Two gang members convicted of drug trafficking in Columbus

Two members of a gang that federal prosecutors said operated as a violent organization in Columbus, trafficking drugs and intimidating witnesses, have been found guilty on several counts.

Klegewerges Abate, 35, and Abubakarr Savage, 34, were sentenced Monday in U.S. District Court in Columbus on drug trafficking and weapons charges. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date to be determined.

Abate, who was known by the street names “Bells,” “Robell” and “Sosa,” and Savage, who was known as “Sav” and “Savdripp,” were members of the Third World Mob gang, federal prosecutors said.

According to court records, Savage, Abate and at least four others have been charged in connection with the gang's activities, which include trafficking marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine in Columbus beginning in 2015 and importing the drugs from other states.