On  Monday, September 10, 2007, the Circuit Court of Halifax County for
the first time convicted a man of felony violations of Virginia's gang
statutes.  Zeleig M. Morton of Spring Avenue, South Boston entered
guilty pleas before Judge William L. Wellons to numerous counts of gang
participation.
According to the Halifax Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, the charges
resulted from an extensive investigation conducted by the South Boston
Police Department, in consultation with Commonwealth's Attorney Kim
Slayton White and Regional Drug Prosecutor Brendan U. Dunning and with
assistance by a Virginia State Police Special Agent.  "South Boston
Police Department's investigations who were participating in drug
activity over a number of years," commented Mr. Dunning.
The court heard a proffer of evidence by the Commonwealth that the gang
had a defined territory in South Boston and that they distributed drugs
in that area.  In addition, the court heard that the gang would enforce
its territory by acts of violence.
"This prosecution uses Virginia's tough gang laws to send a message to
gangs - we will not tolerate you in Halifax County," said Mrs. White. 
She further commended the investigators at the South Boston Police
Department for their organized, compelling and thorough case
preparation.
Morton, who also entered guilty pleas to conspiracy and drug
distribution was sentenced on the gang charges to 35 years in prison
with all but five years suspended.  He received an additional 70 years
in prison with all but another five suspended on the conspiracy and
drug charges.