Jackson, TN – An alleged member of the Gangster Disciples has pleaded guilty to felony possession of a firearm that is linked to two gang-related shootings. Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the guilty plea today.
According to information presented in court, on July 13, 2015, Jackson Police Department officers responded to a domestic disturbance call at an apartment in Madison County. Once law enforcement arrived, they observed Brandon Tavarious Purdy, 27, of Jackson, Tennessee, standing inside the apartment. Officers also noticed a .40 caliber handgun lying on the kitchen counter next to Purdy.
After Purdy was apprehended, an analysis was conducted on the firearm at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) lab. It was determined that the weapon was a match to casings collected at the scenes of two shootings involving the Gangster Disciples.
Purdy is reportedly a member of the Gangster Disciples, a highly-organized street gang that operates in more than 35 states and is responsible for violent acts and large-scale drug and firearm distribution.
Purdy has an extensive criminal history, including convictions for attempted second degree murder, attempted especially aggravated robbery, aggravated robbery and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon.
On Thursday, December 22, 2016, Purdy pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge J. Daniel Breen to one count of felony possession of a firearm.
Purdy is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Breen on March 24, 2017 at 10 a.m.
He faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case is being investigated by the ATF and the Jackson Police Department – Gang Enforcement Team.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth C. Boswell is prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.