Three Vice Lords Members Sentenced for Violent Crimes
A federal court handed down prison terms totaling over 42 years to members of the Unknown Vice Lords gang.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Violence
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Three members of the Unknown Vice Lords criminal enterprise have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a 2020 retaliatory shooting. The group, which operated across Memphis, Arkansas, and Mississippi, received sentences totaling over 42 years.
Why it matters
The sentencing follows a violent campaign of retaliation between the gang and its rivals. These convictions highlight ongoing efforts by authorities to dismantle the leadership and operational capacity of violent criminal enterprises.
Antwon Brown received a 300-month sentence, Willie Merriweather received 120 months, and Cordera Douglas received 87 months. These sentences conclude the current proceedings for these three individuals within the federal court system.
The players
Antwon Brown
He is a member of the Unknown Vice Lords who received a 300-month prison sentence for his role in the retaliatory shooting.
Willie Merriweather
A member of the Unknown Vice Lords criminal enterprise who was sentenced to 120 months in prison for ordering a retaliatory attack.
Cordera Douglas
He is a gang member who participated in a planning meeting for the attack and received an 87-month prison sentence.
Unknown Vice Lords
This is a criminal enterprise that conducted operations across Memphis, Arkansas, and Mississippi.
Ricky Rogers, Jr.
He is a person affiliated with the case who is currently awaiting his sentencing hearing.
The details
The violence originated from a September 6, 2020 shooting that injured four people. The following day, Antwon Brown, wearing masks and gloves, used assault-style rifles to fire 40-50 bullets into a residence as part of a retaliatory attack planned by Willie Merriweather and Cordera Douglas.
Timeline
Four people were injured in a shooting on September 6, 2020.
Antwon Brown fired approximately 40-50 bullets into a residence on September 7, 2020.
Ricky Rogers, Jr. is scheduled for sentencing on November 5, 2026.
Tevin Richardson is scheduled for trial on April 4, 2027.
Legal Context
This case follows the pattern of federal crackdowns on multi-state criminal enterprises operating within the Memphis area. It reflects an ongoing judicial trend of using severe prison sentences to address retaliatory gang violence and firearm-related offenses.
These convictions represent a significant step in addressing the violent activity that previously affected the safety of the Memphis community. Residents may see continued law enforcement efforts to mitigate the influence of criminal enterprises in the area.
The takeaway
These sentences demonstrate the severe legal consequences for individuals involved in organized gang retaliatory violence. The case serves as a reminder of the focus federal authorities place on curbing firearm-related crimes within urban criminal enterprises.
What happens next
Ricky Rogers, Jr. is scheduled for sentencing on November 5, 2026, and Tevin Richardson is scheduled to face trial on April 4, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on public safety, visit the Memphis Violence section.
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