Three members of Rollin’ 30s Crips gang sentenced for Roanoke murders

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ/US Attorney’s Office Release) - Three members of the Rollin’ 30s Crips gang have been sentenced to prison for two murders in Roanoke.

Sean Denzel Guerrant, 31, a.k.a. “Harlem Denk,” pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy and one count of conspiracy to commit murder, and was sentenced August 15 to 37 years in prison.

Trayvone Raycron Kasey, 21, pleaded guilty to federal racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death, interference with commerce by robbery, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death. Kasey was sentenced to 36 years in prison.

Demonte Rashod Mack, 32, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering and conspiracy to commit murder, and was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison.

Chauncey Dion Levesy, 28, will be sentenced later this year after pleading guilty to racketeering conspiracy and conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering.

Guerrant, Kasey, Levesy, and Mack were members of the Rollin’ 30s Crips, which also called itself the “Dirt Gang,” according to Kavanaugh. The Rollin’ 30s Crips are a national criminal street gang operating in cities across the country. The Roanoke set of the Rollin’ 30s operated primarily in northwest Roanoke.

Guerrant admitted he, Kasey, Mack, Levesy, and others conspired to conduct a “pattern of racketeering activity, including multiple threats and acts of violence,” according to Kavanaugh. Specifically, Guerrant ordered Nickalas Lee, a 17-year-old, to kill another gang member, identified as D.F., to atone for his violations and perceived disloyalty to the gang.

In the early morning hours of June 15, 2017, Kavanaugh said, Kasey drove Lee to pick up D.F., while Levesy and Mack followed them to a nearby Roanoke apartment complex. After arriving, everyone except Levesy got out of their vehicles while D.F. ran away and hid, leaving Mack, Kasey and Lee together in one of the parking areas. D.F. escaped because Lee warned him that he was in danger. After D.F. escaped, Lee refused to hand over his gun to Kasey until Mack pointed his own firearm at Lee and told him to give it up, said Kavanaugh. After handing his gun to Kasey, Lee ran away in an attempt to escape, but Kasey and Mack chased him and shot him twice in the back, killing him.

After the shooting, Mack, Kasey and Levesy returned to the gang’s “trap house” and met up with Guerrant and other Rollin’ 30s gang members, at which time everything that occurred was reported to Guerrant, the gang leader, according to Kavanaugh.

Eight months later, Kasey arranged to meet with Markel Girty. When Girty arrived, Kasey leaned into the car, shot him once in the chest, and stole his belongings. Girty died later from his gunshot wound.

“One of the highest priorities of the Department of Justice is the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes. Ensuring the safety of our neighbors is the cornerstone of a thriving and successful community,” said United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh. “The three individuals sentenced today posed real threats to Roanoke’s safety, and this outcome holds them accountable for their crimes. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute violent offenders in federal court and hold them to account for their crimes.”

“The FBI and our law enforcement partners are working diligently to investigate and arrest violent offenders plaguing the Roanoke area,” said Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division. “Today’s sentencing of these Rollin’ 30s street gang members is a testament to our partnerships and commitment to addressing violent crime in our communities. We encourage community partnerships in this endeavor and implore citizens to report violent crime to the FBI at 804-261-1044 or via tips.FBI.gov.”

“This was a long, difficult case for this department and our community,” said Roanoke Police Chief Sam Roman. “Countless hours were poured into this investigation by members of the Roanoke Police Department. This case touched the lives and careers of many officers and detectives, who will never forget the young man who was murdered. While nothing we do will bring him back, we hope this outcome brings some peace to his family, friends and those who loved him. This outcome would not have happened without the successful partnerships between the Roanoke Police Department and our local, state and federal partners. These men are being held accountable for their actions, and Roanoke is a safer place as a result. This is a message to those in our community who choose to perpetuate gun violence and organized crime in our city: we will find you and do everything we can to hold you accountable for your actions.”

“I am extremely proud of the men and women from all of these law enforcement agencies who put in the time and hard work to bring this complex case to a conclusion,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “These convictions and sentences hopefully send a strong message that neither Roanoke City nor the Roanoke Valley will serve as safe havens for violent gang activity and other lawless acts. This case is just the beginning of several ongoing efforts in the region and we will continue to put pressure on violent offenders and gangs in order to once again make our community a place where families and law-abiding citizens can feel safe. Only through working together can we make a difference.”

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