Posted on 08/31/22
| News Source: FOX45
It was in a west Baltimore shopping center known as the Princess Plaza where police say 'ABG' or 'Anybody Gets It' operated its criminal enterprise.
Court documents obtained by FOX45 News detail how the defendants arrested in the recent takedown sold drugs and according to Baltimore Police, committed multiple acts of violence, including murder.
"It really does fit the definition of criminal gang," said Jason Johnson, former deputy commissioner with the Baltimore Police Department. "They don’t affiliate around symbols, colors and things like that. It’s really more of a business organization that is assembled around drugs and violence or other criminal activity."
Gangs are a nationwide problem.
In Georgia, a district attorney recently spoke out following the takedown of a home invasion ring.
"I'm not going to negotiate with gang members. I'm not going to allow pleas. We're going to find you. We're going to convict you and we're going to send you to the prison for the rest of your days," said the Fulton County DA, during a press conference last week.
Here at home, the reaction not as sharp.
In fact, leaders aren't quick to label much of the drug and gun violence as being gang related.
When announcing the takedown of ABG Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison called the group a social network.
"Its a social network of people who were selling drugs and involved in violence in the area where the princess plaza is," said Harrison, when announcing the arrests of 12 individuals.