18 charged in Ohio with murder, kidnapping, drug distribution

OHIO — Federal authorities have unsealed a second superseding indictment against 18 alleged members and associates of the Fully Blooded Felons (FBF), a violent Cleveland-based street gang.

The charges include RICO conspiracy, murder, kidnapping, assault, drug trafficking, and firearms violations.

The indictment, unveiled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, follows a two-year investigation that began with an initial indictment in December 2023 and a superseding indictment in April 2024.

Scope of Criminal Activity

According to court documents, the Fully Blooded Felons have operated in Ohio since 2012, primarily on Cleveland’s east side, with additional strongholds in Akron, Youngstown, and beyond.

Federal officials allege that the gang engaged in a range of violent and illegal activities, including drug trafficking, armed robberies, and murder, to maintain control of territory and generate income.

During the investigation, law enforcement confiscated over 400 grams of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and 15 illegal firearms.

Additionally, gang members are alleged to have used a local apartment complex as a drug stash house.

“The superseding indictment alleges that these 18 defendants were leaders, members, or associates of the Fully Blooded Felons, a violent gang that—for more than a decade—made money and controlled territory in Northern Ohio through murder, arson, robbery, drug trafficking, and firearms possession,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri.

Gang Hierarchy and Rules

Prosecutors allege that the gang operated with a Mafia-like hierarchy. FBF leader Raven Mullins, who called himself the “Godfather,” created a structure involving a Commission and subgroup leaders known as “Commissioners.”

Members were reportedly required to memorize gang rules, including the “Fully Five” and “Fully Commandments,” and faced punishment for disobedience.

The gang also allegedly used violence to maintain discipline.

In one instance, the indictment claims that Mullins and other members shot and killed a victim in Cleveland on Sept. 12, 2023, fleeing the scene in a stolen vehicle later set on fire.

Law Enforcement Response

The investigation was led by the FBI’s Cleveland Division and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), with support from multiple federal, state, and local agencies.

“For several years, these individuals committed a homicide, armed robberies, and unlawfully imported and distributed fentanyl and other dangerous opioids throughout the community,” said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen. “The Fully Blooded Felons … have been identified as Cleveland’s most significant gang threat, and their reign of terror is over.”

U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko emphasized the importance of targeting violent offenders.

“The USAO will aggressively continue to pursue—through RICO prosecutions and other federal charges—violent criminals who seek to secure territory, power, and money by ruthlessly harming others.”

Defendants and Charges

The indictment lists charges against 18 defendants, including Mullins, alleged to be the gang’s leader, and other individuals with roles ranging from drug distribution to violent enforcement.

Charges vary but include RICO conspiracy, murder, kidnapping, and firearms violations.

Next Steps

All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. If convicted, sentences will be determined based on the specific charges and circumstances.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul E. Hanna and Robert F. Corts and Justice Department trial attorneys Brian W. Lynch and Alyssa Levey-Weinstein.

This prosecution is part of the OCDETF Strike Force Initiative, a program aimed at dismantling major criminal organizations.

The names of those charged may be viewed here.