Camden Man Charged with Allegedly Leading a Large-Scale Crack Cocaine Network

February 16, 2012

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on February 15, 2012 released the following:

“In Related Case, Enforcer Pleads Guilty in Connection with Killing Man who Organization Members Believed Stole Their Cocaine

CAMDEN, NJ—A Camden, N.J., man who allegedly led a drug organization that distributed at least 150 kilograms of crack cocaine over a period of 17 years has been arrested and charged for his role in the operation, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Jeffrey Jones, aka “Jazzy,” 35, was charged by complaint with conspiracy to distribute cocaine base (crack cocaine) in Camden between 1990 and 2007. He made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen M. Williams in Camden federal court.

“Keeping Jeffrey Jones behind bars protects the public from a criminal charged with dispensing drugs and gun violence on the streets of Camden,” U.S. Attorney Fishman said. “As described in the complaint, Jones headed a criminal organization that for nearly two decades distributed large quantities of a deadly and addictive form of cocaine. And the guilty plea we obtained from one of Jones’ violent enforcers, Larry Reddick, removes another dangerous predator from the streets of Camden.”

According to the complaint:

Jones was a leader of a large-scale organization that distributed at least 150 kilograms of cocaine from multiple locations through the city from 1990 through 2007. Jones had recently completed a five-year federal prison sentence for conspiring to possess firearms as a convicted felon in 2007 and was arrested by FBI agents Feb. 3, 2012, in Williamsport, Pa., upon completion of that sentence.

Jones purchased kilogram quantities of cocaine, along with Mack Jones, aka “Bear,” 39, of Camden, from a cocaine dealer in Camden. Jeffrey Jones converted the powder cocaine into crack cocaine and then redistributed it to the organization’s customers from several locations in different neighborhoods in Camden, including Cramer Hill, Centerville, Whitman Park and downtown Camden. Jeffrey Jones employed multiple workers to assist him in distributing the crack cocaine and he and other members of the conspiracy carried firearms while engaged in their drug trafficking activities.

Law enforcement agents received information from at least seven different cooperating witnesses who described Jeffrey Jones’ role in the drug trafficking organization and its operations in the City of Camden. While involved in drug traffcking activities, Jeffrey Jones was previously arrested or stopped by law enforcement on the following occasions:

Jeffrey Jones was arrested in Camden on Aug. 24, 1997, after a foot chase with a Camden Police officer. At the time of his arrest, Jeffrey Jones had over 200 grams of crack cocaine and officers recovered a 9-mm semi-automatic handgun with a defaced serial number that he had discarded during the chase.

On Dec. 16, 2001, Jeffrey Jones and Mack Jones were arrested by Camden police officers after two semi-automatic handguns were recovered from their vehicle.

On June 24, 2004, Jeffrey Jones and another male were arrested by Camden Police at 9th and Central Street in Camden, one block from a drug trafficking location run by Jeffrey Jones at 8th and Central. Jeffrey Jones and the other male were found to be in possession of more than $10,000 in cash and when questioned about the money, Jeffrey Jones stated that everyone had to take losses once in a while and suggested that the officers should treat their families to a vacation on him.

On Nov. 29, 2006, Jeffrey Jones and two other males were stopped by Virginia police officers in a rental car traveling through the Commonwealth of Virginia. The vehicle was ultimately searched and recovered from the vehicle was over $93,000 in cash and nine cell phones.

On Sept. 27, 2007, Jeffrey Jones and three co-conspirators were arrested in Camden after a vehicle they were riding in was stopped by Camden police. All four males were arrested and four handguns were recovered by the police officers. Jeffrey Jones pled guilty to conspiring to possess firearms as a convicted felon and was sentenced to five years in prison.

The conspiracy count with which Jones is charged carries a minimum potential penalty of 10 years in prison, and a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $4 million fine.

In a related case, on Feb. 10, 2012, Larry Reddick, 36, a/k/a “Lac,” of Camden, appeared before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler and entered a plea of guilty to a Superseding Information charging Reddick with conspiring to distribute cocaine base in Camden with Jeffrey Jones, Mack Jones, Hashim Johnson, 31, a/k/a “Hash,” of Camden, and others from 1998 through January 2008.

