U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles Jr. sentenced Steve Willock of Baltimore to 25 years in prison Friday after he pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy charges related to his role as a leader of the Tree Top Piru gang, authorities announced.
Prosecutors said Willock, 29, acted as a leader of the gang, which is associated with the Bloods, and directed the gang's drug distribution business even when he was in prison. In a series of recorded telephone calls, he and other conspirators discussed ways to obtain drugs and have them brought to the prison where Willock was housed. Willock maintained contact with Tree Top Piru leaders in California and oversaw management of the local gang members from prison.
Authorities said the gang has been responsible for killings, drug and weapons trafficking, and robberies.
