Trial set for alleged gang members in federal case 

OXFORD, Mississippi (AP) — The trial of 14 alleged members of white supremacist prison gang in Mississippi is scheduled for April 27 in U.S. District Court in Oxford.

The 14 are each charged with racketeering tied to violent crimes and drug distribution.

Federal prosecutors announced indictments in November in Mississippi and Oklahoma. Eleven people were indicted in Oklahoma.

Those indicted in Mississippi are Perry Wayne Mask, Stephen Neal Hubanks, Frank George Owens Jr., Joseph Brandon Creel, Sonny Todd Maxwell, James Milton Dean, Walter Thomas Burrus, Ricky Wayne Jenkins, David Ladrone Willis, Kathy June Shadburn, Natasha Baxter Ellis. Ruthie Gail Rutledge, Gary Brian Lee and William Ellis Overton.

The Mississippi indictment said the gang has carried out killings, assaults, kidnappings, money laundering and distribution of illegal drugs such as methamphetamine. The document described an organizational structure that includes officers inside and outside prison.

The Oklahoma indictment said five alleged gang members kidnapped and maimed another member who did not supply and distribute drugs. A news release said: “Following a direct order, the defendants held down a UAB member and placed a heated knife on his neck to burn off the UAB patch-tattoo.”