Gwinnett Daily Post

ATLANTA -- A robbing crew responsible for drug trafficking, multiple shootouts and murder in Gwinnett County was found guilty in federal court Thursday and all three defendants now face a possible life sentence.

Jose Reyes, 39; Albert Espinal, 33; and Johann Brito, 32, all of Lawrenceville, were convicted on charges stemming from their involvement in at least two armed robberies of drug dealers in 2009. One person was killed during each of two incidents in Lawrenceville and Duluth.

In an April 2009 incident, Reyes, Espinal and Brito reportedly tied up and tortured a victim, cutting off a portion of his ear, pouring hot sauce in his eyes, dunking his head in the bath tub and pistol-whipping him in attempts to locate secret drugs.

All three face maximum sentences of life in prison and fines up to $10 million. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.