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Safety concerns arise for officials involved in gang roundup

By Glenn Counts, wsoctv.com
By Glenn Counts, wsoctv.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A massive multi-county sweep of suspected Blood gang members Thursday is leading to concerns for the safety of officials involved in the bust.

The men who are allegedly responsible for numerous homicides, robberies and assorted other crimes are extremely dangerous.

"The more I thought about it, the madder I got," retired Judge Richard Boner said.

Boner spent 28 years on the bench and in 2014, he was the presiding judge in a case against a member of the United Blood Nation.

The courtroom was filled with other gang members during the trial.

Jurors were intimidated but convicted the suspect of first-degree murder.

Gang members waited outside for jurors to come out.

"It was somewhat comical because they said when deputies pulled their cruisers up on the sidewalk, it was like a bunch of cockroaches scattering," Boner said.

Boner learned a year later that gang kingpin Jamell Cureton threatened him and federal judge Frank Whitney.

He still doesn’t take any chances.

"I have a concealed-carry permit, and I wouldn't think about going anywhere now without having a firearm close by," Boner said.

He advises those working this current case not to take any chances.

"Take threats seriously,” he said. “If you get them, report them. Be more aware of your surroundings, but don't let it affect how you do your job."

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