Eight Alleged Members and Associates of the “GoodFellas” Gang Indicted on Federal Racketeering Charges
Atlanta, GA – Eight alleged members and associates of the Atlanta-based street gang GoodFellas have been indicted on federal racketeering charges, including Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Aid of Racketeering. The indictment, unsealed on March 13, 2025, follows a federal grand jury’s 12-count decision on March 4, 2025. The defendants—Frank Hubbert, Montavis Jones, Darian Sheppard, De’Andre Jackson, Ephram Marshall, Tahj Rankine, Leonunte Carson, and Ahday Nelson-George—are accused of committing violent crimes in support of the gang’s criminal enterprise, including shootings that injured multiple victims, among them a child.
The charges stem from a series of violent incidents in early 2021, which law enforcement officials say were part of the gang’s efforts to protect its turf, reputation, and criminal operations. The GoodFellas, a gang primarily recruiting members from Atlanta neighborhoods and Georgia correctional facilities, allegedly fund their activities through drug trafficking, robbery, carjacking, fraud, and firearms trafficking. The indictment underscores the gang’s use of violence—including murder, attempted murder, and obstruction of justice—to maintain control and intimidate rivals.
Key Allegations and Timeline of Events
- January 17, 2021: Frank Hubbert and Ahday Nelson-George allegedly confronted three individuals filming a music video at an Atlanta apartment complex. The two men reportedly demanded the victims’ car keys at gunpoint, leading to an exchange of gunfire. No injuries were reported in this incident, but the confrontation highlighted the gang’s brazen use of violence in public spaces.
- February 2, 2021: Darian Sheppard, De’Andre Jackson, Ephram Marshall, Tahj Rankine, and Leonunte Carson allegedly fired dozens of rounds at an Atlanta gas station, targeting members of a rival gang. A patron was wounded in the shooting, which law enforcement described as part of an ongoing gang conflict.
- February 10, 2021: Sheppard, Jackson, and Marshall, allegedly aided by Hubbert and Montavis Jones, fired approximately 50 rounds at a woman, severely injuring her and two bystanders, including a child. Hubbert, who was incarcerated at the time, is accused of ordering and facilitating the attack, demonstrating the gang’s ability to orchestrate violence even from behind bars.
Defendants and Charges
The indictment outlines specific charges against each defendant, reflecting their alleged roles in the gang’s violent activities:
- Frank Hubbert (aka “Capo Frank”), 38, an alleged leader of GoodFellas, faces three counts of Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering, three counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Aid of Racketeering, one count of Attempted Carjacking, and three counts of Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.
- Montavis Jones (aka “Nigel Woods,” “Jitt,” “Git”), 37, another alleged leader, is charged with three counts of Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering and three counts of Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.
- Darian Sheppard (aka “Lil D”), 27, faces four counts of Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering and four counts of Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.
- De’Andre Jackson (aka “Glock,” “Gen,” “Glizzy”), 22, is charged with four counts of Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering and four counts of Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.
- Ephram Marshall (aka “Lil E”), 24, faces four counts of Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering and four counts of Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.
- Tahj Rankine (aka “Biggz”), 26, is charged with one count of Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering and one count of Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.
- Leonunte Carson (aka “Lil Tae”), 22, faces one count of Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering and one count of Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.
- Ahday Nelson-George (aka “Baby K”), 25, is charged with three counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Aid of Racketeering and one count of Attempted Carjacking.
Law Enforcement Response and Broader Implications
The indictment reflects a coordinated effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to dismantle violent criminal organizations like GoodFellas. Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. emphasized the importance of holding gang members accountable for their actions, stating, “This indictment reflects the collective determination of our Office and law enforcement partners to confront the deadly cycle of gang violence... These charges are intended to demonstrate that our Office, and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, never cease to seek justice on behalf of victims and their family members impacted by crimes of violence.”
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown echoed this sentiment, noting, “These are not victimless crimes. Communities are hurting and will continue to be impacted as long as violent gangs engage in bloody street wars.” The FBI, alongside the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Department of Corrections, and the Atlanta Police Department, played key roles in the investigation.
ATF Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Gibbons highlighted the importance of collaboration in targeting violent gang members, stating, “This indictment sends a direct message to criminals that ATF and our law enforcement partners will investigate and protect our citizens.”
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the government bears the burden of proving their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Renaud of the Northern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Sarah J. Rasalam of the Department of Justice’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, with contributions from former Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Macon and Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Spritzer.
The indictment serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive impact of gang violence on communities and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations. As the case moves forward, it will likely draw significant attention to the broader issue of gang-related crime in Atlanta and the measures being taken to address it.
This report provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of the indictment, emphasizing the key events, individuals involved, and the collaborative efforts of law enforcement to combat gang violence. The narrative is structured to enhance readability while maintaining factual accuracy and a neutral tone suitable for investigative journalism.
