Broward Sheriff’s Office cracks down on violent gang, eight arrested

The Broward Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday announced the arrests of eight suspected members of what authorities describe as a “violent, criminal gang” linked to a spree of murders, attempted murders, and other serious offenses across Broward County.

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The suspects, allegedly connected to the gang known as the Dania Hot Boyz or Grand Mafia, now face a 33-count indictment covering charges that include murder, attempted murder, and racketeering. These arrests mark a significant breakthrough in a collaborative law enforcement investigation that solved eight homicides and more than a dozen attempted homicides.

Sheriff Gregory Tony expressed his gratitude for the teamwork that brought these alleged criminals to justice. “I applaud the work of the dedicated detectives, the valuable assistance from the State Attorney’s Office, and the collaboration with our law enforcement partners to rid Broward County of these heartless, violent criminals whose evil and cruel acts took innocent lives and placed communities in fear,” he said. “Evildoers should be warned — we will not let up in our relentless effort to keep Broward County safe.”

The investigation reportedly began after detectives found Sigmund Brown’s fingerprint on a car tied to the January 20, 2024, murder of Terrance Farrington Jr., a 17-year-old student-athlete, at a Best Buy in Plantation. Authorities say Brown, 27, is well-known to both the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) Gang Investigations Task Force and the Broward State Attorney’s Office as a gang leader. The case soon expanded as detectives uncovered connections between the suspects and other violent crimes, solving eight murders and implicating Brown, along with seven other alleged gang members.

In addition to Brown, those charged include Kevaris Johnson, 23; Gerard Charles, 30; Vondarious Davis, 29; Rajah Rolle, 16; Tyriq Jackson, 24; Jared McCabe, 25; and Trayvon Key, 27. The men were apprehended over the past several months, with the final arrests completed in early November.

The cases linked to the suspects span multiple years. In September 2021, authorities connected the gang to the killing of local rapper Wisdom Williams, known as Wiz Da Wizard, whose body was found in Hallandale Beach. More recent cases include the April 2023 murder of Antjuan Dobard at a laundromat in Pembroke Park, the May 2023 shooting deaths of Vernaldo Donner and Terri McKenzie on I-95 in Fort Lauderdale, and the September 2023 driveway murder of Dorothy Smart in Fort Lauderdale. In one harrowing case, 17-year-old Johnnie Henderson was killed while sitting in a vehicle with his girlfriend, who survived but was hospitalized after the attack.

“This joint investigation has made our community a safer place,” said Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor. “Eight homicides and more than a dozen attempted murders – including the slayings of innocent civilians – are solved, and illegal firearms have been seized from convicted criminals. We will continue to seek justice for victims, fight gang violence, and make our community safer.”

The arrests also led to the seizure of guns, ammunition, and stolen items such as credit and gift cards. The arrested individuals, who have since appeared in court, face potential life sentences or even the death penalty, except for the 16-year-old.