Tinmouth Man Sentenced to 37 Months for Heroin Trafficking

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that yesterday Alan H. Willis, II, of Tinmouth, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to 37 months’ imprisonment on his guilty plea to a charge of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Chief Judge Reiss also ordered that Willis serve two years on supervised release after his incarceration ends. Willis has been detained since his arraignment.
According to court documents, Willis trafficked between 700 and 1000 grams of heroin in the Rutland area from summer 2012 to February 2013. In late January 2013, the Vermont Drug Task Force (VDTF) used a confidential informant to make two controlled purchases of heroin from Willis, the first at his home and the second in the parking lot of Rutland’s Diamond Run Mall. On February 4, 2013, the VDTF and several other agencies executed a search warrant at Willis’ residence, seizing 1,500 bags of heroin and $4,800 in cash.
Originally charged in Rutland Superior Court by the Vermont Attorney General’s Office, Willis was first indicted by a federal grand jury on April 24, 2013, leading to dismissal of the state charges. On July 24, 2013, based on a joint investigation by the VDTF, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the grand jury returned a superseding indictment expanding the temporal scope of the conspiracy and charging Joshua Rose, 21; Devon Cruz, 29; Charles Hercules, 23, all of New York; Evan Murphy, 23, and Jean Marie Phillips, 47, both of Rutland, along with Willis, as conspirators. On January 24, 2014, Phillips entered a guilty plea to a charge of aiding and abetting Rose’s possession with intent to distribute heroin. She is scheduled for sentencing on May 9, 2014. Today, Murphy entered a guilty plea to the conspiracy charge in the superseding indictment. Murphy is scheduled for sentencing on August 26, 2014. Rose, Cruz, and Hercules are awaiting trial.
United States Attorney Coffin commended the joint investigation by the VDTF, DEA and FBI and thanked the Vermont Attorney General’s Office for its cooperation. Rutland attorney Elizabeth Mann represented Willis. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig S. Nolan.

Jose Alvarado, aka Chewee, Sentenced in Federal Court to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Engaging in a Drug Trafficking Conspiracy in Binghamton

BINGHAMTON, NY—United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian announced that Jose Alvarado, aka Chewee, 25 years old from Binghamton, New York, was sentenced today in federal court in Binghamton, New York, to 20 years in federal prison and to be followed by 10 years of post-release supervision.
The investigation leading to today’s sentencing of Jose Alvarado was conducted by members of a task force composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Binghamton, New York; FBI Albany Field Office; Broome County District Attorney’s Office; Binghamton Police Department; New York State Police; Broome County Sheriff’s Office; Johnson City Police Department; Endicott Police Department; and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Following an extensive investigation by the task force, Jose Alvarado and several others were indicted by a federal grand jury. On October 3, 2013, Alvarado pled guilty to count one of a single-count indictment (12-CR-445). Count one charges that from about May 2011 through September 2012, in Broome County, in the Northern District of New York and elsewhere, defendants Luis Masso-Diaz, aka Wewe; Jose Alvarado, aka Chewee; Reynaldo Bones, aka Javy; Victor Texidor, aka Machito; Jose Alicea, aka Papo; and others conspired to knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute and to distribute one or more controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846. That violation involved 280 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing cocaine base, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(b)(1)(A); 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(b)(1)(B); 100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(b)(1)(B); oxycontin, percocet, and morphine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(b)(1)(C); and vicodin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(b)(1)(E).
Reynaldo Bones, aka Javy, 28 years old from Binghamton, New York, was previously also sentenced in federal court to 135 months in federal prison and five years of post-release supervision. The remaining defendants are awaiting sentencing and remain in custody with the U.S. Marshals Service.

Fourteen Bloods Street Gang Members Charged in a Federal Felony Complaint with Engaging in a Drug Trafficking Conspiracy in Binghamton

BINGHAMTON, NY—United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian announced that 14 members and associates of the Bloods street gang known as the “MacBallers” were charged today by way of a felony criminal complaint in federal court in Binghamton, New York, with engaging in a drug trafficking conspiracy, pursuant to Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846. Federal, state, and local law enforcement teams executed arrest warrants in the greater Binghamton, New York area, as well as in New York City. Defendants will make their appearances later today before a federal magistrate judge in federal court. Additionally, law enforcement also executed federal search warrants at nine locations in the Binghamton, New York area including at the nightclub called 17 East, located at 348 Clinton Street, Binghamton, New York, which was utilized and frequented by members of the MacBallers gang.
The investigation leading to today’s arrests and charges was conducted by members of a task force comprised of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Binghamton, New York; FBI Albany Field Office and FBI New York Field Office; Broome County District Attorney’s Office; Binghamton Police Department; New York State Police; Broome County Sheriff’s Office; Johnson City Police Department; Endicott Police Department; and the U.S. Marshals Service.
The federal felony complaint charges that starting in September 2009 and continuing up to the present, members and associates of the MacBallers set of the Bloods street gang operated in Binghamton, New York and were responsible for distributing large quantities of controlled substances including cocaine base (crack cocaine), powder cocaine, heroin, and marijuana in the greater Binghamton area. The complaint also charges that MacBaller members utilized rental vehicles and rental apartments to facilitate their drug trafficking conspiracy in order to cook, package, store, and transport controlled substances; utilized prepaid cellular telephones to contact drug customers and gang associates, both affiliated and unaffiliated to the MacBallers, in order to distribute controlled substances; engaged in gang meetings at various locations in the Binghamton area; and utilized firearms including handguns to commit assaults and shootings and to threaten others in furtherance of the MacBallers’ drug trafficking conspiracy.
The federal felony complaint also charges as follows as to each defendant:

