20 Alleged Members of Houston's 'Free Money' Gang Charged in Sweeping Federal Indictment

Racketeering, murder, robbery, and drug trafficking charges filed against violent street gang

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Federal prosecutors have charged 20 alleged members of the Houston-based 'Free Money' gang in a sweeping case involving racketeering, murder, robbery, and drug trafficking. The indictment alleges the gang engaged in a campaign of violence, including drive-by shootings, to control territory and retaliate against rivals.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of combating violent street gangs in major cities like Houston, which have been linked to a disproportionate amount of violent crime. The charges against the 'Free Money' gang members aim to disrupt their criminal operations and send a strong message about the consequences of such gang-related violence.

The details

According to the 18-count indictment, the 'Free Money' gang is accused of numerous crimes, including racketeering (RICO) conspiracy, murder and attempted murder, Hobbs Act robbery, and drug trafficking. Prosecutors allege the gang used intimidation, violence, and public shootings to control territory and retaliate against rivals. Several specific incidents are detailed, including a fatal drive-by shooting in a shopping center parking lot and an attempted home invasion robbery of a rival gang member's drug stash house.

  • On June 24, 2022, defendants Terry Ardoin and Travonte Ardoin allegedly carried out a fatal drive-by shooting in a shopping center parking lot.
  • On August 3, 2022, defendant Shakeil Anderson and others allegedly shot repeatedly into the home of the grandmother of a perceived rival gang member.
  • On June 3, 2024, defendant Walter Tolbert and others allegedly robbed a pawn shop at gunpoint, stealing jewelry, electronics, and cash.
  • On August 14, 2022, multiple 'Free Money' members and associates allegedly planned to rob a rival gang member's drug stash house, but were stopped by law enforcement during the attempted home invasion.

The players

Free Money

A violent, Houston-based street gang that used intimidation and violence to control territory and retaliate against rival gangs.

Terry Ardoin

A 24-year-old alleged member of the 'Free Money' gang, accused of participating in a fatal drive-by shooting.

Travonte Ardoin

A 28-year-old alleged member of the 'Free Money' gang, accused of participating in a fatal drive-by shooting.

Shakeil Anderson

A 23-year-old alleged member of the 'Free Money' gang, accused of shooting repeatedly into the home of a rival gang member's grandmother.

Walter Tolbert

A 21-year-old alleged member of the 'Free Money' gang, accused of robbing a pawn shop at gunpoint.

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What they’re saying

“This twenty-defendant indictment alleges that the Free Money gang terrorized the streets of Houston with drive-by and calculated shootings, often in public places like grocery store parking lots, putting countless lives in danger.”

— A. Tysen Duva, Assistant Attorney General, Justice Department's Criminal Division

“The indictment unsealed yesterday alleges that the Free Money gang engaged in a campaign of robbery, drug trafficking, and armed violence to intimidate their rivals and terrorize the people of Houston. That ends now.”

— Nicholas Ganjei, U.S. Attorney, Southern District of Texas

“The sheer number of murders and shootings these individuals are suspected of freely carrying out for years, and the level of indiscriminate violence they're accused of executing is alarming.”

— Jason Hudson, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FBI Houston Field Office

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow any of the defendants out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of combating violent street gangs in major cities, which have been linked to a disproportionate amount of violent crime. The charges against the 'Free Money' gang members aim to disrupt their criminal operations and send a strong message about the consequences of such gang-related violence.