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Georgia gang members arrested for targeting homes of Mariah Carey, other celebs


A violent street gang that targeted the homes of wealthy athletes and celebrities in the Atlanta-area — including Mariah Carey’s — were charged with more than 200 crimes in Georgia, prosecutors announced Monday.

Twenty-six members of the Drug Rich gang face allegations that include kidnapping, home invasion, shootings and armed robbery over the series of crimes that also victimized social media influencers, according to Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.

In some instances, gang members bragged about their illegal behavior in hip-hop songs, which Willis said her office will use when prosecuting the case.

Mariah Carey was among the residents in Atlanta whose home was broken into, according to Fulton County prosecutors.
Mariah Carey was among the residents in Atlanta whose home was broken into, according to Fulton County prosecutors.
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“What they do is target people who show their wealth on social media,” said Willis.

“So I do have a message for the public: Where it is kind of fun to put your things on social media and show off, unfortunately these gangs are becoming more savvy, more sophisticated in the way that they target you,” Willis said during a news conference steamed by 11 Alive News.

Carey’s home was broken into, as well as those belonging to Atlanta Falcons’ Calvin Ridley, Marlo Hampton of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” and Atlanta United soccer player Brad Guzan, according to Fulton County prosecutors.

Most suspects were charged in connection with the state’s racketeering and anti-gang laws in the 220-count indictment that was filed on Aug. 22.

Willis said their investigation was aided by lyrics in the rap songs.

“You do not get to commit crimes in my county and then decide to brag on it, which you do that for a form of intimidation and to further the gang and not be held responsible,” she said, referencing one lyric that mentions kicking in a door and stealing a car.   

“I have some legal advice: don’t confess to crimes on rap lyrics if you do not want them used,” Willis warned. “Or at least get out of my county.”

Atlanta Falcons player Calvin Ridley's home was broken into, according to Fulton County prosecutors.
Atlanta Falcons player Calvin Ridley’s home was broken into, according to Fulton County prosecutors.
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Willis said the effort to bring down the Drug Rich gang was among multiple law enforcement agencies and warned those suspects would face harsh penalties.

“We are going to find you, we are going to convict you and we’re gonna send you to prison for the rest of your days,” Willis said. “And I’m not apologizing for that.”

With Post wires



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