Modern Capone Found Guilty on Federal Charges

Gangster Disciples chief Larry Hoover, compared by prosecutors here to 1930s mobster Al Capone, was convicted Friday on federal conspiracy charges that could bring a mandatory life sentence. Such a sentence, authorities hope, will derail his direction of a narcotics empire and a political action committee.

Hoover, 46, showed no surprise at the verdicts. Six others, including Hoover’s vice chairman, Gregory Shell, also were convicted. No sentencing date has been set.

Prosecutors alleged that Hoover ran the sophisticated and ruthless GDs, Chicago’s largest street gang, from his cells in various state prisons--where he was serving a 150- to 200-year sentence for murder. Hoover’s orders were recorded through tiny transmitters that his prison visitors unknowingly wore on security badges they were issued.

The gang leader was captured on tape directing that all drug dealers in GD turf turn over one day’s profits each week to him and that a political action committee, 21st Century V.O.T.E., work to register voters.

The committee surprised Chicago’s power elite by backing two City Council candidates with GD ties who made strong showings in 1995 elections, although neither won. The organization also petitioned for Hoover’s release on parole.

“This gang was unique,” said prosecutor Ronald Safer. “It was on its way to legitimacy.”

In the federal penitentiary system, Hoover “will not have the access that he had in the state system,” said U.S. Atty. Jim Burns. “He can be moved all around the country. He will be out of touch.”