Reddick was also charged with using a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in the intentional killing of Brian “Pepe” Parker on Jan. 5, 2000 at the Tioga Tavern in Camden. During the plea hearing, Reddick admitted in response to Judge Kugler’s questions that he and other members of the drug organization planned to kill Parker because they believed he was responsible for stealing a quantity of crack cocaine from a stash house in Camden in the months before his murder. Reddick admitted providing the two handguns used in the murder and waiting with his co-conspirator outside the Tioga Tavern at closing time for Parker to come outside. When Parker left the bar that night at closing time, Reddick and his co-conspirator (an unidentified member of the drug organization) chased Parker back into the bar at gunpoint and Reddick shot Parker multiple times at close range until Parker fell to the ground. Reddick and his co-conspirator then ran from the bar after the shooting.

According to the government, Reddick’s role in the drug conspiracy included acting as an armed “enforcer” for Hashim Johnson, Jeffrey Jones, and Mack Jones.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, it is being recommended to the court that Reddick be sentenced to 246 monhs in prison on each count of the superseding Information and serve 10 years of supervised release upon release from prison. Judge Kugler deferred ruling on whether to accept the plea pending completion of the pre-sentence report.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, Cherry Hill Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George Venizelos of the Philadelphia office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Camden Resident Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian R. Crowell, for the investigation which lead to these charges. He also thanked the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Warren Faulk; the Camden Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Thompson; and the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Col. Rick Fuentes, Superintendent.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick C. Askin and Howard Wiener of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”

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Douglas McNabb – McNabb Associates, P.C.’s
Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys Videos:

Federal Crimes – Be Careful

Federal Crimes – Be Proactive

Federal Crimes – Federal Indictment

Federal Crimes – Detention Hearing

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To find additional federal criminal news, please read Federal Crimes Watch Daily.

Douglas McNabb and other members of the U.S. law firm practice and write and/or report extensively on matters involving Federal Criminal Defense, INTERPOL Red Notice Removal, International Extradition and OFAC SDN Sanctions Removal.

The author of this blog is Douglas McNabb. Please feel free to contact him directly at mcnabb@mcnabbassociates.com or at one of the offices listed above.


Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Indictment Expanded

January 27, 2012

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on January 26, 2012 released the following:

“ANCHORAGE— United States Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today, January 26, 2012, that on January 20, 2012, an Anchorage grand jury expanded a previously charged drug trafficking conspiracy involving Kostas Nikolaos Bairamis, Melissa Dawn Cue, BJ Griffith, William Gilbert, and Justin Clayton Ray Lane to charge three additional defendants: Homer resident Timothy Daniel Cissney, age 33; Christopher Sean Kendrick, age 36, from California; and Aaron O’Kito Dyson, aka “Punchy,” age 37, from Washington. The indictment alleges one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C).

According to the indictment presented to the court, defendants conspired to distribute oxycodone and methadone between at least June 17, 2010, and October 5, 2010. Bairamis has been convicted of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine during a different time period and has been sentenced to served 11 years on that separate charge. Both Cue and Griffith have been previously indicted by a grand jury in the District of Nevada. Those charges remain pending.

Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Sayers-Fay, who presented the case to the grand jury, advised that the maximum penalties for conspiring to distribute oxycodone and methadone are 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, three years’ supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Alaska State Troopers conducted the investigation the led to the indictments in this case.

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 guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”

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Douglas McNabb – McNabb Associates, P.C.’s
Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys Videos:

Federal Crimes – Be Careful

Federal Crimes – Be Proactive

Federal Crimes – Federal Indictment

Federal Crimes – Detention Hearing

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To find additional federal criminal news, please read Federal Crimes Watch Daily.

Douglas McNabb and other members of the U.S. law firm practice and write and/or report extensively on matters involving Federal Criminal Defense, INTERPOL Red Notice Removal, International Extradition and OFAC SDN Sanctions Removal.

The author of this blog is Douglas McNabb. Please feel free to contact him directly at mcnabb@mcnabbassociates.com or at one of the offices listed above.


