Hobos is a notorious street gang operating in Chicago, Illinois, known for its violent activities. In 2013, the gang was significantly weakened when many of its leaders and enforcers were indicted in a federal racketeering conspiracy (RICO). According to the FBI and Chicago Police Department, the Hobos managed numerous drug distribution centers on Chicago’s South Side, specifically in the area known as the Low End. Renowned for their brutality, the gang was infamous for executing harsh punishments, including murder, against those who interfered with their operations. The Hobos comprise members from the Gangster Disciples and the Black Disciples. Gregory Chester, also known by various nicknames such as “Bowlegs” and “Big Homie,” was identified as the leader of the Hobos.
Informant Murder
Keith Daniels was a 27-year-old heroin dealer who became an informant for the police. Seeking to change his life and escape his criminal background, Daniels collaborated with the FBI and the Chicago Police Department, earning $28,000 to support his family, which included a son. Unbeknownst to his family, who noticed his increasingly distant behavior, Daniels was secretly working as an informant, a role that eventually led to his tragic death. On April 14, 2013, Daniels was murdered, shot 16 times in front of his child and girlfriend. The day prior, police had intercepted phone recordings of a Hobos gang leader in jail, instructing an associate that Daniels was wearing a wire. Although no Hobos members were charged with Daniels’ murder in the RICO indictment, authorities plan to charge three members with his killing.
Indicted Hobos Gang Members
- Gregory Chester, 36, of Richton Park (Hobos Gang Leader)
- Arnold Council, aka “Armstrong” and “Hobo,” 37
- Paris Poe, aka “Poleroski,” 33
- Gabriel Bush, aka “Louie,” 34
- Stanley Vaughn, aka “Smiley,” 36
- William Ford, aka “Joe Buck,” 33
- Gary Chester, aka “Chee,” 35
- Byron Brown, aka “B-Rupt,” 28
- Rodney Jones, aka “Milk,” 26
Hobos Gang Murdered Victims
- Wilbert Moore, killed by Council and Poe on January 19, 2006, for cooperating with law enforcement.
- Terrance Anderson, murdered by Bush and others on September 1, 2007.
- Eddie Moss, murdered by Byron Brown and others on December 14, 2007.
- Larry Tucker, murdered by Bush, the Brown brothers, and others on January 20, 2008.
- Kenneth Mosby, murdered by Byron Brown and others on May 12, 2008.
Hobos Gang Drug Spots
- The building and area at 4429 South Federal, within the former Robert Taylor Homes, controlled by Gregory Chester.
- The area around 47th Street and Vincennes Avenue, controlled by Bush and Vaughn and operated by Ford.
- The area around 51st Street and Calumet Avenue, managed by the Brown brothers and Jones.
- The area around 51st Street and Martin Luther King Drive, controlled by Bush.
Hobos Gang Racketeering Conspiracy Charge Details
- Used gang-related terminology, symbols, and gestures, including the slogan “Hobo or Nothing” and a hand sign known as the “Hobo Horns.”
- Shared proceeds from robberies and narcotics trafficking.
- Obtained, used, brandished, and discharged firearms in connection with illegal activities.
- Managed firearms and dangerous weapons within the enterprise to protect their interests.
- Monitored law enforcement radio frequencies and acquired radio equipment to evade police inquiries.
- Used nominees to obtain rental vehicles to mask their involvement in illegal activities.
- Identified victims for robbery of controlled substances or large sums of money.
- Conducted surveillance of intended murder and robbery victims, known as “lamping” or “doing homework.”
- Restrained and murdered victims and witnesses to prevent escapes and identification.
Hobos Gang in Hip Hop
In 2014, G. Count of LEP Bogus Boys, a Chicago rapper and member of the Black P. Stones gang, referenced the Hobos in his “Chiraq (Remix)” song. He mentioned, “You ain't plugged on the Low End, you don't know Twins or the Hobos,” referring to The Game’s claim of knowing people from the Low End in Tyga’s “Chiraq To LA.” In the song, The Game, a Bloods gang member, stated, “I'm on the low end with my n*gga Par K.” Tyga’s song was a diss aimed at Chicago rapper Lil Durk, a Black Disciples gang member.