20 ‘Free Money’ Gang Members Indicted in Houston RICO Case Involving Murders and Robberies

HOUSTON, TX – An 18-count superseding indictment unsealed in the Southern District of Texas charges 20 alleged members and associates of the Houston-based “Free Money” street gang with federal crimes including racketeering conspiracy, murder and attempted murder in aid of racketeering, Hobbs Act robbery and related firearm and drug offenses.

Federal prosecutors allege the gang engaged in a sustained campaign of violence across Houston, using drive-by shootings, targeted retaliation and armed robberies to control territory and intimidate rivals. The indictment claims members raised money through drug trafficking and robberies and used violence to protect their operations.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 24, 2022, surveillance video captured defendants Terry Ardoin, 24, and Travonte Ardoin, 28, following a Chevrolet Equinox into a shopping center parking lot in broad daylight. After the driver exited and returned to the vehicle, the Ardoins allegedly exited their own vehicle wearing masks and opened fire. Multiple rounds struck the passenger compartment, killing the passenger.

Prosecutors also allege that on August 3, 2022, defendant Shakeil Anderson, 23, and other Free Money members drove past and repeatedly shot into the home of the grandmother of a perceived rival gang member.

“The sheer number of murders and shootings these individuals are suspected of freely carrying out for years, and the level of indiscriminate violence they’re accused of executing is alarming,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Hudson of the FBI Houston Field Office. “Yesterday’s coordinated arrests across Houston are the result of years-long investigations by our FBI Houston team and our partners. We hope the residents of the Houston neighborhoods they terrorized can rest a little easier knowing that these individuals are free no more.”

The indictment further outlines an alleged August 14, 2022, plan to rob a rival gang member’s drug stash house and kill those inside. Defendants Joci Barley, 26; Terrel Davis, 28; Walter Tolbert, 21; Shakeil Anderson; Jakobe Anderson, 24; Chase Franklin-Williams, 21; Terry Ardoin; Travonte Ardoin; Deandre Thompson, 22; Emery Goodley, 26; Jymonte McClendon, 28; and Maurkael Brown, 31, are accused of planning the robbery during a Free Money meeting. Prosecutors allege the group vowed to “kill and do everything they needed to do” to steal drugs and money from the home, knowing it was likely occupied. Law enforcement intercepted the group during a vehicle pursuit before the robbery occurred, and authorities allege Travonte Ardoin threw a firearm from his vehicle during the chase.

In addition to violent crimes, the indictment alleges the gang financed operations by trafficking crack cocaine, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana. Prosecutors claim defendant Orlando Calloway, 52, supplied crack cocaine by cooking powder cocaine for the gang.

Authorities also allege that on June 3, 2024, Walter Tolbert and other gang members robbed a pawn store at gunpoint, stealing jewelry, Sony PlayStations and cash.

Federal officials said coordinated arrests were carried out across Houston following years of investigation. The FBI and Houston Police Department led the investigation, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Trial Attorney Ralph Paradiso of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Brown for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.