A high-ranking member of a Chicago street gang arrested in April in La Crosse will plead guilty in a federal case in May, according to court records. Walter Blackman, 50, of Indiana is charged with federal drug crimes. His plea hearing is set for 11 a.m. May 15 before an Illinois federal judge. FBI agents and local police on April 4 raided a house at 4330 Verchota St. and arrested Blackman, otherwise known as “Gangster,” for drug trafficking. They didn't say why he was in La Crosse. In a wide-ranging sweep, agents used wiretaps, surveillance and informants to bring down Blackman and 17 members and associates of the Black Disciples, a street gang known for trafficking cocaine and heroin in and around Chicago, according to the FBI. Authorities have seized 1.3 kilograms of crack cocaine, 0.44 kilograms of heroin and 39 guns during the investigation. A 55-page criminal complaint describes Blackman as a “high-ranking” member of the Black Disciples who in 2012 and this year ...