Judge's Warning To Chattanooga: Gangs Growing, Getting Meaner

A Hamilton County judge issued a stern and alarming warning Wednesday to the city of Chattanooga as men suspected in a gang shooting appear in his courtroom. General Sessions Court Judge Bob Moon says the Scenic City's gang problems are getting worse, and there's no sign of improvement. In front of the suspects and their lawyers, he gave a very scary prediction: "Our city will have more gang members than law enforcement officers," Moon said. Judge Moon says no matter how much city officials deny increasing gang activity, the proof comes from his courtroom. "It appears this court is presiding over a homicide a week in the East Lake area," he said. It's a somber statistic he warned about two years ago.

"I indicated if something was not done, the blood in the streets and pockets of crime would continue, and they have in significant numbers." It was April 2005 during a similar trial when Judge Moon drew heat for the following idea: "It's past time for the African American community and its leaders and public officials to organize a stop the violence summit."

According to Moon Wednesday, "I was criticized for that suggestion, and the only thing I've seen since then are pep rallies and grandstanding all of which subside at sundown."

"I think Judge Moon is partially right," said community activist Sherman Matthews, "but you just can't have law enforcement."

Because police, Matthews says, cannot alone change the thought pattern of the people causing trouble.

"They're devaluing life," he said. "Therefore, we have to say they have no hope. They see no way out. They don't see a way to have a family, to have a decent job."

And he says that leads to more crime, something Judge Moon fears for Chattanooga.

"I'm concerned about this city," Moon said.