Search Intensifies for Chicago Gang Fugitive

Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the FBI is asking for the public’s help in locating a suspected member of a Chicago street gang, who is wanted for numerous violations of Federal drug laws.

MARCO SMITH, age 31, whose last known address was 5940 West Fillmore in Chicago, has been the subject of a nationwide manhunt, coordinated by the Chicago FBI, since December of 2008 when he was charged by a Federal Grand Jury in Chicago with distributing both wholesale and personal use quantities of crack cocaine.

According to the indictment, SMITH was part of a drug-trafficking organization centered on the west side of Chicago, which distributed illicit drugs on behalf of the Conservative Vice Lords street gang.  The operation was centered in the vicinity of 18th Street and Pulaski Road, in an area known as the “Spot”.  SMITH was one of fourteen suspected gang members and associates charged in connection with this investigation and is the lone defendant in the case who is still at-large. Given the arrest earlier this month of a co-defendant who was hiding in Chicago, the search for SMITH is intensifying as he too may be aided in his flight from justice by fellow gang members.

SMITH, who is also known as “Shorty” and “Stuart Little”, is described as a black/male, 31 years of age, 5’ 10” tall, medium build, with black hair and brown eyes.  SMITH has an extensive criminal record, including firearms and weapons charges.  As such, SMITH should be considered Armed and Dangerous.

Anyone recognizing SMITH or having any information about his current whereabouts is asked to call either the Chicago FBI at (312) 421-6700 or any law enforcement agency.

The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt and that all defendants in a criminal case are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.