang would also forfeit assets to the state.
"There is also a very valuable civil side to this law,” Hodgson continued. “We can obtain court orders to dismantle these gangs. And, we can ask the court to order that gang members stop functioning in gangs. While I do not believe these criminals will honor the court orders, they will be charged with both criminal and civil contempt if they do not. Contempt can result in prison terms and fines.”
“The police departments already have gathered intelligence on gang activity,” Hodgson said. “We have detectives and prosecutors already dealing with gang violence and a law, although dusty, that is ready for immediate use. Under the leadership of an Attorney General, we will put this powerful tool to work to protect the people.”
Providence's Most Violent Neighborhoods
#9: District 9
College Hill, Wayland Square, Fox Point
Violent Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 35
2012: 53
Property Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 597
2012: 630
Other Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 183
2012: 218
Total Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 815
2012: 901
#8: District 8
Mount Hope, Hope, Blackstone
Violent Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 36
2012: 40
Property Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 596
2012: 531
Other Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 226
2012: 212
Total Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 858
2012: 783
#7: District 3
Reservoir, South Elmwood, Washington Park
Violent Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 63
2012: 67
Property Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 443
2012: 452
Other Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 311
2012: 305
Total Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 817
2012: 824
#6: District 1
Downtown
Violent Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 79
2012: 94
Property Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 1116
2012: 1118
Other Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 563
2012: 580
Total Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 1758
2012: 1792
#5: District 6
Mount Pleasant, Manton, Elmhurst
Violent Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 128
2012: 116
Property Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 829
2012: 885
Other Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 531
2012: 559
Total Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 1488
2012: 1560
#4: District 7
Charles, Wanskuck, Smith Hill
Violent Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 172
2012: 183
Property Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 1143
2012: 1092
Other Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 784
2012: 813
Total Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 2099
2012: 2088
#3: District 4
Federal Hill, West End
Violent Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 173
2012: 188
Property Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 1082
2012: 1085
Other Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 755
2012: 919
Total Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 2010
2012: 2192
#2: District 5
Olneyville, Silver Lake, Hartford
Violent Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 206
2012: 189
Property Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 911
2012: 865
Other Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 758
2012: 724
Total Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 1875
2012: 1778
#1: District 2
Upper South Providence, Lower South Providence, Elmwood
Violent Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 213
2012: 188
Property Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 966
2012: 964
Other Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 841
2012: 910
Total Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 2020
2012: 2062
Citywide
Violent Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 1121
2012: 1135
Property Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 7738
2012: 7714
Other Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 5017
2012: 5296
Total Crimes Reported (YTD)
2013: 13876
2012: 14145
