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Sheriff Blackwell: Gang Activity is Very Active in County

Gang activity is very evident across deep east Texas, according to information released last week by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The annual Texas Gang Threat Assessment says there are more than 100,000 gang members across the state and their threats remain high. Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell says just because Shelby County is rural and has a smaller population don’t think gang activity doesn’t exist. He adds its an issue.

 

Sheriff Blackwell said the five known gangs with activity in Shelby County are the MS-13 and Los Zetas, both Mexican oriented; the 5-Deuce, which are part of the Crips and are primarily African American comprised; and the Aryan Brotherhood and Aryan Circle, both of which are white member based.

 

The sheriff said he believes the gang leaders are seeing a lenient system here when dealing with drug convictions in Shelby County, and until a message is sent down the pipeline it’ll only continue to increase.

 

Sheriff Blackwell said county citizens can be proactive to help curtail gang activity. He said you have to be aware of your surroundings, and report anything out of the ordinary occurrences around you.

 

 

 

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