Criminal Street Gang Members Arrested, Charged with RICO Act Crimes

Law enforcement from throughout the Fourth Judicial Circuit on Thursday afternoon announced the arrests of 10 individuals after a year-long investigation into a Northwest Jacksonville criminal street gang. Those arrested are part of “Problem Child Entertainment,” a group responsible for murders, attempted murder, aggravated battery, robberies, dealing in stolen property, and other criminal offenses.

Arrested were: Monteco Brown, Charles Howell, Henry Hayes, Rashon Jackson, Danny Hadden, Andre Fuller, Kquame Richardson, Tezmond Mitchell, Jalyn Baker, and Cynthia Hayes. Each was arrested on one count of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) statute and one count of Conspiracy to Commit RICO, both first-degree felonies.

“This investigation and these arrests are one example of our ongoing efforts to target and disable criminal organizations that wreak havoc and commit violent acts throughout our city,” said State Attorney Melissa Nelson.

For the State Attorney’s Office, the investigation and arrests on RICO charges are a first for its Targeted Prosecution Unit, which was specifically created and allocated the necessary resources to remove violent criminals and criminal organizations from our community.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and FBI Jacksonville Division all played crucial roles that led to these arrests.

“We continue to work with a laser focus on addressing the violent crime in this community. We couldn’t do it without our criminal justice partners and the citizens who continue to tell us what they see and what they know,” said Sheriff Mike Williams.

The year-long investigation and resulting arrests are the latest example of the strong partnership law enforcement agencies in Northeast Florida have when dealing with violent crime.

“FDLE is committed to working with our law enforcement partners on long-term and complex investigations, like Operation Problem Child, to remove these violent felons from our communities,” said Special Agent in Charles John Burke.
Each law enforcement agency has continued to demonstrate its commitment to curbing these types of crimes that impact the region.

“The FBI Jacksonville Division is proud to serve as a force multiplier to our state and local partners, and to be an active part of the effort to disrupt and dismantle organizations that threaten the safety and security of our community,” said Special Agent in Charge Charles P. Spencer.