Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis issued a sharp warning to gang members and Atlanta-area rappers involved in criminal activity — “admit your crimes over a beat, I’m gonna use it.”
Willis made the statement during a news conference on Monday, Aug. 29, while discussing a RICO indictment against 26 suspected members of the “Drug Rich” gang, which she said is responsible for a string of home invasion robberies targeting athletes, social media influencers and celebrities.
“I will not negotiate with gang members,” Willis stated at the media briefing carried by 11 Alive news.
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Surrounded by local and federal law enforcement officials, Willis said “Drug Rich” members targeted people “who showed their wealth on social media.”
Among the victims were superstar singer Mariah Carey, Atlanta Falcons player Calvin Ridley, and The Real Housewives of Atlanta star Marlo Hampton.
Willis called criminal gangs a threat to public safety. She also had a message for Atlanta rappers involved in crime.
“I think if you decide to admit your crimes over a beat, I’m gonna use it,” Willis declared.
While clearly calling out rappers, Willis said she was not specifically targeting them.
“I’m not targeting anyone,” she told reporters “However, you do not get to commit crimes in my county and then decide to brag on it, which you do that for a form of intimidation and to further the gang, and not be held responsible.”
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She then began to recite rap lyrics.
“One of the lyrics used in this indictment is ‘me and my crew strikin’ out… send me the drop, we’ll kick in the house,'” she said. “They’re kicking in doors, committing home invasions, and now I’m using those lyrics that they’re admitting to doing that! I’m going to continue to do that.”
As for critics of her crackdown on crime, she said get over it.
“People can continue to be angry about it. I have some legal advice — don’t confess to crimes on rap lyrics if you do not want them used, or at least get out of my county,” she said. “We are going to find you, we are going to convict you and we’re going to send you to prison for the rest of your days, and I’m not apologizing for that.”
The federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act allows for extended criminal penalties.
Watch the news conference below.
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