1. DEREK CARR, a/k/a “Jinx,” 29 years old, is affiliated to the Bloods street gang and believed to a member of the MacBallers. DEREK CARR is a close, personal associate of SAQUAN JOHNSON and supplied SAQUAN JOHNSON with controlled substances including crack cocaine and heroin. DEREK CARR communicated with SAQUAN JOHNSON regarding the cooking, packaging, acquisition, and distribution of controlled substances including crack cocaine and heroin.
2. COURTNEY DOUGLAS, a/k/a “Poppy,” 32 years old, is a member of the MacBallers who received supplies of crack cocaine and heroin from SAQUAN JOHNSON, as well as crack cocaine from CHAD EDWARDS, JUAN PENA, and REGINALD SIMMONS, JR. and then distributed those controlled substances to drug customers. COURTNEY DOUGLAS communicated with other members of the MacBallers’ drug trafficking conspiracy, including SAQUAN JOHNSON, CHAD EDWARDS, and JUAN PENA regarding the acquisition, distribution, and resale of controlled substances including crack cocaine and heroin.
3. LAMONT CLEMONS, a/k/a “Stime,” 39 years old, is believed to be a family relative (cousin) of CALVIN JOHNSON who transported supplies of controlled substances and distributed controlled substances on behalf of CALVIN JOHNSON. LAMONT CLEMONS also supplied SAQUAN JOHNSON with controlled substances including crack cocaine, heroin, powder cocaine, and marijuana. LAMONT CLEMONS communicated with SAQUAN JOHNSON regarding the acquisition, storage, transportation, distribution, and resale of controlled substances, including crack cocaine, powder cocaine, heroin, and marijuana.
4. CHAD EDWARDS, a/k/a “Chaddy O,” 31 years old, is a high-ranking member of the MacBallers who was responsible for distributing large quantities of crack cocaine in Binghamton, New York. CHAD EDWARDS worked closely with JUAN PENA AND REGINALD SIMMONS, JR. to distribute controlled substances and shared the same cellular telephones with these individuals. CHAD EDWARDS communicated with other members of the MacBallers’ drug trafficking conspiracy, including SAQUAN JOHNSON, JUAN PENA, REGINALD SIMMONS, JR., SHARELL HOLTON, and COURTNEY DOUGLAS regarding the acquisition, packaging, and distribution of controlled substances.
5. SHARELL HOLTON, a/k/a “Rell,” 35 years old, is a known controlled substances distributor in Binghamton, New York who is believed to have been supplied by members of the MacBallers’ drug trafficking conspiracy including JOHN MELVILLE, CHAD EDWARDS, JUAN PENA, and REGINALD SIMMONS, JR. She allowed members of the MacBallers’ drug trafficking conspiracy, including JOHN MELVILLE and BRIAN WEST, to utilize her residence in Endicott, New York and distribute controlled substances from her residence. SHARELL HOLTON communicated with other known members of the MacBallers’ drug trafficking conspiracy including SAQUAN JOHNSON, CHAD EDWARDS, and JUAN PENA regarding the acquisition, storage, and distribution of controlled substances as well as the collection of drug proceeds.
6. LESLIE HUGHES, a/k/a “Les,” 41 years old, is a Bloods Street Gang member and a known controlled substances distributor in Binghamton, New York who supplied SAQUAN JOHNSON with controlled substances including crack cocaine. LESLIE HUGHES worked for CALVIN JOHNSON and supplied SAQUAN JOHNSON with controlled substances to include crack cocaine. LESLIE HUGHES communicated with SAQUAN JOHNSON regarding the acquisition, cooking/mixing, packaging, and distribution of controlled substances, including crack cocaine, and the collection of drug proceeds.
7. CALVIN JOHNSON, a/k/a “Cal,” 38 years old, is a known controlled substances distributor in Binghamton, New York who operated the nightclub 17 East, which was utilized and frequented by members of the MacBallers’ drug trafficking conspiracy. He also supplied SAQUAN JOHNSON, LAMONT CLEMONS, LESLIE HUGHES, and others with controlled substances including crack cocaine, powder cocaine, and marijuana. CALVIN JOHNSON communicated with SAQUAN JOHNSON regarding the acquisition, distribution, and storage of controlled substances including crack cocaine, powder cocaine, and marijuana, as well as the acquisition of a handgun/firearm.
8. SAQUAN JOHNSON, a/k/a “Banga,” a/k/a “Sa,” 23 years old, is a member of the MacBallers gang and is known as an enforcer/shooter who was responsible for the distribution of large amounts of crack cocaine, powder cocaine, heroin, and marijuana to other members of the MacBallers’ drug trafficking conspiracy including GERALD NORFLEET and COURTNEY DOUGLAS. SAQUAN JOHNSON was supplied with controlled substances from CALVIN JOHNSON, LAMONT CLEMONS, DEREK CARR, CHAD EDWARDS, JUAN PENA, REGINALD SIMMONS, JR., and DAYNELL ROWLAND. SAQUAN JOHNSON also communicated with other members of the MacBallers’ drug trafficking conspiracy including DEREK CARR, COURTNEY DOUGLAS, LAMONT CLEMONS, CHAD EDWARDS, SHARELL HOLTON, LESLIE HUGHES, CALVIN JOHNSON, GERALD NORFLEET, JUAN PENA, DAYNELL ROWLAND, and REGINALD SIMMONS, JR. regarding the acquisition, distribution, transportation, and cooking/mixing of controlled substances including crack cocaine, powder cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, as well as robberies, assaults, and firearms violations.
9. JOHN MELVILLE, a/k/a “Flip,” a/k/a “Fat Boy,” 29 years old, is a high ranking member of the MacBallers gang. JOHN MELVILLE was known to traffic large quantities of controlled substances including crack cocaine and powder cocaine into Binghamton, New York, in order to distribute controlled substances and supply additional members of the MacBallers’ drug trafficking conspiracy including SHARELL HOLTON, CHAD EDWARDS, JUAN PENA, and REGINALD SIMMONS, JR.
10. GERALD NORFLEET, a/k/a “G,” 55 years old, purchased controlled substances from SAQUAN JOHNSON and distributed controlled substances including crack cocaine. Additionally, he collected drug proceeds derived from controlled substance sales on behalf of SAQUAN JOHNSON AND LAMONT CLEMONS. GERALD NORFLEET also provided transportation for SAQUAN JOHNSON in order to facilitate drug transactions in furtherance of the MacBallers’ drug trafficking conspiracy. GERALD NORFLEET communicated with SAQUAN JOHNSON regarding the acquisition, packaging, and distribution of controlled substances, and the collection of drug proceeds derived from the sales of controlled substance including crack cocaine.
11. JUAN PENA, a/k/a “John John,” 30 years old, is a high ranking member of the MacBallers who was responsible for distributing large quantities of crack cocaine. At one time, JUAN PENA also paid CALVIN JOHNSON an amount of United States currency to control and operate various illegal gambling games at CALVIN JOHNSON’S nightclub 17 East. JUAN PENA also communicated with other members of the MacBallers’ drug trafficking conspiracy including SAQUAN JOHNSON, CHAD EDWARDS, REGINALD SIMMONS, JR., SHARELL HOLTON, COURTNEY DOUGLAS, and others regarding the acquisition and distribution of controlled substances.
12. DAYNELL ROWLAND, a/k/a “Daylo,” 31 years old, is a suspected member of the MacBallers who resides in Syracuse, New York, and was responsible for supplying SAQUAN JOHNSON and others with large amounts of controlled substances including marijuana and heroin. DAYNELL ROWLAND introduced SAQUAN JOHNSON to his (DAYNELL ROWLAND’S) heroin supplier residing in the New York City area so SAQUAN JOHNSON could obtain large quantities of heroin directly from this individual. DAYNELL ROWLAND also expressed a desire for SAQUAN JOHNSON to become his main heroin distributor in Binghamton, New York. DAYNELL ROWLAND communicated with SAQUAN JOHNSON regarding the acquisition, cooking, packaging, and distribution of controlled substances and the collection of drug proceeds derived from the sales of controlled substances.
13. REGINALD SIMMONS, JR., a/k/a “Reg,” a/k/a “Moe,” 30 years old, is a member of the MacBallers who was responsible for distributing large quantities of crack cocaine. REGINALD SIMMONS, JR. worked with JUAN PENA AND CHAD EDWARDS to distribute controlled substances and shared the same cellular telephones with them for the purpose of distribution of controlled substances. REGINALD SIMMONS, JR. also communicated with other additional members of the MacBallers’ drug trafficking conspiracy including SAQUAN JOHNSON, JUAN PENA, CHAD EDWARDS, SHARELL HOLTON, and COURTNEY DOUGLAS regarding the demand, acquisition, packaging, and distribution of controlled substances.
14. BRIAN WEST, a/k/a “West,” 27 years old, is a member of the MacBallers who was responsible for distributing large quantities of crack cocaine. BRIAN WEST trafficked controlled substances into the Binghamton, New York area with JOHN MELVILLE and who supplied other members of the MacBallers’ drug trafficking conspiracy including SHARELL HOLTON, CHAD EDWARDS, JUAN PENA, and REGINALD SIMMONS, JR. BRIAN WEST also utilized SHARELL HOLTON’S residence to distribute controlled substances.

