Suge Knight, Too $hort, Katt Williams Make a Cameo in Sen. Yee Corruption Trial
Posted By Max A. Cherney on Wed, Oct 22, 2014 at 8:37 AM

Perhaps the last trio you'd expect to see mentioned in the State Sen. Leland Yee corruption trial is comedian Katt Williams, rapper Too $hort, and hip-hop mogul Suge Knight.

Strangely enough, recent court documents reveal some interesting details and even more curious connections between some of the defendants in the Yee case and the three famous guys mentioned above.

For starters, Keith Jackson — the former school board member who who got tangled up in the corruption case when he allegedly helped Yee obtain campaign donations in excess of the legal limits — was heard on wire taps bragging to an undercover federal agent in the Yee case about how much of a badass Barry Blackwell House aka "Barry Black" was (House is also a minor defendant in the Yee case). Mid-boasting, he explained how House stole comedian Katt Williams' Bentley on behalf of Too $hort, because Williams' refused to pay the rapper for a 2012 performance, according to the federal court filing.

In other words, if they were looking for a hardened criminal to do the dirty work in the Yee case — House was the guy.

Like Jackson, House also did his fair share of boasting about his violent resume. “House said he could send two 'goons' to do whatever UCE 4599 [the under cover agent] wanted," the wiretap summary reads. "One of the 'goons' was from New York and would do anything. UCE 4599 asked if the 'goons' could damage a vehicle to send a message to someone. House responded 'that’s a done deal, that’s too easy. I call that the sleeper.' House told UCE 4599 he didn’t even have to meet the goons to minimize his culpability in the event."

Knight was also involved, but it's not exactly clear how. “Black backed down rapper Suge Knight and summoned the help of his organization to steal Williams’ Bentley,” federal prosecutor William Frentzen wrote. It sounds like House — who sometimes goes by the name Barry Black — managed to convince Knight, who often hangs out with Too $hort, to stay out of it. Then House got his motorcycle club, the Made Men, to help steal the Bentley.

SF Weekly asked the US Attorney’s office to clarify the quote, but a spokeswoman declined to comment. Knight, Too $hort, and Williams have not returned requests for comment, but all three men have had brushes with the law in the past.

The conversation between Jackson and House about the car theft allegedly occurred on November 28, 2012, just over a week after Too $hort opened up Williams’ comedy performance at Oracle Arena. It was the same memorable performance where the comedian went batshit crazy on stage. At the time Mercury News reported, “A profanity-laced video posted to YouTube shows Williams challenging a heckler to come onstage and fight him and telling the person to come backstage after the show. A burly security guard hauls Williams away from the stage's edge and to the backstage area.” Williams also rambled incoherently about Oakland and God, and at one point took off his shirt.


Kat Williams mug shot after he arrest in LA State Sen. Yee and 28 others, including Raymond "Shrimp Boy" Chow, House, and Jackson, have been charged in the far-reaching federal investigation into political corruption and alleged criminal activity by a crime syndicate associated with the Ghee Kung Tong. They were busted in a FBI raid earlier this year that later revealed Yee and the others were connected to a string of crimes involving drugs, guns, and violence.

House became wrapped up in the investigation when Jackson introduced him to the undercover federal agent known as UCE 4599.

All the defendants are scheduled to appear at a status conference on November 12, during which Judge Charles Breyer will decide how the trial will proceed.

Date of Conversation 11/19/2012
Summary of Conversation
UCE 4599 asked Jackson if Sullivan and Brandon Jackson ever got “girlfriends,” meaning guns. Jackson said that they did. UCE 4599 explained that his marijuana operation “up north” had problems with white supremacists. Jackson suggested another individual to provide weapons. Then Jackson asked if UCE 4599 needed the services of House, a.k.a “Black” to deal with it. UCE 4599 told Jackson he would try to rectify the problem himself but wanted to reserve the option to use House.
Pertinent Time

01:12:00-01:15:12

11/28/2012
UCE 4599 talked to Jackson about his problems “up north.” Jackson suggested that UCE 4599 should use House to take his motorcycle gang and go deal with the problem. Jackson stated that House was a member of “BGF – Black Guerilla Family”1. Jackson recounted that House recently took possession of comedian Katt William’s Bentley because Williams refused to pay rapper Too Short for a recent performance. Black backed down rapper Suge Knight and summoned the help of his organization to steal Williams’ Bentley. Jackson described that Black would take his biker dudes and go take care of business for UCE 4599. House was shot during a robbery attempt at his barbershop in Oakland. According to Jackson the individual who shot House was gone.
01:42:30-01:47:40
01/02/2013

UCE 4599 told House they could maybe do some business. They discussed House having connections with smoke shops in San
01:33:45-01:52:00
;1 Black Guerilla Family is a known prison and street gang started in the 1960s, and originating from San Quentin State Prison.

