Two Peoria men who were juveniles when they were arrested for crimes tied to alleged involvement with a violent street gang have been indicted on adult charges under the RICO statute.
The office of Peoria County State’s Attorney Jodi Hoos on Tuesday announced the indictments against 18-year-old Chavez Allen and Marshawn Smith. Both suspects had their cases transferred to adult court earlier this month.
The counts under the RICO Act, which stands for Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations, stem from an investigation of a gang known as the "Snakes,” according to the state’s attorney’s office.
Allen also is charged with unlawful use of a weapon. The state’s petition to have him detained until trial was granted Tuesday.
Smith faces charges of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated discharge of a firearm. He already is serving a seven-year sentence after pleading guilty as an adult in a previous case for possession of a fully automatic weapon.
According to Hoos’ office, Allen and Smith were among a group of six juveniles along with four adults indicted by a grand jury in October for crimes tied to the “Snakes” investigation. Detectives allegedly linked the individuals to at least three murders and 12 shootings.
