Chicago street gang indicted on federal racketeering charges

CHICAGO (AP) - Federal racketeering charges have been filed against nine members of a Chicago street gang, alleging they participated in a criminal organization that killed six people.

One member of the Four Corner Hustlers, Labar Spann, is accused of participating in all six alleged murders committed to protect drug-dealing territories on Chicago's West and Southwest Sides.

The U.S. Justice Department says the indictments announced Thursday are the result of a lengthy investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, the FBI's Safe Street Task Force and Chicago police.

Prosecutors say from the mid-1990s until this year the Four Corner Hustlers committed robberies, extortion and batteries. They allegedly dealt drugs, robbed rivals and used violence and intimidation to stop victims and witnesses from cooperating with law enforcement.

The indictment was returned Sept. 14 and sealed until arrests were made this week.