Sutton’s journey is one of profound transformation.
As a young man, he became a founding member of the Pasadena Denver Lanes Bloods and was deeply involved in gang life, which ultimately led to a 26 year prison sentence for a gang-related homicide . During his incarceration, Sutton began to reevaluate his life and developed a vision to bring change to the very communities he once impacted negatively. That turning point became the foundation of his life’s work.
After his release, Sutton emerged as a powerful voice for change. He is the Co-Founder and Director of Partners Building Community Groups (PBCG Project), a nonprofit organization focused on providing wraparound services including violence interruption, cognitive behavioral training, job readiness, and reentry support . Through this work, he helps individuals transition away from gang involvement and toward productive, purpose-driven lives.
Professional Career and Notable Experience.
Sutton serves as a Gang Interventionist with the City of Pasadena, where he works directly with gang involved youth and adults to deescalate conflicts, prevent retaliatory violence, and connect individuals to critical resources. His work often involves mediating high risk situations, providing crisis intervention, and collaborating with community leaders and city officials to reduce violence . His credibility within the community stems from his lived experience, allowing him to build trust and influence individuals who might otherwise resist intervention.
In addition to his fieldwork, Sutton is a Cognitive Behavior Trainer and serves as Chairman of the Criminal Justice Committee for the NAACP Pasadena Branch, where he advocates for policy reform and improved public safety strategies . He is also known for his leadership in grassroots initiatives such as Global Day of Compassion and his extensive work mentoring foster youth and gang impacted individuals.
Throughout his career, Sutton has been committed to changing narratives educating young people about the realities of gang life and offering viable alternatives. His work emphasizes conflict resolution, personal accountability, and community empowerment.
Now, Sutton is preparing to share his powerful life story in his upcoming autobiography, “The Making of an Urban Gangster”, which chronicles his journey from the streets of Pasadena to prison, and ultimately to becoming a leader in violence prevention and community transformation. The book offers a raw and honest account of his experiences, along with insight into the mindset of gang culture and the path toward redemption.