Chicago's Hobos gang leaders convicted over nine alleged murders

Associated Press
Thursday 5 January 2017 13.11 GMT

Jurors who heard the biggest gang trial in recent Chicago history on Wednesday convicted the core leadership of the Hobos, a group described by prosecutors as an “all-star team” of criminals whose ruthlessness contributed to the city’s alarming spike in homicides.

To extend their power on the South Side, prosecutors said, the Hobos cultivated a reputation for brutality so terrifying to witnesses that some chose to go to jail rather than provide evidence against gang leaders.

The conspiracy allegedly included the murders of at least nine people, including gang rivals and government witnesses. One victim was fatally shot in 2013 in front of his screaming stepchildren to stop him from testifying. Another incident involved the robbery of NBA player Bobby Simmons at gunpoint outside a nightclub for a $200,000 diamond-and-gold chain.

Jurors deliberated for six days before returning the verdicts against accused Hobos boss Gregory “Bowlegs” Chester, alleged hitman Paris Poe and four others. They were convicted of racketeering conspiracy and drug and weapons charges.

So feared are the Hobos that some witnesses were visibly nervous as they took the stand with alleged gang leaders looking on. One refused outright to speak against the gang, telling the judge, “I choose not to testify for the sake of me and my family.” The witness was held in contempt and given a 60-day sentence.

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