If convicted, each defendant faces an imprisonment term of at least 10 years and up to life.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

Leader of Multi-State Drug Trafficking Ring Sentenced

CINCINNATI—Reginald S. “Reggie” Myers, 55, Cincinnati, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 232 months’ imprisonment followed by 10 years of supervised release for leading a multi-state drug trafficking conspiracy that brought between 120 and 180 kilograms of powder cocaine into the greater Cincinnati area between 2005 and 2007.
Carter M. Stewart, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Kevin Cornelius, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Field Office, announced the sentence handed down today by U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett.
Myers was convicted in January 2013 following a five-day trial. According to testimony presented during the trial, the organization spread over several states, with Chicago then Atlanta as the main “distribution centers,” and “branch offices” in Cincinnati, Philadelphia, New York City, Raleigh, and elsewhere, and in total moved in excess of 600 kilograms of cocaine (plus heroin and marijuana) out of Atlanta, generating more than $5 million in profits.
Myers used a hair care business known as Unique from Head 2 Toe, located at 4142 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio, for the purpose of carrying out narcotics transactions, and his residence, located at 2032 First Avenue, Cincinnati, for the purpose of discussing business related to narcotics trafficking. FBI agents arrested Myers on February 3, 2009.
Following the verdict, Myers was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals and has been held without bond.
Agencies assisting in the investigation include the U.S. Attorneys’ offices in the Southern District of New York, Northern District of Illinoi,s and the District of Maryland; FBI Field Divisions in New York, Pittsburgh, and Chicago; the Cincinnati Police Department; the Tennessee Highway Patrol; and the Athens (Tennessee) Police Department.
Stewart commended the investigation conducted by the FBI, as well as Criminal Chief Kenneth Parker and Assistant U.S. Attorney Karl Kadon, who represented the United States in the case.

Four Men Sentenced to a Total of More Than 40 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking in Northwest Arkansas

FAYETTEVILLE, AR—Conner Eldridge, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that four defendants were sentenced this week as a result of drug trafficking charges. The four individuals sentenced were originally charged in a 17-count indictment filed on January 16, 2013. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the cases in the United States District Court in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
U.S. Attorney Eldridge commented, “With this case, another drug trafficking organization in Western Arkansas is now out of business. Those that continually violate the law by participating in this type of criminal activity put our communities at risk and demonstrate a lack of respect for both the criminal justice system and society in general. We will continue to aggressively prosecute these types of cases in order to keep the residents of the Western District of Arkansas safe.”
According to documents filed in the case, beginning in January 2012, agents in Northwest Arkansas began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization involved in the distribution of large quantities of methamphetamine in the Northwest Arkansas area, specifically Springdale, Arkansas. The drug organization was determined to have ties throughout Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania.
Gonzalo Ponce-Hurtado, age 59 of Austin, Texas, was sentenced to 210 months in prison without the possibility of parole, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $15,000 fine for one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. At sentencing, Ponce-Hurtado was found to be the leader of the organization.
Alejandro Fraire-Martinez, age 30 of Springdale, Arkansas, was sentenced to 46 months in prison without the possibility of parole and three years of supervised release for one count of the distribution of more than five grams of methamphetamine.
Marcelino Pacheco-Huizar, age 50 of Mexico, was sentenced to 121 months in prison without the possibility of parole, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $15,000 fine for one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Gonzalo Romero-Madera, age 32 of Mexico, was sentenced to 108 months in prison without the possibility of parole, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine for one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of the distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, and one count of illegal reentry into the United States after deportation.
The cases were investigated by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Carter prosecuted the cases for the United States.

Federal Judge Sentences Manager of Heroin Conspiracy That Distributed Heroin Resulting in Death to 20 Years in Prison

PORTLAND, OR—On March 18, 2014, U.S. District Court Judge Marco Hernandez sentenced Samuel Navarrette-Aguilar, 41, a citizen of Mexico, to 240 months for his managerial role in a heroin trafficking conspiracy involving a kilogram or more of heroin. A federal jury found the defendant guilty of the conspiracy in June 2013. Judge Hernandez further found by a preponderance of evidence that heroin distributed by the defendant resulted in the death of Erin Freeman, 22, who overdosed on heroin in her Portland residence in June 2012. Judge Hernandez cited this and other factors to support his sentence, including the fact that the defendant committed this crime after escaping from a Washington state prison sentence for drug trafficking and having remained at large since 1999. Although the quantity of heroin subjected the defendant to a statutorily mandated minimum sentence of 20 years, Judge Hernandez indicated he would have pronounced the same sentence independent of the mandatory minimum requirement.
Reaching into the upper echelon of a trafficking conspiracy from the tragic scene of a young woman’s last failure against heroin addiction, required a fast-moving investigation led by the Portland Police Bureau Drugs and Vice Division, with support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
“This sentence serves justice. In 2012, we lost 147 Oregonians to heroin, many of those, like Erin Freeman, were far too young,” said U.S. Attorney Amanda Marshall. “This defendant and other purveyors of this deadly drug face heavy penalties as Oregon and communities across the nation address the clear and present danger of this heroin epidemic.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Bickers.

Twenty-Eight Members and Associates of Paterson Bloods Street Gang Charged in Manhattan Federal Court with Distributing Heroin, Crack Cocaine, and Powder Cocaine and with Firearms Offenses

