Las Vegas, Nev. – Two defendants charged in the federal racketeering case against members of the Aryan Warriors gang pleaded guilty today to racketeering and drug charges, announced Gregory A. Brower, United States Attorney for the District of Nevada.

Daniel Joseph Egan, aka "Dano," pleaded guilty to two counts of Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering for assaults with a dangerous weapon upon Mark Fechtman and Cody Dunn. Kory Allen Crossman, aka "Lobes," pleaded guilty to Drug Conspiracy for the distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Egan and Crossman were charged by indictment with 12 others on July 10, 2007, of Conspiracy to Engage in a Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO). Three defendants, including Egan, were are also charged separately with acts of Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering (VCAR), specifically Conspiracy to Commit an Assault With a Dangerous Weapon.

On May 20, 2008, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment, adding a murder charge against defendant Ronald "Joey" Sellers, and drug trafficking charges against Sellers and nine other Aryan Warriors. Defendants Tony Howard Morgan, Kenneth Russell Krum, a/k/a "Yum Yum," "Big Pimping," and "Barnyard"; Ronnie Lee Jones, a/k/a "RJ"; and Charles Edward Gensemer, a/k/a "Charley" were also charged with possessing firearms during a drug trafficking offense.

The federal charges allege that the defendants are members of the "Aryan Warriors," a criminal organization that operates both inside the Nevada prison system and in communities in Nevada. Historically, the Aryan Warriors organization has focused on the protection of white inmates and the promotion of white supremacy within the Nevada prisons. The gang asserts control over other prisoners through violence and extortion. Members of the gang inside Nevada prisons also corrupt guards, distribute illegal drugs, and run extensive illegal gambling operations. More recently, the Aryan Warriors have sought to expand their focus by establishing a "street program" for illegal activities for profit outside the prisons in the Las Vegas, Henderson, Pahrump, and Reno communities.

At his plea hearing, Egan admitted to being a leader or "Hornholder" of the Aryan Warriors. As a "Horn Holder," Egan made decisions and issued orders about who should be assaulted or attacked. Egan also admitted that he directed Prospects to the organization to commit "blood work"; that is, violent assaults on others to enhance their positions within the Aryan Warriors.

Egan admitted that he ordered the October 16, 2004 attack or "hit" on inmate Mark Fechtman at High Desert State prison. Fetchman, a rival gang member, was slashed with a razor type weapon and received lacerations to the face, head, and back. Fetchman was transported to a hospital via ambulance and received 52 staples and 23 stitches.

Egan also admitted that he ordered the January 4, 2005 attack or "hit" on inmate Cody Dunn at High Desert State prison because Dunn was believed to have provided information to prison authorities regarding Aryan Warrior activities. Five Aryan Warriors prospects stabbed Dunn approximately 16 times, using at least three prison made knifes. Dunn was transported to University Medical Center Trauma Unit via ambulance and his injuries included a collapsed lung and a broken wrist. Egan admitted to ordering both assaults for the purpose of maintaining or increasing his status within the Aryan Warriors.

Crossman admitted to being associated with the Aryan Warriors while in the custody of the Nevada Department of Corrections from 2001 through 2005. Crossman admitted that he continued his involvement with the Aryan Warriors after his release from prison in January 2005. Crossman said that he participated in the Aryan Warrior "street program" by conspiring with other Aryan Warriors members, both inside and outside of prison, including Ronald "Joey" Sellers, the Supreme Horn Holder or ultimate leader of Aryan Warriors, to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine. Crossman admitted he was personally responsible for the distribution of at least approximately 289 grams of methamphetamine.

United States District Court Judge Kent J. Dawson accepted the pleas of guilty and ordered sentencing hearings on October 29, 2008, at 9 a.m. for both Egan and Crossman. Egan faces a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years for each count, while Crossman faces a term of imprisonment of at least five years but no more than 40 years. Both are subject to fines, special assessments and supervised release.

The case is being investigated by the FBI and Nevada Department of Corrections Inspector General's Office, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Johnson, Kathleen Bliss, and Nicholas Dickinson with assistance from Thom Gover of the Nevada Attorney General's Office. Other agencies that have contributed to the investigated include the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the Nye County Sheriff's Department.

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