'It would shock people': Recently retired investigator offers insight into gangs in Raleigh area

B.C. Sanders spent decades learning the ins and outs of gangs – what they wear, how they operate, how they recruit, and how they offend.

"I would say probably in the last five to seven years, the majority of violent crime is linked [to gangs] somehow," he said.

He says for the past 20 years, he has viewed gangs as the "number one problem," noting that the Raleigh area is home to "at least 50 different gang sets."

In a recent news conference, WRAL Investigates' Sarah Krueger asked Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson how big a problem gangs are.

Sanders says what's most stunning about gangs working in and around Wake County is how connected they are nationally and even internationally.

"It would shock people," he said.

Sanders said gang violence and culture in recent years has shifted in notable ways. Gang shootings involve more rounds being fired. Whereas investigators used to find only a few shell casings at scenes, now they may find dozens. He also said there are more women joining gangs and more gang members under the age of 18. Often, he says, those young people are instructed by gang leaders to be the ones to commit serious offenses; because of their age, their punishments likely won't be as severe.

"They're on a fast track to the grave or the hospital," Sanders said.

Despite the prevalence of gangs, Sanders is optimistic.

"Just because gangs are in your city does not mean you have a violent city or a city that’s not worth living in," he said.

He notes putting a stop to gangs entirely will be difficult, as motivations for joining are myriad.

He thinks one key part of the solution is for law enforcement to make strategic arrests.

When those cases can go to federal prosecution, with a longer sentence, that can help.

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"If someone’s charged federally, and then they go away, for seven years, 10 years, 15 years, it has a ripple effect in the gang," he said. "Some gangs knew that federal charges may have a longer sentence."

"That is incredibly powerful statute that lets us get enhanced penalties for felons who are carrying guns," he said. "It also lets us have new tools to go after drug trafficking and straw purchasers of guns...It’s a really important new law that lets federal prosecutors do a better job partnering with locals. We at the U.S. Attorney’s office have answered the call and gotten in the trenches shoulder to shoulder with local law enforcement to bring what tools we have to the table."

Sanders says police and prosecutors cannot solve the problem alone.

He believes gang members should not be dehumanized. Rather, they should be seen as more than their affiliations.

He said there are former gang members he met on the job that he now considers friends.

"Citizens, if you see a kid that needs help and they’re in your neighborhood, you mentor them, you pull them aside, you do whatever," he said. "You show somebody love and respect and that there’s a different way."