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Aaron T. Ford, the Special Agent in Charge of the Newark Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); William Fraher, the Acting Chief of Police of the Paterson Police Department, and Gary F. Giardina, the Chief of Police of the Clifton Police Department, today announced the unsealing of a superseding indictment charging 28 members and associates of the Bloods street gang operating in Passaic County, New Jersey, principally in the city of Paterson, with distribution and possession with the intent to distribute heroin, “crack” cocaine, and powder cocaine. The indictment also charges three of the defendants with brandishing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking activity and with being felons unlawfully in possession of firearms.
Of the 28 defendants named in the superseding indictment, nine were taken into custody in a weekend sweep. Those nine defendants were presented in Manhattan federal court this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman and detained. Five other defendants are presently detained in state custody on unrelated charges and will be writted into federal custody. One defendant, Hakim Lowery, remains at large. The other 13 defendants were arrested on earlier occasions on the underlying indictments, and all remain detained.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said, “Once again we see the convergence of drugs, guns, and violence that plagues neighborhoods, threatens their inhabitants, and spreads potentially lethal narcotics from city to city and across state lines. To keep our neighborhoods free of illegal drugs and gang violence, we will continue to work closely with our local law enforcement partners to vigorously enforce federal drug and firearms laws.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford said, “Dismantling violent gangs is a continuing priority for the FBI. Our efforts to address gang violence are not new, but we are working with our partners with increased manpower and increased urgency to address current circumstances. Today’s arrests and charges are the result of a successful, long term investigation conducted by the FBI and the Paterson and Clifton Police Departments.”
Paterson Police Department Acting Chief William Fraher said, “It is critically important for cities like Paterson to leverage their existing collaborative relationships with federal and local law enforcement to reduce not only the actual violence in our communities but also reducing the perception of fear which can be just as important.”
Clifton Police Department Chief Gary F. Giardina said, “Problems faced by law enforcement do not stop at the city borders. What is one city’s problem most likely is the next city’s and at times overlaps into the next state. It is for these reasons that it is imperative that agencies work in partnership to be successful. In this case, Clifton Police worked in partnership with the Paterson Police and FBI in order to bring this investigation to a successful conclusion.”
According to the allegations in the superseding indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:
Various “sets” of the Bloods, particularly the Fruit Town Brims and Sex Money Murder, among others, operated in Paterson, often coordinating, collaborating, and working together (defined in the Indictment as the “Paterson Bloods”). Ranking members of the Paterson Bloods would often meet to resolve disputes between their respective “soldier” members of the sets and could direct punishment against non-members. Among these punishments were that individuals were to be assaulted or killed by members of the Paterson Bloods.
The Paterson Bloods operated the drug markets in certain central locations in Paterson, New Jersey, including, in particular: North Main Street from East Main Street to Jefferson Street (an area known as “The Main”); Graham Avenue/Rosa Parks Boulevard from Lyon Street to Franklin Street (“The Boulevard”); Graham Avenue/Rosa Parks Boulevard from 12th Avenue to Hamilton Avenue; 12th Avenue from East 22nd Street to East 24th Street; 10th Avenue from East 26th Street to East 30th Street; Governor Street from Graham Avenue to Summer Street (“Up the Hill”); and Park Avenue from Madison Avenue to East 16th Street. Members of the Paterson Bloods were permitted to sell heroin and “crack” cocaine in these areas. Generally, non-members, outsiders, and rival narcotics dealers were prohibited or prevented from distributing narcotics in areas controlled by the Paterson Bloods. Certain individuals—such as people who had grown up in areas controlled by the Paterson Bloods, people of neutral gang or neighborhood group affiliation, or marijuana dealers who often sold to members of the Paterson Bloods—were permitted to distribute narcotics in areas controlled by the Paterson Bloods but did so without the protection of the members of the Paterson Bloods and at the risk of being robbed by members of the gang. For example, on June 17, 2013, a drug dispute broke out in the area of 12th Avenue and 22nd Street, during which the defendant Rachaun Parker, a member of the Fruit Town Brims set of the Bloods, assisted an individual who was considered a “neutral” from his neighborhood. Members of the Fruit Town Brims, including defendants Hakim Lowery and Jamar Edwards, violently beat Parker for violating the rules of the set.
Members of the Paterson Bloods and their associates committed and conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence to protect and expand their drug trafficking operations and to protect fellow members of the gang. These acts included beatings, stabbings, and shootings intended to prevent people not affiliated with the Paterson Bloods from distributing narcotics in areas controlled by the gang, or to dissuade members of rival gangs, such as the Latin Kings, from encroaching on territory controlled by the Paterson Bloods.
Members of the charged narcotics distribution conspiracy agreed to possess and distribute heroin, “crack” cocaine, and cocaine powder in the Bronx, Manhattan, and New Jersey. On at least two occasions, certain defendants, armed with loaded guns, delivered what they believed to be approximately one kilogram of cocaine to an address in the Bronx in return for delivery fees.

* * *

The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Bharara praised the investigative work of the FBI, the Paterson Police Department, and the Clifton Police Department. The investigation is a result of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force program, and it combined the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with local law enforcement.
The Office’s Violent Crimes Unit is overseeing the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justina L. Geraci and Michael D. Maimin are in charge of the prosecution. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolina A. Fornos is in charge of the asset forfeiture components of the case.
The charges contained in the superseding indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Illegal Alien Sentenced for Drug Trafficking Violations in Harrison County

MARSHALL, TX—A 42-year-old Mexican national illegally residing in Marshall, Texas was sentenced to over 18 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.
Apolinar Carbajal Abelardo, of Guerrero, Mexico, pleaded guilty on February 18, 2013 to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 225 months in federal prison on February 18, 2014 by U.S. District Judge Rodney Gilstrap. Abelardo also agreed to forfeit a truck, several firearms, $13,650 in U.S. currency, and a money judgment in the amount of $20,000 to the United States as part of his sentence.
According to information presented in court, from November 2009 to October 2012, Abelardo conspired with others to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and cocaine in East Texas. Abelardo admitted to distributing over 50 grams of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm during the conspiracy. A federal grand jury returned an indictment on November 7, 2012 charging Abelardo with federal drug trafficking violations.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Marshall Police Department, and the Harrison County District Attorney’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen Hurst.

Mexican National Sentenced for Trafficking Methamphetamine in East Texas

MARSHALL, TX—A 45-year-old Mexican national illegally residing in Marshall, Texas was sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.
Melicio Nunez-Duque, also known as La Burra, of Coyuca de Catalan, Guerrero, Mexico, pleaded guilty on January 30, 2013 to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison on February 18, 2014 by U.S. District Judge Rodney Gilstrap. Nunez-Duque was also ordered to pay a money judgment in the amount of $20,000 to the United States as part of his sentence.
According to information presented in court, from July 2011 to October 2012, Nunez-Duque conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in and around Marshall, Texas. Nunez-Duque admitted to distributing 15 grams of methamphetamine on July 27, 2011 and another 14 grams on October 27, 2011 in Marshall, Texas. He also admitted to directing others to distribute methamphetamine on August 4, 2011 and August 24, 2011. He admitted the value of the methamphetamine distributed was at least $20,000. A federal grand jury returned an indictment on October 3, 2012 charging Nunez-Duque and co-defendants Julia Flores Saucedo and Oscar Diaz-Mendoz with federal drug trafficking violations.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Marshall Police Department, and the Harrison County District Attorney’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen Hurst.

