Nation IN BRIEF : ILLINOIS : Gang-Linked Trial Opens in Chicago
Opening arguments in the trial of the El Rukn gang got under way in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Fourteen alleged members of the gang are being tried on narcotics conspiracy and racketeering charges after being accused of protecting a Chicago drug operation by intimidating and killing rival dealers, disloyal gang members and innocent bystanders. The trial is the first of six involving 35 alleged El Rukn members. It is being conducted under an unusually heavy security presence with U.S. marshals stationed throughout the courtroom and outside.
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