Sem City Gang Members Charged with Racketeering Conspiracy, Attempted Murder, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Maiming

OAKLAND—A nine-count federal indictment charging four members of the Sem City gang was returned by the grand jury yesterday and unsealed today in federal court, announced United States Attorney Melinda Haag.

All four defendants, listed below, are in state custody and will be transferred into federal custody:

1. Purvis Lamar Ellis, aka "Bot"
2. Deante Terrance Kincaid, aka "Tay-Tay"
3. Damien Edward McDaniel, aka "Famous," "Lil' Dame"
4. Joseph Pennymon, aka "Junkie"

All four defendants, Oakland residents, are charged with a racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, maiming in aid of racketeering, and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of those crimes of violence. Three of the four defendants are also charged with a second count of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of the same. Each defendant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

According to the Indictment, Sem City is a violent street gang based in the Seminary neighborhood of East Oakland. Members of Sem City engaged in criminal activity, including attempted murder, assault, robbery, narcotics distribution, pimping of minors, illegal firearms possession, and credit card fraud. Additionally, members of Sem City are expected to engage in acts of violence to protect the name, reputation, and status of the gang.

The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Oakland Police Department, and Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.

Please note, an indictment contains only allegations against an individual, and, as with all defendants, Purvis Lamar Ellis, Deante Terrance Kincaid, Damien Edward McDaniel, and Joseph Pennymon must be presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.