Larry Hoover seeks resentencing in Chicago court after 20 years

Larry Hoover, the founder of the Gangster Disciples, is set to appear in court for the first time in over two decades as he seeks to have his life sentence from 1998 reconsidered. His legal team is invoking the First Step Act, which has made certain drug sentencing reforms retroactive, to argue that his sentence should be modified. This act reflects a broader movement towards criminal justice reform, particularly concerning non-violent drug offenses. Hoover's case is complicated by the fact that he has continued to be viewed as a leader of the Gangster Disciples even while incarcerated. Federal prosecutors have expressed concerns that if Hoover is released, he may quickly resume his role at the helm of the gang, which has a long history of violence and criminal activity. They argue that his influence remains strong, and he is still regarded as a significant figure within the organization. Despite these concerns, there are individuals who view Hoover in a more positive light, citing his efforts to encourage community engagement and political participation. He has previously advocated for reducing violence and has even established a political action committee aimed at promoting voter participation. This duality in perception complicates the narrative surrounding his potential release. As the court prepares to hear arguments, Hoover's team has until October 7 to respond to inquiries regarding his alleged involvement in multiple murders. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for both Hoover and the ongoing discussions about criminal justice reform in the United States.