Known KC gang member, 18, charged with robbery, armed criminal action

An 18-year-old Kansas City man, identified by police as a member of a gang that this year became the focus of a Kansas City No Violence Alliance group enforcement, now faces robbery and armed criminal action charges.

Raymond L. Pierce was charged in Jackson County Circuit Court with two counts of first-degree robbery and two counts of armed criminal action.

According to court records, Pierce was among several suspects, identified by witnesses, who were armed with handguns and an AK-47 style rifle. They allegedly robbed at least two victims while they walked in south Kansas City near the Bay Water Park in June.

Pierce and other suspects in the robberies were identified by Kansas City police detectives as known affiliates of the Swag Nation gang, which was the focus of a KC NoVA group enforcement in 2016.

KC NoVA identifies and offers potential offenders help to move them away from future violence through prevention and other programs.

Prosecutors requested a $150,000 cash-only bond for Pierce.

This story was originally published December 1, 2016 at 9:20 PM with the headline "Known KC gang member, 18, charged with robbery, armed criminal action."