Testimony begins in Vice Lords case

Testimony began Tuesday in the trial of one of 17 mid-state individuals indicted last September for alleged roles in a large-scale drug distribution conspiracy involving the Vice Lords gang.

Attorneys moved through the jury-selection process quickly and began testimony during the first day of trial for Monique “Money” Smith, 41, of Cookeville.

Smith appeared in Nashville’s Federal Court to face charges, including conspiracy to distribute crack, cocaine and marijuana, as well as possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.

Jermaine “Blue” Jackson, 25, of Lebanon, and Sterling “Little Real” Rivers, 25, of Lebanon, are still awaiting trial.

Smith, Jackson and Rivers each face a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison.