Gang member sentenced to prison on R.I.C.O. Conspiracy charge

Javaris Wardlow, 29, pled guilty to one count of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Conspiracy (R.I.C.O. Conspiracy) and three counts of Possession with Intent to Sell Heroin. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by 8 years of probation on the first count and 10 years in prison on the other counts to be served concurrently.

The evidence in this case established that Wardlow sold heroin supplied by previously convicted co-defendant Mark Walker and on two occasions Wardlow fired weapons in gun battles with rival gang members.

The evidence also established that Wardlow was one in a group of individuals known as the Lake Boyz, a criminal street gang based primarily in Fort Myers. The R.I.C.O. Conspiracy charge acknowledges the intention to commit crimes through the group association.

The evidence in the case disclosed multiple crimes committed by the individual gang members in various and different roles including drug sale and distribution, burglary, auto theft, and homicide.

This prosecution is part of a joint task force created by State Attorney Amira Fox that is a law enforcement partnership comprised of members of the State Attorney’s Office, FBI, Fort Myers Police Department, and Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

There are 10 Lake Boyz defendants pending prosecution.