Violent Member of the “Dump Squad” Sentenced
| U.S. Attorney’s Office November 03, 2009 |
NEWPORT NEWS, VA— Latroy Urquhart, 25, of Newport News, VA was sentenced today to 40 years in prison for his participation in a conspiracy to commit numerous acts of violence perpetrated by the “Dump Squad.” Urquhart pled guilty on May 4, 2009, to a racketeering conspiracy, maiming in aid of racketeering activity, and discharging a firearm during an assault with a deadly weapon. Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith.
“Street gangs spread fear and violence through our communities,” said Neil H. MacBride, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “This case is a clear signal that these gangs are not above the law. Through the combined efforts of law enforcement they will be taken down and brought to justice.”
According to court documents, Urquhart was a member of the “Dump Squad” a criminal street gang that grew from a national gang known as the “Bloods” and operated in the Ridley Circle, Harbor Homes and Dickerson Court areas of Newport News, Va. The defendant and fellow gang members protected their territory through acts of violence which allowed the members to earn money through robberies and the sale of controlled substances. Members, including Urquhart, also participated in the assault of Tony Vaughan outside of a Hampton nightclub which preceded Martin Manley’s murder of Vaughan.
This case was investigated by the FBI, Newport News Police Department, the Hampton Police Department, and Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Tayman and Robert Bradenham, II, are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/vae. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.vaed.uscourts.gov or on https://pcl.uscourts.gov.