Fifteen Individuals Indicted in an Alleged Large-Scale Federal Drug Conspiracy Case

January 11, 2012

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on January 10, 2012 released the following:

“Fifteen individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Detroit on federal charges, United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced. Ms. McQuade was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Robert L. Corso, Drug Enforcement Administration; Special Agent in Charge David McCain, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Special Agent in Charge Andrew Arena, Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Special Agent in Charge Erick Martinez, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation.

Indicted were Orlando Ricardo Gordon, 32, of Franklin; Vince Jerome Shivers, 42, of Southfield; Derrick Arnold Terry, 51, of Detroit; Danta Shamu-Parker Johnson, 34, of Detroit; Darren Davon Terry, 35, of Detroit; Trenton Jordan Obamwonyi, 27, of Detroit; Tamiko Mel-Lang Hodo, 36, of Detroit; Anthony Wayne Hall, 46, of Detroit; Anton Jamaill Harris, 32, of Detroit; Ervin Kenneth Vincent, 24, of Inkster; Darnell Darryl Easterling, 48, of Detroit; Courtney Deon Shafi Strickland, 36, of Detroit; Benjamin Isaac Carter, 39, of Detroit; Erik Lee Ross, 34, of Sterling Heights; and Allen Corey Terry, 47, of Farmington Hills.

As alleged in the indictment, the conspiracy lasted for years, dating back to 2008, and involved in excess of 1,000 kilograms of marijuana, five kilograms of cocaine, and 280 grams of crack cocaine. Some of the defendants are also charged with being felons illegally possessing firearms. The narcotics trafficking conspiracy carries possible sentences of 10 years to life in prison and a $10 million fine, and the felon in possession charges carry possible sentences of up to 10 years of prison.

The investigation involved multiple federal agencies, including DEA, ATF, FBI, and IRS. The investigation included seizures of large sums of U.S. currency, including a seizure of more than $500,000 from a residence in Franklin, Michigan, large quantities of drugs, including a seizure of over 1,000 kilograms/2,200 pounds of marijuana, and multiple firearms.

United States Attorney McQuade stated that, “Large-scale drug trafficking and accompanying gun crimes create danger and fear in our neighborhoods. The coordinated efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies helped to dismantle this conspiracy.”

ATF Special Agent in Charge David McCain said, “Narcotics trafficking along with violent firearm activity destroys the families and neighborhoods in our communities. ATF along with its state, local, and federal partners will continue to aggressively pursue those violent individuals and organizations that cripple our communities with crime.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge Robert L. Corso said, “Today’s arrests are significant. These individuals directed a major marijuana and cocaine trafficking ring that operated throughout southeast Michigan. The dismantling of this organization has halted the flow of hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of illegal drugs into metropolitan Detroit. This investigation exemplifies the strong collaborative effort that exists between DEA and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, and is a positive step towards making our community safer for everyone.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Andrew G. Arena said, “Narcotics trafficking continues to plague this region and directly contributes to violence on our streets. The FBI will continue to partner with federal, state, and local law enforcement to address these issues.”

IRS Special Agent in Charge Erick Martinez said, “This indictment illustrates the seriousness behind prosecuting drug trafficking crimes. The role of IRS-CI is to take the profit out of these illegal organizations. Drug dealers pollute our neighborhoods with no regret as their actions are only fueled by greed. The seizure of their illegal proceeds, drugs, and weapons brings us one step closer to justice.”

The Detroit Police Department, the Franklin Police Department, the Troy Police Department, the Novi Police Department, the Warren Police Department, the Michigan State Police, and the U.S. Marshals Service also assisted in the investigation of the case.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.”

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Douglas McNabb – McNabb Associates, P.C.’s
Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys Videos:

Federal Crimes – Be Careful

Federal Crimes – Be Proactive

Federal Crimes – Federal Indictment

Federal Crimes – Detention Hearing

————————————————————–

To find additional federal criminal news, please read Federal Crimes Watch Daily.

Douglas McNabb and other members of the U.S. law firm practice and write and/or report extensively on matters involving Federal Criminal Defense, INTERPOL Red Notice Removal, International Extradition and OFAC SDN Sanctions Removal.

The author of this blog is Douglas McNabb. Please feel free to contact him directly at mcnabb@mcnabbassociates.com or at one of the offices listed above.


