"The federal government contends he's the shot caller of a notorious West Oakland gang, while his friends and lawyer say he's just a guy from the area whose tattoos have been misconstrued as something more. Either way, 34-year-old Aramiya Burrell is off to federal prison for his role aiding what prosecutors have described as a prolific, high-rolling Bay Area robbery crew that raked in close to $1 million."
"After pulling off several robberies targeting jewelry stores, coin collectors, and pot dispensaries, the group celebrated in style at Burrell's 32nd birthday party, flashing stolen jewelry in a video that prosecutors later used to argue for multi-year prison terms, court records show. Burrell was sentenced to six years and 10 months at a Nov. 17 court hearing before U.S. District Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin, records show."
"Prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memo that Burrell was identified as a Ghost Town gang leader by the FBI in a 2018 investigation and that he self-identified as one when he was being booked in the jail. They said he was involved in every aspect of the robbery spree, from planning and actual participation to working to sell stolen jewelry afterwards. The group used guns, threats, and violence to to terrorize small businesses, prosecutors added."
Federal authorities contend Aramiya Burrell was the shot caller of a West Oakland gang and aided a robbery crew that took nearly $1 million. The crew targeted jewelry stores, coin collectors and pot dispensaries and celebrated by flashing stolen jewelry in a video at Burrell's 32nd birthday. Burrell was sentenced to six years and ten months on Nov. 17. Defense filings said he acted as a lookout and disputed gang membership. A local pastor praised Burrell's anti-violence work. Prosecutors said the FBI identified him as a Ghost Town leader in 2018 and alleged involvement in planning, committing and selling stolen property with threats and violence.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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