Auburn Man, Four Suspected Accomplices Face Extortion Charges

By Joy Woodson

An Auburn man is among those facing federal charges for gang-related activity that includes drug trafficking, extortion and firearms offenses. 

The U.S. Attorneys Office announced the charges Sept. 20 for Athith A. Vorasith, also known as, Andy Vorasith, 24, of Auburn, Ga.
 
In addition, four others were arrested:

• Eugene Thomas Chung, also known as, Yoo Jin Chung, 39, of Duluth, Ga.
• Ye El Choi, also known as David Choi, 30, of Norcross, Ga.
• Jong Sung Kim, also known as, John Kim, 48, of Suwanee, Ga.
• Thomas Jungwon Lee, also known as, Tommy Lee, 32, of Duluth, Ga. 

"These defendants, whose calling cards were violence and intimidation, allegedly terrorized local businesses by shaking them down for cash in return for 'protection,'" said United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates. 

"The community does not need this kind of protective service, or any of the other illegal services the defendants allegedly offered," she added. 

On Sept. 17, a federal grand jury in Atlanta returned a 13-count indictment against the aforementioned suspects. On Sept. 19, searches and arrests were conducted. 

If convicted, Chung and Vorasith face a maximum sentence of up to life imprisonment; Kim, Choi, and Lee face up to 20 years of imprisonment. 

They also may be subject to fines of more than $1 million. 

Read more on Norcross Patch.