Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
“Stackz Squad” Street Gang Member Sentenced to 41 Months in Federal Prison
Memphis, TN. A member of the “Stackz Squad” street gang has been sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for being a drug user in possession of firearms. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.
The defendant was convicted after a jury trial on the following facts: On May 27, 2017, detectives with the Multi-Agency Gang Unit were on patrol during the funeral of a known gang member at a church in Raleigh. While at the scene, detectives observed a silver Toyota Camry enter the church parking lot in which Jamal Bowens and Lee Hope were passengers. Detectives then approached the vehicle and observed a marijuana cigar and a Rossi .357 revolver on the floorboard under Bowen’s feet. Upon search of Hope’s person, a stolen Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol was recovered from the front of his pants. The Smith and Wesson pistol was reported stolen out of Mississippi. A video posted on social media showed Hope in possession of both firearms earlier in the day.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: “Now more than ever, it is crucial that we remove firearms from dangerous and prohibited people, and remove violent and unstable offenders with firearms from our communities. This conviction and sentence demonstrates our commitment to use all of the laws provided by Congress to target and incapacitate violent gang members with guns. We are Fed Up with gun crime in Memphis, and we are doing something about it.” Gun Crime is Max Time.
At sentencing, the proof showed Bowens was a member of the street gang Stackz Squad and frequently possessed firearms with other gang members. Bowens possession of firearms occurred while the defendant was on bond in state court. Currently, Bowens has charges of Aggravated Robbery and Aggravated Assault pending in state court.
On May 22, 2108, U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Bowens to 41 months imprisonment for being a drug user in possession of two firearms.
Lee Hope, 20, a co-defendant, was also convicted for possessing a firearm while being a drug user. Hope is set for sencting on June 13, 2018.
The Multi-Agency Gang Unit investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marques T. Young prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.