ARLINGTON, Texas — A massive collaborative law enforcement operation has resulted in the federal indictment of 21 alleged members of the violent “Kiccdoe” street gang, based in Arlington. The charges, announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, include racketeering (RICO), murder, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses.
The operation, which involved the FBI and the Arlington Police Department, culminated in arrests earlier this month. Among those taken into custody is JaMarion Manogin, 20, of Forney, Texas, alongside numerous residents of Arlington, Grand Prairie, and Fort Worth.
Origins of the Investigation
The federal probe began in April 2024 following a tragic gang-related murder at an Arlington high school, which sparked a cycle of retaliatory violence. The Kiccdoe gang, which authorities say originated from the 600 block of East Arkansas Lane, is accused of terrorizing the community over a three-year period.
According to court documents, the gang utilized social media to boast about their activities and intimidate rivals. Their alleged criminal portfolio includes drive-by shootings, targeted robberies, and the trafficking of controlled substances to fund their operations.
“Taking Back” the Community
The arrests are part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative targeting transnational and violent criminal organizations.
“The outstanding, collaborative work of our law enforcement partners has made Arlington residents safer today,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy Larson.
Arlington Police Chief Al Jones expressed pride in the joint effort to dismantle the organization. If convicted, the defendants face severe federal penalties ranging from 10 years to life in federal prison.
List of Defendants and Charges
The 21 individuals charged include:
- Chauncey Ross (22, Arlington): RICO conspiracy, murder, machine gun possession.
- Michael Mensah (18, Grand Prairie): RICO conspiracy, assault with a dangerous weapon.
- Isaiah Wiley (21, Dallas): RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to commit murder.
- Kyron Oates (22, Grand Prairie): RICO conspiracy, assault with a dangerous weapon.
- JaMarion Manogin (20, Forney): Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering.
- Raphael Opare (19), Dillen Opare (20), Vernell Woods (19), Marcus Shaw (20), KeyShawn Burton (20), Blake Aaron Scott (22), Sir James Mack Williams (21), Jaylen Jeshawn Franklin (22): All of Arlington, facing various RICO and violent crime charges.
- DeMarco Westmoreland (19) and DaTraven Warren (18): Both of Mansfield.
- Cortez Atkinson (18), Bradley McArthur, Jr. (21), Sadedrick Wilson (22), Joseph Hill (18): All of Fort Worth.
- LaMarion Austin (21) and Jakayla Totten (21): Of Dallas and DeSoto, respectively.