Nineteen People Indicted for Conspiracy to Traffic Heroin, Crack Cocaine, and Pills in Marion, Ohio

Nineteen people were indicted in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to traffic large amounts of heroin, crack cocaine, and prescription pills in Marion, Ohio.
The unsealing of the 72-count indictment was announced today by Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio; Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine; Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland Field Office; Marion Police Major William Collins; Marion County Sheriff Tim Bailey; and Marion County Prosecutor Brent Yager.
The indictment details a two-year conspiracy in which heroin, crack cocaine, Percocet, Ritalin, Xanaxm and Vicodin were brought from Detroit and Fort Wayne, Indiana to Marion, where the drugs were sold to dozens of people, including juveniles.
Indicted are: Allen Graves, 46, of Detroit; Martez Montgomery, 22, of Detroit; Terrance Lombard, 39, of Eastpoint, Michigan; Edward Hearn, 40, of Detroit; Darryl McFadden, 53, of Detroit; Jeronne White, 33, of Marion; Christopher Prince, 20, of Detroit; Danni Childers, 21, of Marion; DeCarlos Bates, 21, of Hamtramck, Michigan; DeVonta Adams, 21, of Detroit; Jason Graves, 22, of Detroit; Marniece Love, 22, of Hazel Park, Michigan; Brittany Payne, 19, of Marion; Marcus Benson, 34, of Harper Woods, Michigan; Greg Burkett, 56, of Marion; Darrell Jacobs, 38, of Caledonia, Ohio; Danielle Sullivan, 23, of Marion; Steven Lester, 48, of Marion, and Abbee Heine, 20, of Marion.
“Our state has been flooded with heroin and diverted prescription pills, which have been accompanied by a wave of death and addiction,” Dettelbach said. “These arrests represent a joint law enforcement effort to choke off the supply of drugs to our region.”
Anthony said: “This interstate drug trafficking organization brought danger and violence to the community through multiple shootings, overdoses and continued addiction for citizens in Marion. The FBI, along with the numerous agencies that brought this group to justice, will continue collaborative efforts to disrupt, dismantle, and prosecute drug traffickers.”
“MARMET’s battles with traffickers from Detroit have been well documented,” said Marion Police Major William Collins. “We want this to be an example for other trafficking organizations that if they choose Marion as the place to peddle their poison, they will do real prison time.”
“Drug abuse devastates lives and tears apart families, and the individuals who are now facing charges have played a direct role in fueling addiction,” said Attorney General DeWine. “We are proud to have assisted with this case through the work of our BCI crime lab, and we will continue to work together in the future to prevent drug abuse and trafficking in this state.”
Marion County Sheriff Tim Bailey said: “Drugs come into our community through many means and it takes and will continue to take resources from all agencies to continue the fight against the drug problem and other crimes in our community to help keep our residents and future residents of our community safe.”
Montgomery and Graves obtained heroin, crack cocaine, and prescription drugs from Lombard, Hearn, Benson, McFadden, and other suppliers in Detroit and Fort Wayne. They also recruited friends and family members in Detroit to travel to Marion to distribute the drugs, according to the indictment.
Montgomery and Graves, with the assistance of Heine, rented homes in Heine’s name at 438 1/2 North Prospect Street and 323 Mound Street in Marion for the purpose of distributing heroin, crack cocaine, and prescription drugs. Childers also rented the house at 238 Park Boulevard in Marion for the purpose of distributing the drugs, according to the indictment.
Lester, as part of the conspiracy, allowed Graves and Montgomery to register vehicles in his name to avoid suspicion of law enforcement. Lester also routinely drove Graves from Marion to Detroit and back to transport drugs and drug proceeds, according to the indictment.
Prince, White, Bates, Adams, Love, Jason Graves, a juvenile, and others also shared a “community telephone” which they all used to communicate with drug customers and suppliers, according to the indictment.
Prince, White, Bates, Adams, Love, Jason Graves, Lester, a juvenile, and others shared and used residences rented by Allen Graves, Montgomery, Heine, and Childers for the purpose of storing and distributing heroin, crack cocaine, and prescription drugs, according to the indictment.
The indictment goes on to detail scores of transactions, phone calls and other actions related to their sale and distribution of drugs.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland, Detroit, and Indianapolis Field Offices, the MARMET Drug Task Force (composed of members of the Marion Police Department, and Marion County Sheriff’s Office), the METRICH Drug Task Force, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph M. Pinjuh and Alissa Sterling.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Rehoboth Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking and Firearms Conviction

ALBUQUERQUE—MacDavis Bahe, 31, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Rehoboth, New Mexico, was sentenced this morning to 10 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for his conviction on methamphetamine trafficking and firearms charges.
Bahe was indicted in June 2012 and charged with distributing methamphetamine and marijuana in McKinley County, Rehoboth, New Mexico between February 2012 and May 2012. He also was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of an unregistered firearm.
On September 6, 2013, Bahe admitted that he distributed methamphetamine on February 17, 2012 to an individual who, unbeknownst to him, was an undercover officer. Bahe also admitted that he unlawfully possessed a shotgun on May 1, 2012. Bahe acknowledged that he was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because he previously had been convicted of the following felony offenses in the 11th Judicial District Court for the State of New Mexico in McKinley County: burglary, aggravated fleeing from a law enforcement officer, and being a felon in possession of a firearm or destructive device.
The case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI, the Middle Rio Grande Valley Narcotics Task Force, the Gallup Police Department, and the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine Y. Ramirez.
The Middle Rio Grande Valley Task Force is comprised of agents and officers from the Albuquerque Police Department, the Albuquerque office of the DEA, Pojoaque Tribal Police Department, Rio Rancho Police Department, Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office, and Valencia County Sheriff’s Office. It is part of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program that was created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. HIDTA is a program of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) which provides assistance to federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug trafficking regions of the United States and seeks to reduce drug trafficking and production by facilitating coordinated law enforcement activities and information sharing.

Major Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison

ATLANTA—Jerome Bushay has been sentenced to prison for trafficking more than 185,000 pills of ecstasy (MDMA), methamphetamine, BZP (which is a drug similar to ecstasy), and ketamine.
“Bushay headed an organization that distributed a staggering amount of drugs in this district,” said United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates. “Through his conduct, Bushay earned every day of his prison sentence. Once again, to those enticed by the allures of the drug trade— like money, cars, and clubs—be warned. It’s more likely that you will end up sitting behind bars than you will end up drinking at them.”
Harry S. Sommers, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division, stated, “Ecstasy is anything but what its name implies—it offers only addiction, pain, and, in some instances, death.” Ketamine, often referred to as ‘Special K,’ and BZP, commonly referred to as ‘Legal Ecstasy,’ are all dangerous and sometimes deadly synthetic drugs. Operation Rude Beast illustrates how DEA and its local, state, and federal partners are committed to removing such dangerous substances from our streets. This defendant will now have plenty of time in prison to think about his unlawful acts.”
According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges, and other information presented in court: from late-2009 to late-2010, several state, federal, and international agencies conducted an investigation of an Atlanta drug trafficking organization with ties to a corrupt federal customs officer. The investigation (code named Operation Rude Beast) led to the arrests, indictments, and convictions of more than 15 defendants, including Bushay.
Bushay organized and supplied a countless number of drug transactions—in addition to supervising several lower-level drug traffickers. In total, Bushay distributed more than 185,000 pills. Bushay also used former Customs and Border Protection Officer Devon Samuels to transport his drug money (Samuels was sentenced to eight years for his conduct). For example, on November 12, 2010, Bushay had Samuels smuggle $40,000 in drug money into Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Inside the airport, Samuels used his badge to bypass airport security, which resulted in the bag not being screened. Thereafter, Samuels gave the bag to Bushay’s associate, who was destined for Texas.
On December 15, 2010, law enforcement officers executed a coordinated takedown of Operation Rude Beast. As part of the take down, agents executed a search warrant on Bushay’s home, where they recovered an arsenal of weapons and cache of drug paraphernalia. Specifically, agents recovered: (1) a Cobra 9mm pistol; (2) a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol; (3) a Bushmaster Assault Rifle; (4) a .22 caliber rifle; (5) a Sturm Ruger Ranch Rifle with a scope; (6) a Glock semi-automatic pistol with a laser sight; (7) a Sten-Type 9mm machine gun; and (8) approximately 700 rounds of ammunition, including ballistic tipped and hollow point rounds. In addition to the weapons, agents found narcotics ledger, an electronic money counter, two digital scales, and a baseball hat with “Customs and Border Protection” embroidered on it.
Bushay, 35, of Lithonia, Georgia, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Bushay pleaded guilty on November 22, 2013.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE); ICE-Office of Professional Responsibility; ICE-Office of Inspector General; ICE-Homeland Security Investigations; Jamaican Constabulary Force, Anti-Corruption Branch; DeKalb County Police Department; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and Delta Airlines Corporate Security.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey W. Davis, Dahil Goss, and L. Skye Davis prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following website: www.justthinktwice.com.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.Pressemails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia Atlanta Division is http://www.justice.gov/usao/gan/.

