Seven men accused of burglarizing high-end south Lake Charles homes in December and January were indicted Thursday in 14th Judicial District Court.

The seven, said by authorities to be part of a Houston gang, were all indicted on charges of participating in a criminal street gang, racketeering, conspiracy to commit simple burglary, and conspiracy to commit theft over $1,500, as well as other charges.

Derrick Deshaun Brooks, 23, is the ringleader, prosecutor David Palay told the court. Judge Kent Savoie set Brooks’ bond at just over $200,000. Brooks faces 19 counts.

Also indicted: Terrance Alexander Brooks, 24; Michael Lorentz Rogers, 19; Kendrick Douglas Warren, 26; Corey Ramon Landor, 24; Shaquelle Richards, 19; and Joe Roy Cockerham III, 19.

The men belong to the 103 gang, a subset of the Bloods, Palay said.

When they were arrested, authorities said 25 homes in south Lake Charles had been burglarized.

Lake Charles Police Chief Don Dixon said the men would ring doorbells and if the doors went unanswered, they would go to the rear of the homes and break windows to enter.

He said they stole mostly cash and jewelry, as well as a few guns.

(mgnonline.com)