Thug Relations Gang Member Sentenced to 40 Years

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Maurice McLain, 33, of Newport News, was sentenced today to 40 years in prison for his role in a racketeering conspiracy involving the Thug Relations gang in Newport News.

McLain was found guilty by a jury on June 17, 2016, after a three-week jury trial. According to court documents, McLain was a member of the gang Thug Relations. Members and associates of Thug Relations were responsible for drug trafficking, numerous shootings, home invasions, and murders. Specifically, the jury found McLain guilty of the murder of 17-year-old Aaron Sumler at Aqueduct Apartments on July 5, 2007. McLain, who at the time of trial was serving a 15-year sentence for using a gun during narcotics trafficking, will ultimately serve 50 years in prison for his crimes.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; and Richard W. Myers, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson. Managing Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard J. Zlotnick, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Samuels and Lisa R. McKeel, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Yvonne Garcia prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:14-cr-59.