Police and federal agents swept through several suburban homes this morning, arresting members of the "Almighty Gaylords" street gang following an 18-month undercover investigation into allegations of drug dealing, gun trafficking and violent intimidation.

Nine members of the gang were charged with federal gun crimes, including selling an AK-47 assault rifle, and six others were charged with state drug and gang crimes, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.

Since 2009, an informant inside the gang has supplied investigators, led by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with information about illegal gun deals, peddling drugs, and violence, according to authorities.

Charged in the case is the alleged leader of the Addison faction of the gang, James Grace, 40, as well as Edward Rand, 46, and Daniel Springhorn, who allegedly supplied the gang with guns they purchased in Wisconsin. Springhorn, 56, known as "Stonegreaser," lives in Sharon, Wis., and Rand lives in far north suburban Antioch. Other members arrested today live in Lombard, Villa Park, and Elmhurst.

The federal charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count. All nine defendants were scheduled to appear in court later today.