Denver Gang Leader Sentenced 33 Years for Murder Conspiracy

Phillip Baca Sr., the leader of Denver’s Few But Plenty street gang, was sentenced to 33 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act. Baca orchestrated numerous drive-by shootings targeting rival gangs between 2019 and 2022, which endangered and injured many innocent bystanders. He directed younger gang members, including his sons and nephews, to carry out these violent acts, including one incident where over 20 rounds were fired into a rival's home. The charges against Baca and 10 other gang members followed a two-year investigation by the Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement Network, resulting in indictments on 114 felony counts involving 47 victims. This case is part of a broader crackdown on organized gang violence in Denver, with authorities emphasizing the terror these criminal organizations caused in west Denver neighborhoods. Prosecutors dropped the majority of Baca’s original charges as part of his plea deal.