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Press Release

Gangster Disciple Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Tennessee

Memphis, TN – An armed career criminal andmember of the Gangster Disciples has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison. Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, Arthur Alford, aka "Snoop," 35, of Ripley, Tennessee, unlawfully possessed a firearm, ammunition and drugs during the summer of 2015.

In December 2014, special agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) began working with local law enforcement officials in Lauderdale County to prosecute crimes committed by a group of individuals who were identified as members of street gangs.

As part of the investigation, on July 16, 2015, the agents executed a narcotics search warrant at the home of Alford, who they identified as a member of the Gangster Disciples. During the search, officers found $2,114 in drug proceeds, multiple grams of synthetic marijuana, packaging material, receipts, scales, drug ledgers, a loaded 9mm and a box of ammunition.

Alford has multiple felony convictions and is categorized as an armed career criminal.

In July 2016, Alford pleaded guilty to one count of unlawfully possessing a firearm.

On Wednesday, November 16, 2016, U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Alford to 180 months in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the ATF and the 25th Judicial Drug Task Force.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Stringfellow prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.

Updated November 18, 2016