High-ranking Gangster Disciple sentenced to 30 years in racketeering

JACKSON, Tenn. — The highest-ranking member of the Gangster Disciples in Tennessee has been sentenced to serve 30 years on federal charges of racketeering and conspiracy.

Byron Purdy, the “Governor of Governors” for the gang, pleaded guilty in July 2017 after his indictment in May 2016.

According to court documents, Purdy will spend an additional five years under supervision after his release from federal custody.

Purdy is one of 16 men, including eight from Jackson, who were indicted in a federal case on charges ranging from drug conspiracies and distribution to murder, kidnapping and robbery allegations.

According to his plea agreement filed in 2017, Purdy admitted to having knowledge of violent crimes committed by the Gangster Disciples. The agreement says these crimes include distribution and conspiracy to distribute drugs, an attack on a rival gang member at a nightclub in Jackson, a June 2010 shooting of a rival gang member and a 2015 threat to kill a person who incriminated a Gangster Disciple.

Purdy is one of three Gangster Disciples who have pleaded guilty to various charges, including Daniel Cole, also from Jackson.

Cole was sentenced to serve 24 years as a part of his plea agreement.