In a significant legal development, a federal grand jury has brought charges against six individuals linked to a notorious Chicago street gang. These members and associates of the Faceworld gang are accused of participating in a slew of criminal activities, including multiple murders, armed robberies, and carjackings. The announcement was made by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois on Monday, shedding light on the gang’s violent grip on the South Side of Chicago.

The indictment paints a grim picture of the gang’s operations, alleging their involvement in a series of violent acts. This includes 13 murders and numerous attempts on lives, alongside assaults and thefts that have terrorized the local community. Their reign of terror extended to shocking incidents such as shooting at passengers on a CTA bus and targeting mourners at a rival gang member’s funeral, believed to have been killed by Faceworld members.

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To maintain their dominance and silence potential whistleblowers, the defendants and their cohorts are said to have employed threats and intimidation tactics, effectively stifling cooperation with law enforcement authorities. This fear-driven control underscores the challenges faced by officials attempting to dismantle such entrenched criminal networks.

In an era where social media plays a pivotal role in gang culture, Faceworld members allegedly utilized these platforms to their advantage. According to the charges, they brazenly promoted their violent exploits online, using posts, photos, and videos to assert their affiliations, taunt rivals, and boast about their criminal activities.

This indictment marks a crucial step in addressing the violence plaguing Chicago’s South Side, as authorities continue their efforts to bring justice and safety to the community. The case against these alleged gang members highlights the complex challenges law enforcement faces in tackling organized crime in urban areas.

The defendants and other Faceworld members and associates also trafficked cocaine and heroin in Chicago and Iowa, the indictment states.

The indictment was unsealed Friday in U.S. District Court in Chicago.

Chicago residents Dontae Harper, 28; Tyrone Foy, 31; Tyjuan Tapplar, 25; Robert Lee Thomas, 22; Davion Harris, 28; and Deavean Mcclure, 26 have been charged with racketeering conspiracy.

Three are also charged with murder in aid of racketeering.

Three were arraigned Friday.

All six are currently in custody.

Racketeering conspiracy generally carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, but a life sentence is possible.

Harper, Foy and Tapplar face a maximum of the death penalty if convicted of certain murders charged in the indictment.

This is a developing story; check back with ABC7 Chicago for updates.

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