Members of a South Philadelphia Drug Trafficking Organization Arrested and Charged

September 28, 2011

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on September 27, 2011 released the following:

“PHILADELPHIA— Federal agents and Philadelphia Police officers this morning arrested 15 members of a drug trafficking organization operating out of the federally subsidized Courtyard Apartments-Riverview and other areas of South Philadelphia, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger and FBI Special Agent in Charge George C. Venizelos. A 60-count indictment unsealed this morning charges Mayoshi Sanders and his co-defendants in a drug conspiracy in which the Sanders Drug Trafficking Organization (“DTO”) peddled crack cocaine and other controlled substances within the housing development and various other locations, primarily in South Philadelphia, and used residences at the housing development as stash houses.

According to the indictment, the Sanders DTO distributed in excess of 500 grams of cocaine and 280 grams of crack cocaine between March 2009 and August 30, 2011, with Sanders obtaining his cocaine supply from co-defendant Alfred Jenkins, among others. The Sanders DTO allegedly sold drugs in and around the South Philadelphia Courtyard Apartments, including: the 500, 600 and 700 blocks of Christian Street; and the 700 block of South 4th Street. The indictment alleges that the organization’s sales were not limited to crack cocaine and sometimes included cocaine, heroin, marijuana, Oxycodone, and Alprozalam, with members at times unknowingly selling the drugs to undercover officers and individuals acting at the direction of law enforcement.

“Thanks to the successful partnership between the FBI and the Philadelphia Police Department, another significant drug trafficking organization in Philadelphia has been disrupted,” said Memeger. “The residents who reside in the area in which the Sanders DTO operated deserve to live in an area which is free from the negative quality of life consequences associated with illicit drug dealing.”

“Our partnership with the Philadelphia Police Department in these types of investigations has proven very successful,” said Venizelos. “Our goal in these cases is two-fold: to rid our communities of criminal predators who destroy the very fabric of safety and security that all law-abiding citizens deserve, and to send the clear message that we are working together to aggressively address the violent drug and gang problems that our communities face.”

“Law abiding city residents should not have to live in fear of a domino effect from illegal activity that is happening across the street, down the block, or in their own development,” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey. “Thanks to the successful working relationship between the FBI and the Philadelphia Police Department, the door is closing on another alleged drug trafficking organization.”

Charged with Sanders and Jenkins are: Tiyeak Cook, Jamal Stewart, Thomas Bowie, Elizabeth Cadogan, William Frisby, Kwane Glover, Harold Jackson, Philis McAllister, Betty Ann McKinney, Malani Sanders, Davon Stokes, Frank Wade, and Terrance Wade. In addition to the numerous drug charges, the indictment contains charges of maintaining a drug house (against Elizabeth Cadogen, Betty Ann McKinney, and Philis McAllister), unlawful use of a communication facility in furtherance of a drug crime (Sanders, Bowie, Cadogen, Cook, Frisby, Jackson, McAllister, McKinney, Malani Sanders, Stokes, Wade), and weapons offenses (Sanders, Cook).

If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of life in prison.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Violent Gang Task Force which includes members of Philadelphia Police Department’s Narcotics Field Unit North and the Philadelphia Police Department’s 3rd District. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Faithe Moore Taylor and Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Whitehead, Jr.

Information Regarding the Defendants

Name Address Age
Mayoshi Sanders Philadelphia 36
Tiyeak Cook Philadelphia 34
Jamal Stewart Philadelphia 27
Thomas Bowie Philadelphia 19
Elizabeth Cadogen Philadelphia 38
William Frisby Philadelphia 33
Kwane Glover Philadelphia 24
Harold Jackson Philadelphia 46
Alfred Jenkins Philadelphia 43
Philis McAllister Philadelphia 25
Betty Ann McKinney Philadelphia 48
Malani Sanders Philadelphia 34
Davon Stokes Philadelphia 22
Frank Wade Philadelphia 20
Terrance Wade Philadelphia 20

An indictment or information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”

To find additional federal criminal news, please read Federal Crimes Watch Daily.

Douglas McNabb and other members of the U.S. law firm practice and write and/or report extensively on matters involving Federal Criminal Defense, INTERPOL Red Notice Removal, International Extradition and OFAC SDN Sanctions Removal.

The author of this blog is Douglas McNabb. Please feel free to contact him directly at mcnabb@mcnabbassociates.com or at one of the offices listed above.