Hartford Woman Sentenced to 20 Months in Prison for Role in Heroin Trafficking Ring

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that Norma Torres, 56, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 20 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for her role in a heroin trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from Operation Solid Sweep, a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department into gang-related narcotics trafficking in Hartford’s South End. The investigation specifically targeted a drug trafficking organization headed by Angel Rosa, also known as “Little” and “Daddy,” who is a member of the Los Solidos street gang. Rosa’s cousin, Angel Rosa, also known as “Mo Betta” and “Fab,” supervised the daily operations of the organization, which distributed heroin and other narcotics in the Zion Street area.
As a result of the investigation, 21 individuals were charged with various federal offenses, and law enforcement officers seized narcotics, one firearm, approximately $230,000 in cash, eight vehicles, and jewelry.
The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics, and physical surveillance, revealed that Torres assisted the conspiracy by allowing her apartment, located at 592 Zion Street, to be used as a “stash house,” storing five to 15 stacks of heroin at her residence every day. A stack of heroin consists of 100 dose bags, with each bag containing approximately .025 grams of heroin.
Torres was arrested on April 11, 2013. On November 14, 2013, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin.
Angel Rosa, aka “Little” and “Daddy,” and Angel Rosa, aka “Mo Betta” and “Fab,” have each pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the Connecticut State Police, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut Department of Correction, and Connecticut National Guard. The Connecticut State Police’s Emergency Services Unit; Hartford Police Department’s Emergency Response Team; Capital Region Emergency Response Team; Drug Enforcement Administration; Homeland Security Investigations; and the New Britain, East Hartford, Wethersfield, and Manchester Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Leaming and Patrick Caruso.

Five Central Ohio Men Charged with Cocaine Trafficking

COLUMBUS—A cooperative investigation by federal, state, and local law enforcement in Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, has led to the indictments of five people on federal drug trafficking charges.
Carter M. Stewart, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Kathy Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS); Kevin Cornelius, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Franklin County Sheriff Zach Scott; and Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs announced the charges today following the arrest of the final defendant named in a superseding indictment returned January 16.
Named in the indictment are:

• William Totten, 51, Canal Winchester
• Andre Broom, 47, Columbus
• Christafer L. Jackson, 31, Pickerington
• Donald A. Jordan, 51, Columbus
• Lawrence G. Beavers, 46, Springfield

Totten and Broom were indicted in December. The 12-count superseding indictment adds the other three defendants and charges each of them with conspiracy to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, a crime punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison. Totten is also charged with additional drug trafficking charges and three counts of money laundering, which is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
The five will be arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Norah McCann King today at 2 p.m.
The superseding indictment also seeks forfeiture of three houses allegedly purchased with proceeds of illegal activities and forfeiture of cash and jewelry representing the proceeds of the crime.
Officers arrested Jordan on January 29. Jackson was arrested on January 21, and all have been ordered held without bond. According to evidence presented at a detention hearing on December 10, more than 20 kilograms of cocaine were seized during execution of a search warrant at Totten’s house. Beavers was released on bond. Judge Michael Watson will set a trial date for the defendants.
U.S. Attorney Stewart commended the cooperative investigation by the IRS, FBI, Columbus Police, and Franklin County Sheriff, as well as the cooperation of the DEA, which provided information vital to the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Kelley and David DeVillers, who are prosecuting the case.
Charges contained in an indictment are allegations. All defendants should be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

More Than Two Dozen Arrested in Crackdown on Evansville-Area Criminal Organization

EVANSVILLE—United States Attorney Joseph H. Hogsett, joined by Vanderburgh County Prosecutor Nicholas Hermann, Sheriff Eric Williams, and Evansville Police Chief Billy Bolin, announced this afternoon the early-morning arrest of 22 Evansville-area residents in a city-wide crackdown on drug trafficking and other gang-related activities. This joint federal-local investigation is part of the U.S. Attorney’s ongoing Violent Crime Initiative.
“The allegations in this case describe a dangerous gang that for years peddled violence and drugs across the city of Evansville,” Hogsett said. “These charges also serve as a reminder that if you are involved in organized crime in this city, if you assist these groups in any way, you too will wake up one morning soon to the sound of law enforcement at your door.”
Today’s arrests center around a local criminal street gang that operated under the name 300 Wag Block, which is a reference to the 300 block of Waggoner Avenue in Evansville. According to the federal indictment, the gang has been responsible for numerous acts of violence and the local distribution of drugs, including cocaine. The indictment describes a complex series of code words that were used by gang members to describe their criminal activities.
The federal indictment alleges a pattern of criminal behavior that stretched over four years. All told, eight defendants have been charged with offenses that include conspiring to distribute crack cocaine and multiple counts of possessing and distributing drugs, as well as numerous federal firearm offenses related to illegally possessing firearms in the course of these drug trafficking activities.
The indictment also alleges specific instances of gang-related violence in Vanderburgh County. This includes the June 2012 assault of an individual in a local parking lot, the firing of weapons at individuals on Florida Street in October 2013, and a series of recorded gang meetings that took place late last year. The indictment describes the collective criminal histories of the defendants, which include multiple local convictions related to violent acts and drug trafficking.
Those eight defendants charged federally include:

• Maleek Davis, a/k/a “Skinny” or “Pluto Dollas,” age 21
• Mykale Davis, a/k/a “Kales,” age 22
• Tiackquien Douglas, a/k/a “TT,” age 21
• Gerald Butler, a/k/a “Boogie,” age 23
• Luther Lawton, a/k/a “Lut Lut” or “LL,” age 21
• Duwan McKinney, a/k/a “Mula” or “Shorty,” age 27
• Lusta Johnson, age 21
• D’Mariea Fox, age 23

