Former Gang Member Speaks Out

[The Streets Don't Love You Back]

Former Gang Member Speaks Out

Over the past three months teenagers have been the center of violence and now community members have teamed up with various anti-gang organizations to host several gang prevention programs. Our Fraendy Clervaud talked to a former gang member about gang activity and how he changed his life.

Augusta, GA—-Leo Otero Junior., Former Gang Member: “Speaking to the youth no greater joy.“

For 25 years Leo Otero Junior was part of a notorious gang which now has ties to many states. Otero tells us it all started when he was twelve.

Leo Otero: “I got enticed. I saw the older guys with the big cars. They had all the money and didn’t have jobs.“

Leo says his father was not around due to his working schedule and that led him to the streets.

Leo Otero: “I remember one of the guys took me under his wing and I followed him around everywhere.“

He now spends time speaking to students across the two-state urging them not to become gang members.

Leo Otero “Once your in, you will be required to do some type of criminal activity its mandatory.”

This is a picture of Leo being arrested after he escaped from prison. He says he’s been in prison five times for crimes he wished he never committed like armed robbery. He was surrounded by drugs, murder, money and guns. Leo says he was spiraling of control.

Leo Otero: “When I was waiting to go to trial, I got in more trouble in the county jail then I did when I was outside. I caught more cases in jail.“

Augusta has seen its share of gang activity…two years ago there was Operation Augusta Ink where Investigators found drugs, money and plenty of guns. This year two teenagers were killed in their neighborhood and another brutally attacked. Investigators say they all stem from gang activity.

Leo Otero: “You don’t have to get it wrong to get it right. You can get it right the first time.”

Leo says he finally changed his life after a high speed police chase.

Leo Otero: “I told mom I’m in jail again and I’m facing a life sentence this time and mom said when are you going to change. You need to ask Jesus into your life.”