Eight Accused 'GoodFellas' Gang Members and Associates Face Violent Crime Charges

Eight individuals linked to the 'GoodFellas' gang in Atlanta have been formally charged with engaging in violent illegal activities such as attempted murder and attempted carjacking, as disclosed in a recent indictment from Georgia’s Northern District.

The gang, dubbed by the Department of Justice as a 'violent organization,' actively seeks new members from both Atlanta's urban neighborhoods and local correctional facilities. Recently, several alleged gang members were apprehended in relation to a triple shooting in July 2024, resulting in the deaths of two teenagers. Furthermore, six members faced charges for an incident involving attacks on Fulton County Detention officers later that year.

Indicted Individuals

The indictment unveiled the names Frank Hubbert (38), Montavis Jones (37), Darian Sheppard (27), De'Andre Jackson (22), Ephram Marshall (24), Tahj Rankine (26), Leonunte Carson (22), and Ahday Nelson-George (25) as the accused.

Charges against all but Nelson-George involve attempted murder in support of racketeering and firearm-related offenses.

Alleged Criminal Acts

It is alleged that Sheppard, Jackson, Marshall, Rankine, and Carson discharged numerous bullets at an Atlanta gas station in February 2021, injuring a law enforcement officer. Their intent was reportedly to target rival gang members.

During the same timeframe, Sheppard, Jackson, and Marshall, allegedly with the assistance of Hubbert and Jones, unleashed approximately 50 shots at a woman, gravely injuring her along with two bystanders, one of whom was a child.

Hubbert and Jones are noted as purported leaders within the gang by the released information.

Further Charges and Investigation

Hubbert and Nelson-George face multiple accusations of armed assault linked to racketeering and attempted robbery. Allegedly, in an early 2021 incident at an Atlanta apartment complex, they forcibly tried to take vehicle keys from three individuals at gunpoint, culminating in an exchange of gunfire.

Convicts involved in attempted murder could face life imprisonment, while Nelson-George might face a maximum of 75 years behind bars. Court documents reveal scheduled detention hearings for the defendants in the coming week.

Investigative and Judicial Actions

The charges arise from investigative efforts by the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Fulton County Sheriff's Office, Georgia Department of Corrections, and Atlanta Police Department.

This case forms part of 'Operation Take Back America,' a nationwide initiative launched by the Justice Department in March, designed to dismantle criminal organizations in the U.S. This strategy merges efforts from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood Programs.