Hollygrove Gang Member, Norman Ratcliff, Pleads Guilty To Federal Rico, Drug, And Murder Charges

NORMAN RATCLIFF, aka “Turk,” 21, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty today in federal court to various federal violations stemming from a 34 count second superseding indictment.   RATCLIFF and several of his associates were charged with participating in a violent drug gang that operated in the Holly Grove area of the City of New Orleans. 

RATCLIFF pled guilty to RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine.  He also pled to the illegal use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and/or crime of violence in connection with the murder of Eula May Ivey.

RATCLIFF could be sentenced to life in prison and is also subject to a sentence of five to forty years as to the crack cocaine count.  He is also faces a fine of up to $5,000,000.  Sentencing is scheduled for October 2, 2013.

In November of 2012, a Federal Grand Jury returned a 34-count indictment charging Walter Conley, aka “Ike Neezy;” Tyronne Stevenson, aka “Duke;” Theron Golston, aka “Thema;”  Bernell Williams, aka “Bussy,” aka “A-Boogie;” and Mark Glenn with participating in a RICO conspiracy, drug conspiracy, firearms conspiracy, and several substantive acts of violence.

These defendants and others were members and associates of a criminal enterprise which operated in an area of the City that historically encompassed the Hollygrove area of New Orleans, Louisiana.  The boundaries of the area include South Carrollton Avenue, Earhart Boulevard, Interstate 10, and the Jefferson Parish line.

RATCLIFF is the sixth defendant in this case to plead guilty. 

Co-defendant Carey Jones also pled guilty to a life sentence for his participation in the RICO conspiracy, two separate non-fatal shootings, and for his participation in the murder of Ms. Eula May Ivey. 

Co-defendant Bernell Williams pled guilty to participating in the RICO conspiracy, drug conspiracy, gun conspiracy, and to his involvement in two separate non-fatal shootings.  He will face a sentence of 25 to 30 years in prison. 

Co-defendant Ryan Carroll pled guilty to participating in the RICO conspiracy and to discharging a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and a crime of violence.  He faces a sentence of 10 years to life.

Co-defendant China Stewart pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine and will face a maximum sentence of five years. 

Co-defendant Theron Golston recently pled guilty to a life sentence for his participation in the RICO conspiracy, two separate non-fatal shootings, and for his participation in the murder of Ms. Eula May Ivey.

The remaining defendants, Tyronne Stevenson, Mark Glenn, and Walter Conley are scheduled to stand trial on September 23, 2013. All are presumed innocent until proven guilty at trial.

The Multi-Agency Gang Unit is an N.O.P.D. led division which includes federal agents from A.T.F., D.E.A., F.B.I., and the U.S. Marshal’s Service, as well as participants from the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, The Louisiana State Police, State Probation and Parole, and the New Orleans District Attorney’s Office.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr.

(Download Factual Basis )