Suspended Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley and Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan were recent targets of an alleged series of coordinated burglaries in the Atlanta area that has also targeted Mariah Carey.
On Monday, RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) charges were brought against 26 alleged members of the "Drug Rich Gang," a group that is thought to target influencers and celebrities in Atlanta.
According to the indictment, Atlanta rapper Dalemonte Stilley was the founder, and he helped to popularize the gang by using its symbols in public posts, among them the letters "RX" (associated with pharmaceuticals) and Monopoly symbols.
The indictment was brought by the District Attorney's office of Fulton County, which represents Atlanta and neighboring suburbs.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis said the crimes alleged in the indictment included carjacking, kidnapping, armed robbery, shootings, and home invasions.
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"What they do is target people who show their wealth on social media," said Fani Willis, per ESPN.
So I do have a message for the public: Where it is kind of fun to put your things on social media and show off, unfortunately these gangs are becoming more savvy, more sophisticated in the way that they target you.
This blanket message cover a wide umbrella of celebrities that Ridley happens to fall under. Ridley, who is currently serving an indefinite suspension for violating the NFL's gambling policy, had numerous pictures on his Instagram wearing seemingly expensive jewelry.
The gang, for its part, seemed to have also been found through social media, via a myriad of posts on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube.
One of the defendants, Kenzel Walker, went by the name Clair Voyant on Facebook, according to the indictment.
“I am not going to negotiate with gang members. I am not going to allow pleas,” Willis said. “We are going to find you, we are going to convict you and we’re going to send you to the prison for the rest of your days, and I’m not apologizing for that.”