Defendant Fox remains a fugitive at this time. In addition, 11 defendants arrested this morning face state charges for their alleged roles in the group, while three state defendants remain fugitives at this time.
This case was the result of a collaborative investigation involving the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force; and the United States Marshals Service, as well as the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office and the Evansville Police Department.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew P. Brookman, who is prosecuting the federal case for the government, all the defendants could be sentenced to decades in federal prison. Due to extensive criminal histories, some of the defendants could face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Under federal law, the defendants would be required to serve at least 85 percent of their sentence within a correctional facility if they are found guilty.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Four Individuals Indicted for Drug Trafficking on the High Seas

TAMPA—U.S. Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Linberto Gallardo-Gonzalez (42); Uriel Julio Tapia (35); Miguel Vasquez-Barrios (37), all of Colombia, South America; and Miguel Angel Sori-Ortiz (41, Dominican Republic), with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine while on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States; and aiding and abetting each other and other persons to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine while on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Each faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years up to a maximum penalty of life in federal prison for each count.
On January 22, 2014, Gallardo-Gonzalez, Tapia, Vasquez-Barrios, and Sori-Ortiz were detained during the interdiction of a go-fast boat traveling at a high rate of speed and carrying 2,500 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $37 million wholesale value. The cocaine was seized in a historic multi-national counterdrug operation south of the Dominican Republic. This interdiction marks the first time a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Law Enforcement Detachment Team (LEDET) and helicopter embarked on board a foreign flagged military vessel in support of counterdrug operations. The USCG LEDET team and helicopter were operating aboard the British Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Wave Knight. The Coast Guard helicopter launched from the RFA Wave Knight when the 25-foot go-fast boat was detected with four individuals and suspicious packages on board, traveling at a high rate of speed. The helicopter crew arrived on scene and attempted to signal the go-fast boat in an effort to stop it. Ultimately, the crew resorted to firing disabling shots to stop the vessel’s engine. During the pursuit, the four individuals on board were observed jettisoning multiple packages overboard. After the vessel was stopped, a USCG LEDET team arrived at the scene and detained the four individuals aboard the boat and retrieved 45 bales of cocaine from the debris field, where the packages had been thrown overboard.
The four crewman detained on the go-fast vessel were brought to Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division for prosecution. They appeared before a United States Magistrate Judge to be advised of the charges against them and for a bond hearing. They were detained pending the resolution of the case.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case was investigated by OCDETF’s Panama Express Strike Force, composed of agents and analysts from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, and Joint Interagency Task Force South. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez.
The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.

Two Detained on Federal Drug Trafficking Charges as Rhode Island FBI Safe Streets Task Force Seizes Two Kilos of Cocaine

PROVIDENCE, RI—Jose E. Lopez Mauricio, aka “Flaco,” 28, of Warwick, Rhode Island, and Jorge Guzman-Rivera, 28, of New Bedford, Massachusetts, have been ordered detained in federal custody on drug trafficking charges following their arrests and the seizure of two kilos of cocaine by the Rhode Island FBI Safe Street Task Force, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Office of the FBI.
According to an affidavit in support of criminal complaints and a search arrest warrant in this matter, in February 2013, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force began an investigation into the alleged drug trafficking activities of Jose Mauricio. According to the affidavit, between February 2013 and January 2014, an individual cooperating with law enforcement, and while under the surveillance of law enforcement, allegedly effected five drug transactions for varying amounts of heroin and crack cocaine. It is also alleged that in November 2013, while under the surveillance of law enforcement, the individual allegedly effected the purchase of two firearms from Mauricio.
According to the affidavit, it is alleged that in January 2014, Mauricio offered to sell two kilos of cocaine to the individual. The two spoke via telephone on numerous occasions and met in person to allegedly arrange for the sale of the two kilos of cocaine for $70,000. During at least one meeting that occurred outside a Providence residence, an individual was observed by law enforcement watching the meeting from inside the residence from a third floor window.
According to the affidavit, when an undercover FBI agent and a Providence Police Department Narcotics Unit undercover officer, posing as associates of the cooperating witness, returned to the residence to allegedly purchase the two kilos of cocaine, Mauricio exited the building to meet them. As Mauricio exited the building, he was detained by FBI Safe Streets Task Force agents. At the same time, agents entered a rear door of the building and made entry into the third floor apartment. Inside the apartment agents encountered and detained Jorge Guzman-Rivera, the individual observed by law enforcement watching from the window. Agents also discovered and seized two kilos of cocaine.
Jose Mauricio has been detained on one count each of possession with the intent to distribute heroin and possession with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine. Jorge Guzman-Rivera has been detained on one count each of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Ferland.
The Rhode Island FBI Safe Streets Task Force, composed of law enforcement agents and officers the FBI, Rhode Island State Police, and the Providence, Cranston, and Woonsocket Police Departments, enhances the effectiveness of federal, state, and local law enforcement resources through a well-coordinated initiative seeking the most effective avenues to investigate, prosecute, and incarcerate dangerous offenders.
The mission of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force is to identify and target for prosecution criminal enterprise groups responsible for drug trafficking, money laundering, alien smuggling, crimes of violence such as murder and aggravated assault, robbery, and violent street gangs, as well as to intensely focus on the apprehension of dangerous fugitives where there is or may be a federal investigative interest.

Nuestra Familia Leader and Three Associates Plead Guilty to Drug Trafficking Charges

FRESNO, CA—Shawn Cameron, 36; his wife Vanessa Mojarro Cameron, 26; and Jonathan Mojarro, 24, all of Hanford, and Carlos Enriquez, 34, of Lemoore, pleaded guilty today to drug trafficking offenses, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
Forty-three defendants were charged in this case. Seven of the defendants are set to proceed to trial on March 11, 2014, before Judge O’Neill, and two have not yet appeared in federal court. All defendants were members or associates of the Nuestra Familia (NF). NF is a violent Hispanic prison gang based within the California prison system whose members exert control over street-level Norteño gang members engaged in drug trafficking and violent crime.
“Shawn Cameron was the leader of one of the most dangerous drug trafficking organizations in the Central Valley,” U.S. Attorney Wagner said. “Today’s guilty pleas mark a very significant step in the efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement to disable the NF organization.”
“This investigation is the essence of great law enforcement collaboration and teamwork in removing narcotics from our communities,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Joseph M. Riehl. “ATF and our law enforcement partners stay committed to identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting dangerous criminals and this investigation exemplifies this commitment.”
“The cohesiveness displayed by the numerous law enforcement agencies during this gang investigation is a testament of our commitment to uniting our resources to achieve a common goal. This investigation resulted in the successful identification and arrest of those who engage in trafficking conspiracies which erode our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Monica M. Miller of the Sacramento Division of the FBI. “Drug trafficking networks continue to threaten the safety of the public without regard. The FBI is will continue collaborating on large-scale and long term intensive investigations to disrupt and dismantle these violent organizations.”
According to court documents, between December 2009 and June 2010, Shawn Cameron was the commander for the Kings County regiment of Nuestra Familia. Cameron worked with a co-conspirator to bring in methamphetamine from Mexico and distribute it in half-pound to multi-pound quantities to other regiments in and outside of California. During that time, Cameron and co-conspirators obtained more than 45 pounds of methamphetamine that was distributed or intended to be distributed to various NF regiments throughout California, Utah, and other states.
In April 2010, Vanessa Cameron used her phone to assist her husband in arranging to receive payment for methamphetamine and to arrange the delivery of methamphetamine.
In 2009 and 2010, Mojarro and Enriquez were members of the Kings County NF regiment. They assisted the NF by picking up, delivering, and selling methamphetamine and cocaine.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Kings County Narcotic Task Force; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the California Department of Justice Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement; and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. These agencies received the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service; the police departments of Hanford, Lemoore, and Corcoran; the Kings County Sheriff’s Office; and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorneys Kimberly A. Sanchez, Kathleen A. Servatius, and Melanie L. Alsworth are prosecuting the case.
Vanessa Cameron is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill on April 7, 2014. Shawn Cameron, Mojarro, and Enriquez are scheduled to be sentenced by Judge O’Neill on April 21, 2014. Shawn Cameron, Mojarro, and Enriquez face 10 years to life in prison and a $4 million fine. Vanessa Mojarro Cameron faces a maximum statutory penalty of four years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentences, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