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Francisco to sell stolen cigarettes. House asked UCE 4599 if he had resolved his problem “up there.” UCE 4599 told House that he was still having problems with a white supremacist. House offered to take care of it and said it was “too easy.” House said he was the President of the Made Men. UCE 4599 asked about House’s relationship with the Hells Angels and House said it was a good relationship, the Hells Angels were House’s “boys.”

UCE 4599 asked Jackson what House could do for them. Jackson said House doesn’t follow through all the time, but was a good guy and loyal. Jackson said he didn’t have time to help House deal with the cigarette deal. Jackson said House could provide “muscle,” that was what he was good at. Jackson warned the UCE about doing any type of illegal activity with House because House deals with a lot of different people. UCE 4599 described that they tried to set up a deal, but House just wanted money without doing anything. The UCE asked Jackson if House had the capabilities to do real rough stuff. Jackson confirmed that House had the capabilities to do harm to others if contracted to do so.
46:00-52:00

Jackson told UCE 4599 that he recently saw House. Jackson pointed to his bicep and told UCE 4599 if he needed anything from House, he should let him know. UCE 4599 said he needed an associate killed who owed him a lot of money. UCE 4599 asked if House would do that. Jackson asked the location and race of the intended victim. Jackson said he would talk to House in person. Jackson said that if House would not do it, then Jackson would ask Rinn Roeun. UCE 4599 said he would rather deal with House than Roeun. UCE 4599 said he would pay $25,000 for the murder. Jackson said he would talk to House the next day. Jackson said Roeun would do it for cheaper.
01:19:30-01:25:25

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UCE 4599 asked House how they could make some money. House said he wanted marijuana to sell. House said he was tired of dealing with low-level criminals. UCE 4599 asked if House had the ability to sell weapons (“big girls”). House asked “big girls” or “little girls” or “ammo.” UCE 4599 asked if House could get up to 30 guns. House said he could get two every other week but if he asked for too many his source would think there he was up to some big trouble. House gave UCE 4599 his telephone number to call him about the guns. House told UCE 4599 he would be able to produce the weapons the following week. House said the source of supply for the weapons was Asian and his associates got arrested last year with 50 guns. UCE 4599 talked about paying House. House said they could do favors for each other. House said he could send two “goons” to do whatever UCE 4599 wanted. One of the “goons” was from New York and would do anything. UCE 4599 asked if the “goons” could damage a vehicle to send a message to someone. House responded “that’s a done deal, that’s too easy. I call that the sleeper.” House told UCE 4599 he didn’t even have to meet the goons to minimize his culpability in the event.

;UCE 4599 and Jackson met with House. House greeted UCE 4599. House told UCE 4599 he didn’t have a working phone number for UCE 4599. UCE 4599 called House’s cellular phone so that House could add UCE 4599 to his contacts. House confirmed he had UCE 4599 listed as “Jersey Boy.” UCE 4599 asked if House was going to supply the firearms that evening. House said “yeah, I’m going to bring them up.” House and Jackson agreed to meet that evening at a location only identified as “Julious” at 7:00 p.m. UCE 4599 asked House if the guns were two “big girls” (assault rifles). House advised he had “one


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nice, one little one. You are going to like both of them.” UCE 4599 understood House was talking about one assault rifle and one handgun. House advised his associate from a motorcycle club had two additional firearms from House. UCE 4599 told House he would take care of him. House left.2

03/21/2014
UCE 4599 met with Jackson. Jackson stated that Pamela Gilmore drove House and Jackson to Vallejo, CA, to pick up the assault rifle. Jackson showed the assault rifle to Brandon Jackson. UCE 4599 removed a bag containing the assault rifle from the trunk area of Jackson’s vehicle. Jackson told UCE 4599 that House wanted more money for the assault rifle. Jackson acknowledged UCE 4599 already gave House $1400 for the purchase of two guns. Jackson gave House an extra $500 of his own money to complete the transaction. UCE 4599 and Jackson then discussed donations to Senator Yee.

amazing twist in this case. thanks for posting.

This is the closest thing to sons of anarchy i think we are ever gonna see.
But Jesus! suge gets around.

definitely! there's Youtube footage of Suge and Williams together getting into a scuffle with a group of people in a parking lot in LA, and Williams was with Suge a few weeks ago when he was shot 6 times in Hollywood. they both stay in trouble. I hope the US Attorney let's out more info on his quote and clarifies Suge's connection. the night Williams performed in Oakland he offended a lot of people. Richie Rich and Too Short came on stage and kicked Williams off. Oakland has black MC clubs going back to the 50's, and contrary to popular belief some of the black clubs have very tight reltionships with the Hells Angels. this particular club has been in the news for some incidents in the recent past, the newspapers describes them as a MC made up of members who are out of prison.

