SAVANNAH, Ga. – A Savannah man, who was the leader of a dangerous gang, was sentenced to 262 months, nearly 22 years, in federal prison, the Department of Justice announced Thursday.
Shavar Spence, 32, was sentenced earlier this week for charges of trafficking drugs and unlawful possession of firearms.
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Spence was found to be link to a Savannah gang that is an armed trafficking organization through evidence presented at his sentencing.
After conducting undercover purchases with the gang, law enforcement obtained search warrants to confiscate multiple types of drugs including crack cocaine, marijuana, and MDMA alongside ammunition, firearms and military ballistic vests.
During his sentencing, prosecutors said, Spence was the leader of the highly organized and dangerous group that was attempting to train a new generation, adding that evidence was obtained that a toddler was allowed to handle a possible semi-automatic firearm.
U.S. Attorney Edward Tarver said, “It is deeply troubling that in 2016 this defendant led an organization that taught African-American children how to engage in violent crime and criminal drug activity. There should be no doubt that if you’re involved in criminal gang activity, pushing poison in our streets, or illegally possessing and using firearms, you should expect to serve a very long sentence in a federal prison. We will continue to work with our federal and local law enforcement partners to end gang violence and criminal drug sales in Savannah," said U.S. Attorney Edward Tarver.
After Spence completes his prison term, he will supervised for an additional five years.