By BJ Austin
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-705593.mp3
Dallas, TX – Security at the downtown Dallas federal courthouse was stepped up as prosecutors prepared to pick a jury for the case involving drugs and three local murders. Former prosecutor Attorney Dan Hagood, not associated with the case, says the government was doing something unique in this case using the Raceteer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.
Hagood: "Well, RICO is typically used for bringing down the Mafia. That's how the federal governments was so successful in the late 70's, 80's and 90's in destroying the Mafia on the East Coast. And it's the first time to my knowledge they've been used against the Texas Syndicate."
They were the last of 14 Texas Syndicate members to plead guilty to racketeering and other charges in Dallas federal court. Ten of them could be sentenced to LIFE in prison.