Hollygrove Gang Member, Theron Golston, Pleads Guilty To Federal Rico, Drug, And Murder Charges

THERON GOLSTON, aka “Thema”,  23 years old, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty today in federal court to various federal violations stemming from a multi-count second superseding indictment which charged him and several of his associates with participating in violent drug gang that operated in the Hollygrove area of the City of New Orleans. 

GOLSTON agreed to plead guilty to the following counts;  RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine,  conspiracy to use firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes and crimes of violence and with the murder of Eula May Ivey in aid of racketeering.

GOLSTON’s plea of guilty was entered in accordance with the terms of a plea agreement which specifies the defendant is to receive a term of life imprisonment.  The Court may accept or reject the specified sentence at the time of sentencing.

According to the second superseding indictment, the above listed defendants were members and associates in fact of the criminal enterprise that 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.

GOLSTON is the fifth defendant in this case to plead guilty. 

Co-defendant Carey Jones, aka “Bean”, 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, aka “Bussy”, 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, aka “Ronnie Boo”, 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, aka “Ms. China”, pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine and will face a sentence of not more than five years. 

The remaining defendants, Tyronne Stevenson, aka “Duke”; Norman Ratcliff, aka “Turk”; Mark Glenn; and Walter Conley, aka “Ike Neezy”, are scheduled to stand trial on September 23, 2013. All are presumed innocent until proven guilty at trial.

U. S. Attorney Dana J. Boente stated that “these long sentences are a clear example of what lies ahead for those who continue to commit acts of violence in this City. We are starting to see the results of the strong cases resulting from the newly formed Multi-Agency Gang Unit (“MAG Unit”).  These pleas and sentences should put all, including gang members, on notice that the MAG Unit has the ability, the tools, and the knowledge to completely dismantle an entire criminal enterprise.  The federal government, in partnership with local law enforcement, will continue to develop these cases in order to combat violent crime.”

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 was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr.

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