The Gang Dances Their Asses Off
Criminal Activities
Conspiracy to Commit Assault
Agreement and planning with others to commit a violent attack (luring someone to a concealed opening and dousing them with boiling oil/tar). Conspiracy to commit violence and attempted murder or aggravated assault are crimes under U.S. law when there is intent and an overt act toward carrying out the plan.
Situation:
"After Rickety Cricket shows up with bionic/brace-assisted legs, members of the gang discuss and agree they must "resort to foul play" (suggestions include making him sweat so his legs rust or kicking him in the groin). Later, Cricket's leg technology fails and he falls during a dance-off; the gang admits they "did just screw him over to kick him out of the contest," indicating coordinated sabotage/assault to eliminate him as a competitor."
Fraud
Making false statements or omissions to obtain federally backed relief loans (PPP) or using funds for purposes other than represented to the lender/SBA. Under federal law, knowingly making false statements to obtain loan proceeds (and misuse of those proceeds) can constitute bank fraud and related federal offenses.
Situation:
"The gang signs Paddy's up as a prize, then plots to ensure their selected entrant (the homeless man Larry, their "inside horse") wins by incapacitating other dancers with sedatives and coordinating outside assistance. The scheme is an intentional manipulation of the contest outcome for the gang's benefit."
Poisoning
Deliberately poisoning or contaminating food/consumables and/or administering a harmful substance to other people, causing or intended to cause illness (criminal poisoning/food tampering; could support charges of assault or attempted murder depending on intent and effect).
Situation:
"During the Paddy's Pub dance marathon the gang conspires to secure a predetermined winner (their "inside horse," Larry) by drugging competitors. Frank explicitly says they're "making brownies, the drug filled kind," Cricket explains they're "filled with sedatives," and the bars/brownies are distributed to contestants (several people begin to feel the effects and drop out). The plan is intended to knock out rivals so the gang's chosen contestant will win the bar."