Raymond ‘Shrimp Boy’ Chow co-defendants unexpectedly plead guilty
By Bob Egelko Updated 6:27 pm, Wednesday, September 9, 2015

55


What began last year as a sprawling investigation into political corruption, gun-running and murder plots in San Francisco narrowed its focus Wednesday to a single defendant: Raymond “Shrimp Boy” Chow, the onetime Chinatown gang leader, later an ex-con lauded for his redeeming community work, and finally the leader of a community organization he allegedly converted to a criminal enterprise.
Six of Chow’s co-defendants pleaded guilty in federal court to money laundering and trafficking in stolen goods, catching prosecutors by surprise and raising question marks about the next scheduled phase of the case, a Nov. 2 trial of all six, plus Chow and another defendant, on charges of racketeering.

Those charges became the centerpiece of the case after the other headline defendant, former state Sen. Leland Yee, pleaded guilty in July to a separate racketeering count and admitted taking bribes from undercover agents.
While Chow’s seven co-defendants are still charged with racketeering, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer said he would consider a request to postpone the co-defendants’ trial on Tuesday and questioned the need for the charges, in view of the sentences of five to 20 years that their guilty pleas carry.
“Does it make any sense to place (them) on trial on other charges?” Breyer asked Assistant U.S. Attorney William Franzen. Franzen indicated that prosecutors would probably drop the remaining charges against at least some of the defendants after consulting with the Justice Department.

That would leave the spotlight on Chow, who faces a much longer sentence if convicted and is being held without bail. Curtis Briggs, one of his lawyers, cast Wednesday’s guilty pleas as a victory.
“The government’s racketeering theory just lost all credibility,” Briggs told reporters, noting that most of the defendants, in their admissions of guilt, had not mentioned any actions by Chow, the alleged leader of the criminal enterprise.
But one defendant, George Nieh, 42, said in his guilty plea that he had conspired with Chow in sales of stolen liquor and stolen cigarettes to undercover agents. That admission seems to contradict Chow’s claim that he steadfastly resisted agents’ pressure to approve criminal activity. Nieh also pleaded guilty to illegal sales of guns and marijuana and to 130 counts of money laundering.

Another defense lawyer, Dennis Riordan, told Breyer that the charges admitted by his client, Leslie Yun — money laundering and trafficking with undercover agents in marijuana and stolen cigarettes — did not implicate Chow or any other defendant.
“She has not agreed that she conspired with Mr. Chow,” Riordan said. Franzen later observed to the judge that some defendants were “selective” in implicating others in their guilty pleas, which had not been negotiated with the prosecutors.
Defense lawyers didn’t say what prompted their clients to plead guilty. As recently as Tuesday, Riordan filed papers with Breyer seeking the identity of the prosecution’s chief undercover agent in the case, and accusing the agent of dishonest and biased statements that undercut his credibility.
It was “like waking up on Christmas morning with a true surprise,“ Franzen told Breyer, referring to the unexpected pleas.
In addition to Nieh and Yun, 47, others entering guilty pleas were Yun’s husband, James Pau, 66; Kevin Siu, 32; Alan Chiu, 52; and Andy Li, 46.
Four other defendants in the case pleaded guilty in July, including Yee.
Sixteen more defendants charged in the undercover investigation are awaiting trial.

weird how shrimp boy rats on his triad boss and then comes back to sf and greeted with open arms and gets right back to business running his tong..
friend of mine lived in sf for a few years.. a few blocks away from Chinatown. when I would go stay up there we would always drink beers in Chinatown park.. anyways once night falls in that neighborhood its absolutely insane how much gambling is going on.. in literally every close down store front/restaurant/tong/basement.. whatever.. you can hear and even see them gambling. I could only imagine how much $ is being made considering Chinese (Asians in general) are thee worst degenerate gamblers in the world. and its not just Chinese its Asians in general.. and before I get accused of some racist bullshit or stereotyping.(ive had several long term girlfriends who were asian). im only saying it because its 100 percent the honest truth. ive seen it for years with my own eyes.
talk about a tight knit community also.. never seen anything like it.. I haven't heard a word of English spoken by any Chinese person in Chinatown in my life..

I agree dsbaloo. Every time i hit AC I see bus loads of Asians coming in and gambling. I was in Montreal for New Years when I was I think 19 or 20, went to a casino there and it had to be 90% Asian. All gambling, drinking, and smoking. They are a risky set of people, I suppose.

ahhaa yep.. can garuntee theyre chain smoking cigarettes and blowing their whole bank roll on pai gow and bacarrat..
ill never understand bacarrat and the whole keeping track of shit on the piece of paper..

Dsbaloo, you should hit up Chinatown and Japantown during the New Years in San Francisco. It is true Asians bet a lot.

I remember the first time I heard about him was in one of those terrible gangland documentaries. I laughed loud and hard, I thought there's no way this self aggrandizing little shit was ever anyone (he was claiming to have reformed IIRC). Then a few months later I read on the boards here that an indictment had named the Shimpster in connection to some arms trafficking ring. A little later this racketeering charge with the Senator cropped up too. Must've been at least some truth to what he said in Gangland.

Since then, Shrimp Boy's name seems to pop up about 3 times a year in the news. Kind of seems like he's up shit creek without a paddle now, though, I bet this charge puts him away for a good long time.