State Police: 7 arrested in gang activity involving reckless ATV riders and burglaries

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - State police arrested seven people in New Orleans Friday in connection with gang activity involving reckless ATV riders and burglaries.

Over the last several months, law enforcement officials have been investigating gang activity in the New Orleans area related to ATV riders and "Ride Outs" that have not only caused fatal crashes, but have placed hundreds of motorists in extremely dangerous situations, investigators said.

Each suspect has been charged with Criminal Street Gang / Racketeering where they intentionally directed, participated, conducted, furthered and assisted in the commission of pattern criminal gang activity.  The illegal activity listed in the indictment includes: Attempted Simple Burglary, Simple Burglary, Theft of Motor Vehicles and Manufacturing, Distribution and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule 1 Controlled Dangerous Substance.

During a search of the seven residences, Troopers seized two stolen weapons, one Mini Draco AK pistol, one SKS rifle, one Glock .40 cal, one 9mm Taurus and one Smith & Wesson .38 revolver.  Six stolen dirt bikes were recovered along with two stolen street bikes and one stolen 4-wheeler.  A stolen Chevrolet Camaro was also recovered.

Nearly one pound of marijuana was found with approximately $4,000. Numerous burglary tools were located and two masks that are believed to have been used in burglaries were found. This investigation remains active and on-going; additional charges and arrests are forthcoming, investigators said.

The following suspects reside in Orleans Parish and have been arrested and booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center and will later be transported to Ascension Parish Jail:

• Jarrell Maxon (age 21)
• Byron Blunt (age 20)
• Jyron Ahkeem Robinson (age 21)
• Jonathan Gonzalez (age 19)
• Tim Lee Jackson Jr. (age 23)
• Xavier Okoronkwo (age 22)
• Christopher Esteen (age 27) – Currently incarcerated in Orleans Parish Prison for a Probation Violation

Troopers were assisted by New Orleans Police Department, Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, Kenner Police Department, Probation & Parole, ATF, US Marshals, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries and St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.