Orleans Jury Convicts Gang Leader Of Racketeering, Drug Plot

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A 36-year-old New Orleans man described as the head of a murderous drug gang has been convicted of racketeering and drug conspiracy.

Criminal District Court Judge Camille Buras scheduled sentencing June 16 for Kentrell Hickerson.

The New Orleans Advocate reports that, as a multiple offender, Hickerson could face up to 100 years for racketeering. Jurors also convicted him Friday of conspiring to distribute heroin to promote gang activity, but cleared him of a similar cocaine charge.

Nineteen co-defendants pleaded guilty.

Prosecutors said Hickerson's racketeering actions included two killings. Former gang members testified that he committed or directed others.

An indictment in 2013 alleged that the gang committed 10 murders and numerous other shootings and drug crimes.

Unintended victims included toddler Keira Holmes and rapper Renetta "Magnolia Shorty" Lowe.

(Information from: The New Orleans Advocate, http://www.neworleansadvocate.com)