William Addison DardenA young man whose gang has been held up as an example of what happens to the most violent gangs in Chattanooga under the city’s Violence Reduction Initiative pleaded guilty Tuesday to a federal charge of unlawful gun possession.
William Darden, who according to police is a validated Gangster Disciple and a convicted felon, could face anywhere from 10 years to life in prison, depending on his violent felony record.
Chattanooga police confirmed late last year that seven felons targeted under the VRI now face federal prosecution, but have refused to name them so the statement could be verified. On Tuesday, police said they couldn’t readily provide the latest number of VRI-prosecuted felons in the federal system or confirm whether Darden, also known as “BG,” is one of those seven felons.
Chattanooga’s initiative is modeled on a policing strategy that promises swift prosecution for gang members who choose to continue violent behavior and guarantees help for those willing to change.
Darden was indicted Sept. 23 on the federal gun count. Police at that time were targeting the Gangster Disciples for being the most violent gang in the city.
The charge is based on an April burglary when two men broke into Darden’s home. The 24-year-old chased the burglars, firing a gun at them as they fled, federal court documents show. When police searched Darden’s house, he admitted the gun was his, but he said he drove a taxi and needed it for protection.
Yet two weeks before a Hamilton County grand jury indicted Darden, police say, he attempted to kill another man.
Police arrested Darden in the shooting of Keeven Addison, who was hit three times in the legs and buttocks, records show. Addison told police that Darden approached him after he had finished mowing his lawn and started shooting.
Addison also told police that Darden was trying to kill him and had shot at him a week earlier. Police charged Darden with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault and two gun charges.
His next court date on those charges is set for Feb. 3.
If Darden is found guilty and given a state sentence, prosecutors said, it is left up to the state’s Department of Correction and the federal Bureau of Prisons to decide whether he serves his sentence in federal or state prison first.
Darden previously was convicted in Hamilton County on felony charges of robbery and attempted robbery.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Poole said if the court finds that Darden has been convicted of three violent felonies or serious drug charges, he will face the stiffer federal prison sentence – a minimum of 15 years to life in prison.
Darden is the second known Gangster Disciple targeted under the Violence Reduction Initiative to plead guilty in federal court to possession of a gun.
Ronald Harris, a validated Gangster Disciple, pleaded guilty in November to a single charge of unlawful possession of a gun. Authorities said he likely will face three years of prison time, and his sentencing hearing is set for Feb. 19.
Contact staff writer Joy Lukachick Smith at jsmith@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6659.
News report from the Keeven Addison shooting: