Part 1: Lynchburg VA - Gang Activity on the Rise

OFF THE WIRE
http://www.wset.com/Global/story.asp?S=13966422
In part one of a two part series, reporter Jeremy Mills takes an in-depth look at gang activity in Lynchburg and why police say it's on the rise.
Lynchburg, VA - It's a problem that's not yet out of control, but Lynchburg Police say it's quickly getting there. The number of local gangs continues to rise each year in the Hill City.
Specialists and even active gang members say the gangs are here to stay.
Police say this is a good time for gang recruitment. With the economy the way it is, local gangs are growing constantly bringing in new members.
There's also an influx of outside gangs working to claim territory.
The really scary thing is some of these rival groups have started working together. They're calling it a growth spurt of gang activity. Lynchburg now has more than 250 documented gang members. Police believe the total number is likely, well above 400.
"To put that into perspective, we have 170 police officers so you have more than double the amount of gang members as you do police officers as you do in the city," said Kevin Poindexter, Lynchburg Police Gang Unit Assistant. Supervisor.
It's not just bloods and crips and gangsta disciples. Those sets have been in Lynchburg for the past 15 years. The newcomers include the Latin Kings and MS-13. There's even a rebirth of outlaw motorcycle gangs.
"It's growing, it's more need for us now," said Steve Bagwell, Heaven's Saints Motorcycle Ministry Chapter President.
Local motorcycle ministries say they're seeing more and more bikers.
"Richmond area, coming this way," said Bagwell.
One of those groups is the pagans. They've begun showing up at local events, like a toy run in December.
"I noticed that there were some Pagans involved in that toy run. They were wearing their pagan emblems on their jackets during the toy run for the kids," said Poindexter.
So why are these gangs so interested in Lynchburg?
"It's a free market here, there's no interstate that goes through the city so a lot of people think that they can come down here and start a new life, or hide from other things and it's going to be off the radar," said Poindexter.
Some are bringing with them a new philosophy. Police say the gangs that used to fight and kill one another have started entering into partnerships to sell drugs.
Their individual gang colors are no longer most important, police say.
"Truly, the only color that matters when you're talking about gangs or criminal enterprises in general is the color of money. And money overrides any other thing," said Poindexter.
We want to stress, just because these gangs are in Lynchburg, does not mean they are small timers. Many have direct ties to New York City, Saint Louis and Chicago. They can be just as dangerous as the gangs there.


1percenter


Jeremy,

You need to get your information down a little better....rebirth...LOL...the Pagans have been in the Lynchburg area since the very early 90's...no rebirth...and Mr. Poindexter, what is wrong with the Pagans supporting a toy run for kids..alot of those guys probably have kids and would like to do for other kids...they shouldnt wear their colors? Kids shouldnt see that people in motorcycle clubs are decent caring people? That is a warped thought huh? You want people to have the image that you carry that all motorcycle clubs (mc) are bad...do you really want to teach your kids that? There are bad apples in ANY organization including law enforcement. Just check your local area, Brookneal, Gladys, Roanoke, alot of bad apples in law enforcement there. Convictions for money laundering, grand larceny, witness tampering, embezelment, the list goes on. Don't judge everyone on YOUR preconceived notions of good and bad.