State v. Mr. W (DMC No. 18245) – Felony Participation in a Criminal Street Gang (per ARS 13-2321), Felony Transportation and Possession of Narcotic Drugs for Sale, and Felony Money Laundering – Not Charged/”Turned Down” by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office – Phoenix Police Department Investigated (DR No. 20XX-XXXXXXX5)

The Phoenix Police Department had been conducting an investigation into a North Phoenix street gang known as the “White Flag Gang”. It was made up mainly of teenagers who were known to be selling Cocaine, THC Vape Cartridges, and LSD. They had grown to about 40 people in rank, and they would post on-line videos of fights originating at the Desert Ridge Mall, Starbucks and In-And-Out Burger. In addition, they would post their drugs on Snapchat and advertise their sales.

Mr. W. was considered to be one of the leaders of the gang, and he was taken into Custody. While he was being questioned, he allegedly admitted to all of the crimes involved. He was then Arrested, and taken down to the Jail. This is when he secured the services of DM Cantor.

Once we secured the Release of Mr. W, we reached out to the Detectives and the county attorneys involved. Throughout the course of our Investigation, we were able to show them that Mr. W was not a founding member or leader, but was only a peripheral person who was nearby. As other more senior members of the gang were Arrested and Prosecuted, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office made the decision to “Turn Down” Prosecution of Mr. W. Mr. W. subsequently moved out of the state after attending rehab, and has turned his life around. If he was originally Convicted of the Participation in a Criminal Street Gang per ARS 13-2321, the Transportation and Sale of Narcotic Drugs, and Money Laundering, he could have spent potentially a Maximum of over 20 Years in Prison.