Criminal Gang Abatement Act of 2001

Criminal Gang Abatement Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit solicitation or recruitment of persons for criminal street gang activity. Sets penalties for the use of minors in crimes of violence. Increases penalties for using minors to distribute drugs.

Rewrites code provisions regarding criminal street gangs to: (1) define that term to mean a group of three (currently, five) or more persons; (2) list various predicate offenses, including a felony crime of violence; (3) direct that whoever during the commission of such a predicate offense meets specified criteria be imprisoned for up to ten years greater than the maximum term provided by statute for the most serious offenses; and (4) provide for forfeiture of property derived from the offense.

Amends code provisions regarding interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises to include travel or transportation in aid of criminal gangs. Increases penalties for violations. Prohibits travel with intent to delay or influence the testimony of, or prevent from testifying, a witness in a State criminal proceeding.

Increases penalties, and the scope of provisions, regarding the use of physical force to tamper with witnesses, victims, or informants.

Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to increase the offense level for participation in crime as a gang member. Authorizes the Attorney General to designate high intensity interstate gang activity areas. Authorizes the use of certain grants to prosecutors' offices to combat gang crime and youth violence.