46 suspects arrested in Jacksonville gang sweep, 5 still at large

Jacksonville, FL — 46 suspected gang members are off the streets and Jacksonville Police are still searching for five other suspects in a months-long investigation of the Rolling 20’s gang.

“This particular street gang is dismantled and disrupted. We shouldn’t see them anytime soon”, said Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams about the subset of the national Bloods gang.

The Sheriff, who was joined by State Attorney Melissa Nelson, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and representatives from the ATF, announced the arrests at a morning news conference.

“Jacksonville is safer because of this”, said State Attorney Melissa Nelson.

A two-phase investigation into the gang started in April 2016 during a homicide investigation into the murder of Michael Wright.  Quintae Hudson was arrested and subsequently convicted of murder.

The Sheriff’s Office began working with outside law enforcement agencies within and outside Northeast Florida to uncover other crimes committed by members of the Rolling 20’s.

22 arrests were made during an initial phase of the investigation.  The Sheriff says other members of the gang were looking to fill a vacuum of leadership following those arrests.

A second phase of the investigation began early this year and, on October 22nd, additional gang members and associates were identified.

“20 additional Rolling 20 gang members and associates had either state or federal arrest warrants issued”, Williams said.  15 of those suspects were arrested during a sweep by ATF and JSO arrest teams.

Five suspects are still at large and the Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have information about their whereabouts is asked to come forward.

Natario Peterson, Bryant Wright, Keron Taylor, Bruce Wilson and Kirkland Lawrence.

The entire investigation resulted in 46 suspects connected to the Rolling 20’s being arrested on felony charges.

“Ranging from murder to cocaine sales and lengthy prison sentences that they will see in their future”, said Williams.

30 firearms, over 396 grams of powder cocaine, 42 grams of crack cocaine, 72 grams of marijuana and other drugs were seized during the investigation.

“ATF, DEA and the United States Attorney’s Office who have worked closely with our prosecutors at the State Attorney’s Office and our local police to insure that the worst of worst in this gang receive appropriate federal investigation and prosecution”, said State Attorney Nelson.