Published by
Chicago Tribune
Chicago Tribune
CHICAGO — A former general in Chicago’s infamous El Rukn street gang who was at the center of a stunning plot with Libya to commit terrorist acts in exchange for cash has been ordered released from federal prison due to a terminal illness. Melvin Mayes, 64, had been serving three life sentences at a medical prison facility in North Carolina stemming from his conviction in a massive racketeering conspiracy case that included large-scale drug trafficking, contract murders and other violence. Mayes was also deeply involved in the alleged $2.5 million terror deal with Libya, negotiating the purcha…