Indictment Unveils Charges Against Houston Gang
A recent indictment revealed that 20 members of the Houston-based street gang known as Free Money face serious federal charges, which include racketeering conspiracy, murder, along with various firearms and drug offenses.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) shared on Thursday that these individuals are accused of employing violence and intimidation to dominate their territory and retaliate against members of rival gangs. A press release from the DOJ elaborated on these claims.
Assistant Attorney General A. Theisen Duva remarked that this gang has been causing chaos in Houston, engaging in drive-by shootings and targeting victims in normally busy places, such as grocery store parking lots, thereby placing many lives in jeopardy. One incident, captured on surveillance footage, involved Terry Ardoin and Travonte Ardoin pursuing a Chevrolet Equinox into a shopping center parking lot in June 2022 before opening fire and killing the passenger inside.
U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjay for the Southern District of Texas criticized the actions of the Free Money gang, stating they participated in robberies, drug trafficking, and violent acts designed to intimidate others and instill fear in the local community. He emphasized that such behavior would no longer be tolerated.
Ganjay assured that the district sends a “clear and unmistakable” message to those pondering violent crimes in Houston—think twice, as law enforcement is vigilant.
A DOJ press release also indicated that gang members actively sought out rivals across Houston and often attacked without discrimination. It mentioned a planned robbery that was thwarted before the suspects could execute their plan, where several defendants allegedly vowed to “kill and do whatever it takes.”
Jason Hudson, the acting special agent in charge of the FBI’s Houston field office, commented on the staggering number of murders and shootings attributed to these individuals over the years. He expressed hope that the recent arrests will provide some relief to the Houston neighborhoods that have suffered under their reign of terror, stating that these long-awaited arrests were the result of extensive investigation by the FBI Houston team and its partners.
