Larry Hoover testifies in court seeking early release from life sentences

CHICAGO — Founder of the Gangster Disciples, Larry Hoover, was in court Thursday, testifying via video feed from a supermax prison in Colorado hoping to qualify for an early release program that would set him free from multiple life sentences.

Wearing a tan, long-sleeved shirt, glasses and a gray beard, Hoover appeared over monitors at the Dirksen Federal Building in Chicago.

“I’m a completely different person than the man who went to prison in 1997,” Hoover said. “I’m very reflective here at ADX. You’re locked up at least 21 hours a day.

“I have no desire to run the GD’s or be involved in any criminal activity. I’m past that part of my life.”

Hoover and his defense team were hoping to convince the Illinois Court to grant him early release through a special program recently passed by the United States Congress known as the “First Step Act,” which opens the door to early release for certain rehabilitated prisoners.

But the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois staunchly opposed the early release of Hoover Thursday, arguing that he still asserts leadership when it comes to the Gangster Disciples, or the GD’s for short.

In the courtroom, federal prosecutor Julia Schwartz argued that Hoover’s allegedly done more damage to the City of Chicago than any defendant that’s come through Dirksen.

In Thursday’s government filing, The United States of America v. Larry Hoover, federal officials said, “Hoover has well earned his life sentence, and he is not the type of defendant. Congress intended to benefit in enacting the first step act. Indeed, if he were sentenced today, Hoover would receive the same. Mandatory life sentence.”

But after Thursday’s hearing, Hoover’s loved ones and supporters argued that he is a changed man, and can do much good if released.

“It was good to hear his voice. It sounds like to me, he was a bit nervous, but it’s his life that he’s dealing with,” said Larry Hoover Jr., Hoover’s son.

“He is not associated with the gang and has not been for many, many decades,” said Jennifer Bonjean, one of Hoover’s attorneys. “But he probably has some insights into how we can make life better for young people so they don’t turn to gangs.”

The two parties will be back in federal court next month, where federal judge John Robert Blakely wants to hear more arguments from both sides on precisely how many individuals lost their lives as a direct result of Hoover’s actions, before issuing a decision.

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