Milhiser, Crouch Announce 23 Gang-Related Indictments

An ongoing investigation by the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office, Springfield Police Department and Sangamon County State's Attorney's Office has resulted in state racketeering indictments against 23 alleged gang members in Springfield, following a series of violent crimes that included six homicides and the murder of a nine-year-old boy.

Sangamon County State's Attorney John Milhiser announced the indictments Tuesday, September 22, following an investigation conducted by the Sheriff's Office, Springfield Police Department and Sangamon County State's Attorney's Office.

The investigation, which examined criminal activity dating back to August 2024, involved two rival Springfield gangs, SQAD (Shoot Quick Avoid Death) and BP (Boss Playas). Prosecutors allege the groups operated as criminal enterprises involved in murders, shootings, illegal firearms possession and drug-related offenses.

Sangamon County Sheriff Paula Crouch credited the investigators and law enforcement agencies involved in the case for their work in addressing violent crime throughout the community.

"Partnerships with fellow law enforcement professionals help keep our community safe. I would like to thank the Sangamon County State's Attorney, the Springfield Police Department, the Illinois State Police Crime Lab and the hard-working investigators of the Sheriff's Office for their tireless efforts in protecting the residents of Sangamon County and helping to remove violent offenders from our streets," Crouch said.

All 23 defendants have been charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy under the Illinois Street Gang and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Law (RICO). Fifteen defendants face additional charges related to their alleged involvement in the criminal activity.

The indictments allege that the two gangs operated as criminal enterprises from at least August 2024 through September 2026, using violence to protect their members, retaliate against rival gangs and maintain their influence. The investigation also involved multiple shootings targeting rival gang members and innocent individuals, along with the possession and trafficking of more than a dozen firearms, including machine guns.

The racketeering conspiracy charge carries a statutory penalty of up to 30 years in prison, with a potential sentence of up to life imprisonment for defendants whose actions resulted in death.

The indictments cover four separate homicide investigations, beginning with the September 29, 2024, murder of Telley Palmer, who was shot 14 times following an earlier incident involving a rival gang.

The second homicide occurred January 4, 2025, when Lajarvious Smith was shot 16 times after allegedly being mistaken for a rival gang member.

The investigation also includes an October 9, 2025, triple homicide that claimed the life of nine-year-old Cash Russell. According to prosecutors, the killings occurred during a home invasion connected to an earlier burglary involving drugs taken from a rival gang.

The fourth homicide occurred January 8, 2026, when Barrion Sanders was shot and killed. Prosecutors allege the killing was retaliation for an incident in which Sanders assaulted a rival gang member at a local prompt care facility six days earlier.

Investigators also examined a January 10, 2026, incident involving four alleged gang members who were reportedly traveling in a stolen vehicle while armed with fully automatic machine guns and extended magazines. The individuals were allegedly searching for rival gang members in retaliation for Sanders' murder.

The indictments were returned by a Sangamon County grand jury and sealed pending arrests. At the time of the indictments, 12 defendants were already in custody in Sangamon and Macon counties on other state criminal charges or were serving sentences in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Defendants who have been arrested are expected to make their initial court appearances beginning September 22 and 23. Those already in custody on other charges are expected to appear in court later this week or next week.

“Violent criminals who threaten the safety of our residents have no place in Sangamon County,” Sheriff Crouch said. “Our office will continue to aggressively investigate violent crime, pursue those responsible and work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who endanger our community are held accountable.”

Milhiser emphasized the importance of cooperation among law enforcement agencies in investigating violent crime and pursuing criminal charges against those allegedly responsible.

"We must work together to identify and hold accountable those causing violence in our community. We will continue to work with law enforcement partners to keep our community safe," Milhiser said.

Springfield Police Chief Joe Behl also addressed the investigation, emphasizing the department's continued commitment to addressing gang activity and violent crime in the community.

"Public safety remains the Springfield Police Department's highest priority. Gang activity, gun violence, and other violent crime have no place in our community. We will continue to utilize every available resource and lawful tool to identify, investigate, and hold violent offenders accountable," Behl said.