Gang Member Sentenced to Multiple Consecutive Terms of Life Without the Possibility of Release Dennis Cyrus Jr. Convicted of Murdering Three Men, Including Federal Witness

SAN FRANCISCO—Dennis Cyrus Jr. was sentenced today to three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of release for three murders he was found guilty of in the aid of a racketeer influenced corrupt organization (RICO) known as the Page Street gang, First Assistant United States Attorney Brian Stretch announced. Cyrus was also sentenced to four additional consecutive life sentences, four additional concurrent life sentences, and a combined additional concurrent 40 years for one attempted murder, narcotics conspiracy, RICO conspiracy, murder of a federal witness, retaliatory murder of a federal witness, kidnapping, and narcotics and firearms offenses.

"The significant sentence imposed today is directly attributable to the dedication and perseverance of the law enforcement professionals at the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the San Francisco Police Department," First Assistant United States Attorney Stretch said. "Working together over a long, complex investigation, these organizations have helped to make San Francisco a safer place to live by crippling a dangerous criminal organization and bringing seven of its key members to justice for the violent crimes they committed. Hopefully, the families and victims of these horrific crimes will receive a measure of closure by knowing Mr. Cyrus will never be released to the streets again."

Cyrus was charged in 16 counts of a 35-count indictment filed against seven members of the Page Street gang on May 24, 2005. On May 11, 2009, a federal jury returned guilty verdicts on all 16 counts. At that time, the jury found Cyrus guilty of a narcotics conspiracy; a RICO conspiracy; multiple counts of violent crime in aid of racketeering to include attempted murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, kidnapping, and three counts of murder; murder of a federal witness to prevent testimony; murder of a federal witness in retaliation for providing testimony; possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a playground and publicly owned housing development; and multiple counts of using a firearm during and in relation to violent crime.

Cyrus is the last of the seven defendants charged in this case to be found guilty of federal offenses revolving around their participation with the Page Street gang. He was found guilty of the attempted murder of Marcus Atkinson on July 28, 2002; of the murder of Joseph Hearns on Aug. 23, 2002; of the murder of Randy Mitchell on Aug. 31, 2002; and of the murder of Ray Jimmerson, Jr., on Sept. 8, 2002. Following the murders, Cyrus left San Francisco, fleeing to Atlanta when he was arrested in Kansas City, Mo., by FBI agents and members of the Kansas City Police Department.

"The Page Street gang investigation began in 2002 and is one of many ongoing gang investigations to combat violence in our streets," FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephanie Douglas said. "It's unacceptable for citizens to live in fear of street gangs. This investigation demonstrates federal, state, and local law enforcement are committed to working together to end the violence in our neighborhoods."

William Frentzen and Robert David Rees of the Organized Crime Strike Force are the Assistant U.S. Attorneys who prosecuted the case with the assistance of Christine Tian. The prosecution and sentence was the result of a three-year investigation by the FBI; the San Francisco Police Department; the San Francisco Police Department Crime Laboratory; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the California Department of Justice; and the Kansas City Police Department. Today's sentence was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Maxine M. Chesney.

Further Information:

Case #: CR 05-0324 MMC

A copy of this press release may be found on the U.S. Attorney's Office's website at www.usdoj.gov/usao/can.

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All press inquiries to the U.S. Attorney's Office should be directed to Jack Gillund at (415) 436-6599 or by email at Jack.Gillund@usdoj.gov.

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