New charges for Md. prison gangsters

Members of the notorious Black Guerrilla Family prison gang have now been charged under a federal organized crime law.

Thirteen alleged members of the gang had already been charged with drug conspiracy. A new indictment unsealed Tuesday charges 15 people with racketeering conspiracy, which carries a potential life sentence.

Among those charged is a former correctional officer, Alicia Simmons, who's accused of smuggling drugs, cell phones and other contraband to BGF members in Maryland prisons.

The BGF is known for its prison activities, but prosecutors have said the gang tried to take over the Baltimore heroin trade in recent years.

Meanwhile, its leader, Todd Duncan, was working for a city-sponsored program aimed at steering youth away from violence.

In June, a former Maryland correctional officer who funneled drugs and cell phones to an inmate authorities said was a BGF member was sentenced to two years in prison.

-- Associated Press