🏙 Early Life in Detroit
Demetrius Edward Flenory was born on June 21, 1968, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the eldest of two sons born to Lucille and Charles Flenory. Growing up in Detroit’s southwest side, he attended Southwestern High School from 1982 to 1986, where he left formal education at age 17 to pursue street-level entrepreneurship.
| Year | Age | Location | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | 0 | Detroit, MI | Birth of Demetrius Edward Flenory |
| 1975 | 7 | Detroit, MI | Family moves to a single‑parent household |
| 1982 | 14 | Detroit, MI | Begins minor drug sales (“corner hustle”) |
| 1986 | 17 | Detroit, MI | Leaves high school; forms “50 Boyz” group |
| 1988 | 20 | Detroit, MI | Opens first distribution hub in Atlanta |
Demetrius and his younger brother Terry peddled $50 cocaine on Detroit street corners from 1982 to 1986, garnering neighbourhood trust and respect.
Establishment of Black Mafia Family (BMF)
At age 17, Demetrius co-founded the Black Mafia Family (BMF) with his brother Terry Lee Flenory in 1985. Their plan involved distributing cocaine countrywide and promoting music through BMF Entertainment.
| Aspect | Demetrius’s Role | Terry’s Role |
|---|---|---|
| Distribution Hub | CEO of Atlanta operations | West Coast coordinator (Los Angeles) |
| Cash Flow Management | Oversaw $270 million movement | Handled cartel procurement |
| Entertainment Front | Managed A&R and promotion | Liaised with recording artists |
By 1995, BMF had expanded into 12 states, employing over 500 couriers, drivers, and street‑level distributors. Annual revenues peaked at approximately $40 million in the late 1990s.
💼 BMF Entertainment: Music as a Front
To launder funds and achieve cultural validity, Demetrius founded BMF Entertainment in 1998. Throughout 1998-2003, this subsidiary signed and promoted hip-hop talents, organising 120+ concerts nationally.
| Year Range | Number of Events | Estimated Revenue from Music Operations |
|---|---|---|
| 1998–2000 | 40 | $2 million |
| 2001–2003 | 80 | $5 million |
Major promotional tactics included luxury nightclub takeovers, high‑budget music videos filmed in Miami and Atlanta, and billboard campaigns in key U.S. urban markets.
📈 Peak Operations & Financial Scale
Between 1999 and 2003, BMF’s illicit enterprise peaked:
- Members: Over 500 full‑time operatives.
- Revenue: Total gross of $270 million from drug distribution.
- Geographic Reach: Operations in 12 states, including Michigan, Georgia, California, Florida, New York, Texas, Illinois, Ohio, Louisiana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
- Cash Flow: Monthly revenue averaging $5 million during peak years.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Active States | 12 |
| Full‑time Members | 500+ |
| Peak Annual Revenue | $40 million |
| Total Gross Earnings | $270 million |
Demetrius’s leadership style was characterized by flamboyant displays—luxury vehicles, private jet charters, and custom designer apparel—used both to cement loyalty and to instill fear among rival factions.
🚓 Investigation, Arrests & Conviction
Federal authorities initiated a multi‑agency probe in 2003 using wiretaps, surveillance, and undercover operations. Key dates in the legal timeline include:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 2003 | DEA initiates electronic surveillance on key BMF members |
| March 2005 | First round of arrests in Atlanta and Detroit |
| June 2007 | Demetrius and Terry plead guilty to Continuing Criminal Enterprise charges |
| January 2008 | Sentencing: Both receive 30-year federal prison terms |
- Charges: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine, money laundering, and Continuing Criminal Enterprise.
- Sentence Length: 30 years each, with no parole option.
- Assets Seized: $14 million in cash, 27 luxury vehicles, 5 properties across two states.
After sentencing, Demetrius was moved to FCI Sheridan in Oregon to fulfil his sentence, with a predicted release date of January 27, 2026.
🔒 Incarceration & Reentry Plans
During incarceration, Demetrius has:
- Holds 120 hours of business management vocational training.
- Enrolled in a 24‑credit college correspondence program focusing on entrepreneurship.
- Completed 17 of 18 prison years with flawless conduct.
| Period | Activity | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2008–2015 | Vocational training | Business certificates earned |
| 2016–2020 | College correspondence courses | 24 college credits completed |
| 2021–2025 | Residential reentry program prep | Approved for Miami transition |
In 2025, Demetrius will enter a residential reentry program in Miami, Florida, to transition from FCI Sheridan. His official release from federal supervision is set for January 27, 2026.
👨👩👦👦 The Flenory Family Network
Terry Lee “Southwest Tee” Flenory
- Born: January 10, 1970, Detroit, MI.
- Role: Co‑founder of BMF; managed West Coast drug imports.
- Status: Home confinement in Detroit beginning August 17, 2025.
- Family: Married to Tonesa Welch; two sons (b. 1998, 2001).
Lucille & Charles Flenory (Parents)
| Name | Lifespan | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Charles | 1945–2017 | Father; worked factory jobs |
| Lucille | 1950–Present | Mother; community church volunteer |
Lucille Flenory has publicly supported her boys by attending court hearings and pushing for faith-based rehabilitation programs.
Demetrius “Lil Meech” Flenory Jr.
-
Born: April 22, 2000, Miami, FL.
-
Role: Actor and rapper; portrays his father in televised drama.
-
Milestones:
- Debut single released 2019.
- Cast 2021 dramatic series lead.
- Over 10 million streaming views on episode one.
Other Children of Demetrius
Demetrius had four more children between 1994 and 2004. Their private lives include sporadic social media use but no professional profiles.
| Name | Birth Year | Public Role |
|---|---|---|
| Manessa Mia Hussey | 1994 | Private student |
| Neeka Flenory | 1996 | Private professional |
| Demetria Edwardior Jackson F. | 1998 | Private citizen |
| Queen Trudy | 2004 | Private student |
🎥 Cultural Impact & Media Portrayals
The BMF story has been dramatized extensively:
| Production | Network/Platform | Premiere Year | Seasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blowing Money Fast (Documentary) | Cable Documentary Channel | 2019 | 1 |
| Gangsters: America’s Most Evil | Cable Documentary Channel | 2020 | 1 |
| BMF (Dramatic Series) | Premium Cable | 2021 | 4 (renewed through 2025) |
- Viewership: The fictionalized series BMF averaged 2 million viewers per episode in its first season.
- Critical Reception: Praised for authenticity and casting, especially the lead actor’s portrayal by Lil Meech.
Impact on Crime and Music Culture
- Economic Disparity: Late 1980s Detroit unemployment rates peaked at over 15%, fueling involvement in illicit economies.
- Hip‑Hop Collaboration: From 1998 to 2003, BMF Entertainment organized 120 music events, influencing regional rap scenes.
- Law Enforcement Tactics: The 2003 seizure demonstrated advanced multi‑agency coordination, leading to the establishment of similar task forces nationwide.
- Prison Reform Dialogue: Demetrius’s reentry program prompted policy discussions on transitional housing models in Florida and Oregon.
FAQ
When was Demetrius Edward Flenory born?
He was born on June 21, 1968, in Detroit, Michigan.
What year did he co‑found Black Mafia Family?
He co‑founded BMF in 1985 at age 17.
How many years is his federal sentence?
He received a 30‑year sentence in January 2008.
When is his scheduled release?
He will complete federal supervision on January 27, 2026.
How much revenue did BMF generate?
About $270 million was earned by BMF via drug distribution.
Who plays him in the show?
His son, Demetrius Flenory Jr., portrays him in the dramatic series BMF.
