FAM Mob leader indicted on federal robbery charges

SHELBY COUNTY, TN (WMC) - An alleged leader of the FAM Mob in Shelby County was indicted on federal robbery charges, according to the U. S. Attorney's Office.

According to the indictment, James Earl McCracken, 27, was the head governor of FAM Mob. FAM Mob is a street gang that has members in Frayser, Northhaven, Raleigh, and Millington.

In July 2011, McCracken and gang members took part in robbing a person who was trafficking narcotics, the indictment says. Bari Graham was shot and killed on July 9, 2011 inside his apartment.

While the men behind the shooting are locked up, federal investigators secured the new indictment against McCracken. Investigators say McCracken believed Graham was a drug dealer, so he ordered two of his gang members to rob him. During that robbery, he was killed.

Prosecutors say the drug sales -- although illegal -- constitute interstate commerce and McCracken's ordering the robbery violates a federal Hobbs Act criminalizing the interference of interstate commerce.

"The FAM Mob organization is one that's known to be very violent, notorious throughout this community," said United States Attorney Ed Stanton. "Is it somewhat rare to use a Hobbs Act in this manner? Absolutely. But these are atypical times and times that we will continue to be vigilant and steadfast with bringing those individuals to justice."

The penalty for this offense is up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.

Tion and Linnel Graham, Bari's brothers, are still grieving his death, but they keep his memory alive with the tattoos on their necks.

"They say time heals all wounds but that's one I don't think will ever heal," said Linnel Graham.

The indictment happened after an investigation by the multi-agency gang unit, made up of Memphis Police Department, Shelby Co. Sheriff's Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI, U. S. Attorney's Office, and the Shelby Co. District Attorney's Office.

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