Baltimore Felon Exiled to 20 Years in Prison for Gun and Drug Crimes

BALTIMORE—U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Antoin Lamont Garrison, age 46, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 20 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegal possession of guns and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Judge Blake enhanced Garrison’s sentence upon finding that he is an armed career criminal based on three previous convictions for drugs and violent crime.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein; Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts; and Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler.
According to testimony presented at Garrison’s five-day trial, in May 2011, Baltimore Police officers and FBI agents received information from a source that Garrison had offered to sell the source guns and drugs. Witnesses testified that after additional investigation, law enforcement arranged for the source to purchase ammunition, firearms, and cocaine from Garrison. On May 20, 2011, Garrison met with the source and sold the source 200 rounds of ammunition. On May 24, 2011, the source contacted Garrison. The two agreed to meet and Garrison provided the source with a police issued bullet proof vest. Later that same day, Garrison and the source met again at a residence on Bartlett Avenue. Garrison brought a black bag out of the residence and showed the source two handguns that were in the bag. Garrison explained that those guns were for protection but that he had other guns he could sell to the source. The source paid Garrison $3,750 in FBI funds to purchase three ounces of cocaine. Garrison told the source he would contact the source to arrange delivery of the cocaine. According to trial testimony, Garrison met with the source the next day and provided 70.7 grams of cocaine.
On May 27, 2011, a search warrant was executed at the Bartlett Avenue residence. Law enforcement agents seized a .22 LR rifle; a 30-30 caliber rifle; 9mm handgun loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition; a .22 caliber revolver; and various rounds of ammunition.
Garrison was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to his previous felony convictions.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Baltimore Police Department, Baltimore City State’s Attorney's Office, and Maryland Attorney General’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Special Assistant United States Attorney Gerald A. A. Collins, a cross-designated Maryland Assistant Attorney General assigned to exile cases, and Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin M. Block, who prosecuted the case.

Blytheville-Area Drug Traffickers Arrested

LITTLE ROCK—Christopher R. Thyer, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas; William J. Bryant, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Little Rock District Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); and Scott Ellington, District Prosecuting Attorney for the Second Judicial District of Arkansas, announced the unsealing of a 62-count indictment charging multiple defendants in Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma with multiple drug charges. An investigation into large-scale drug trafficking resulted in the arrests of 21 defendants on methamphetamine and marijuana charges Thursday. Those arrested are scheduled to appear before United States Magistrate Judge Jerome T. Kearney at 1 p.m. today. Four defendants remain at large.
“The result of many hours of investigation by dedicated law enforcement agents and officers is clear—drug traffickers will be arrested and prosecuted to the maximum extent of the law,” stated Thyer. “We continue to target the networks supplying meth across the northeastern region of Arkansas to take the dealers, the drugs, and the weapons out of our communities.”
ASAC Bryant added, “Methamphetamine continues to be the number-one drug threat to the citizens of Arkansas. As you can see in this case, it not only affects our urban areas but also our rural areas such as Manila, Arkansas. As a result of a great team effort of federal, state, and local law enforcement, this drug trafficking organization was dismantled.”
“The Arkansas State Police has made an unconditional commitment toward working with all law enforcement agencies and provide whatever resources we can to remove from our communities those individuals who provide a source of illegal drugs,” said Colonel Stan Witt.
District Attorney Ellington added, “I want to thank U.S. Attorney Chris Thyer, Bill Bryant and the DEA, Colonel Stan Witt and the Arkansas State Police, and the other federal agencies who assisted our local officers with the investigation and execution of this operation. It is good to know that when we run up against a significant distribution organization as we saw in this instance, we only have to ask for assistance and they are willing to step up and take the lead in the investigation and apprehension of those bringing methamphetamine into our community. I also want to thank our Drug Task Force for their tireless efforts in this case and every case they work.”
Yesterday, federal, state, and local law enforcement arrested 17 defendants during an early-morning operation focused in Blytheville. Roy Witherspoon, age 30, of Blytheville, was arrested Thursday night. One defendant, Renaldre Jackson, age 22, of Blytheville, was already in federal custody after pleading guilty to another drug charge. Two others, Quinton Wiencek, age 41, of Chaffee, Missouri, and Timothy Sheard, age 35, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, were in state custody on unrelated charges. Cordero Lockhart, a/k/a “KO,” age 25; Antwon Bailey, a/k/a “Pee Wheezy,” age 27; Tamika Petty, age 26; and Jamal Shontal Piggie, a/k/a “Joker,” age 27, all of Blytheville, are still at large. More than $50,000 in drug proceeds, multiple cars and motorcycles, drug paraphernalia, and several firearms were seized from multiple houses during the operation.
The DEA investigation began in late 2011 and early 2012. Multiple undercover operations and numerous law enforcement actions, including multiple seizures of methamphetamine, were conducted by the DEA and 2nd Judicial Drug Task Force.
The indictment handed down by a federal grand jury on January 7, 2014, charges 25 defendants in 62 separate counts stemming from a large-scale investigation into methamphetamine and narcotics trafficking in Northeast Arkansas. Four defendants live in Southeastern Missouri, one in Oklahoma, and one in Little Rock. The charges include conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana, aiding and abetting distribution of methamphetamine, misprision of a felony, and use of telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking crime. Twenty-four of the defendants were charged with conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. Each defendant charged with conspiracy will face a possible sentence of not less than 10 years to life imprisonment. All 25 defendants also face from one to three telephone counts, which carry a statutory sentence of not more than four years’ imprisonment.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA and the ATF Cape Girardeau Field Office, with substantial assistance from the 2nd Judicial Drug Task Force, which includes officers from the Jonesboro Police Department, Blytheville Police Department, the Osceola Police Department, Craighead County Sherriff’s Office, and the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office. Assistance was also provided by the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force, ATF Little Rock Field Office, FBI Jonesboro Resident Agency, United States Postal Inspection Service, United States Marshals Service, the Arkansas State Police, the Arkansas National Guard, and Little Rock Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Givens.
An indictment contains only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.