COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Federal authorities have arrested several dozen people as part of a multi-year investigation into a gang in South Carolina.
U.S. Attorney Bill Nettles and FBI Special Agent in Charge David Thomas said Wednesday the arrests are part of a two-year probe into the Bloods street gang.
Prosecutors said the defendants face more than 100 total charges including racketeering, prostitution and drug and weapons crimes. Nettles says ringleader David Andrea Jenkins is originally from Columbia and now lives in Huntington Beach, Calif.
During searches in South Carolina and California, agents found drugs, cash and weapons.
Court papers didn't list attorneys for the defendants, and some have already pleaded guilty and are cooperating with the investigation. Several defendants are scheduled to appear in court in Columbia later this month.
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