 

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Cornell Wade Sentenced in U.S. District Court in Wheeling on Federal Drug Charges

August 16, 2011

The U.S. Attorney’s Office Northern District of West Virginia on August 15, 2011 released the following:

“Wheeling Resident Sentenced on Drug Charge

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A 35 year old Wheeling, West Virginia, resident who was a key player in the Robert “R.J.” Saunders conspiracy was sentenced in United States District Court in Wheeling before Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr.

United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced that CORNELL WADE was sentenced today to 89 months imprisonment to be followed by four years of supervised release. In March WADE entered a plea of guilty to one count of a drug conspiracy involving over 500 grams of cocaine and a quantity of marijuana; one count of the aiding and abetting Saunders in the illegal use of a telephone to facilitate the distribution of cocaine on July 24, 2009, in Wheeling; and one count of aiding and abetting Saunders in the possession with intent to distribute cocaine within 1,000 feet of the Madison Elementary School on July 24, 2009, in Wheeling. For these convictions WADE received 77 months in prison, and then was given another 12 months in prison for violating his supervised release on a prior federal drug conviction, for a total of 89 months of incarceration.

As part of his plea, WADE has agreed to the forfeiture of his interest in money seized from his residence on August 27, 2009, and admitted to supplying Saunders between 1.1 and 4.4 pounds of crack cocaine between 2006 and 2009. WADE was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending designation to a Federal institution.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John C. Parr and was investigated by the Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force. The Task Force consists of officers from the Wheeling Police Department, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.”

To find additional federal criminal news, please read Federal Crimes Watch Daily.

Douglas McNabb and other members of the U.S. law firm practice and write extensively on matters involving Federal Criminal Defense, INTERPOL Red Notice Removal, International Extradition and OFAC SDN List Removal.

The author of this blog is Douglas McNabb. Please feel free to contact him directly at mcnabb@mcnabbassociates.com or at one of the offices listed above.

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Pedro Martinez III, Former Laredo Police Officer, Sentenced to Prison for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine

August 5, 2011

The U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of Texas on August 4, 2011 released the following:

“Former Laredo Police Officer Sentenced to Prison for Drug Trafficking

LAREDO, Texas – Former Laredo Police Department (LPD) officer Pedro Martinez III was sentenced to prison today by Senior U.S. District Judge George P. Kazen for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced today.

Charged along with co-conspirator Guillermo Villarreal of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, Martinez, 34, of Laredo, pleaded guilty on Feb. 17, 2010, to that offense and also to conspiring with former LPD officer, Orlando Jesus Hale, to accept bribes to escort cocaine-loaded vehicles through Laredo. Today, Judge Kazen sentenced Martinez to 78 months in federal prison to be followed by a five-year-term of supervised release.

At the time of his guilty plea, Martinez admitted that he introduced Villarreal, who he knew was engaged in trafficking cocaine, to another person for Villarreal to work out arrangements to store cocaine at the person’s residence. The residence was located near Villarreal’s residence and facilitated his cocaine trafficking activities. Villarreal made several sales of cocaine to undercover officers. Each time, Villarreal retrieved the cocaine from the storage facility owned by the person to whom Martinez had introduced him. On Sept. 29, 2009, investigating agents executed a warrant at the person’s residence located near Villarreal’s residence and seized approximately three kilograms of cocaine, a metal press used to press cocaine into kilogram-size bricks plus other narcotics trafficking paraphernalia such as scales, a blender and plastic wrap. Villarreal, who has also pleaded guilty to the drug conspiracy charge, is pending sentencing.

Martinez also admitted conspiring with former LPD officer Hale to escort cocaine-loaded vehicles through Laredo. The officers used their police-issued radios to monitor LPD dispatch traffic during the escort. In 2008, Martinez met with an FBI undercover employee (UCE) and agreed to and did escort two vehicle – on Oct. 15, 2008, and again on Nov. 13, 2008, – that he believed contained approximately 20 kilograms of actual cocaine. Hale was involved in escorting the loaded vehicle in November. During each escort, Martinez actually escorted a “sham” load of cocaine from south Zapata Highway to north Laredo. For each escort, Martinez was paid $1,000 by an FBI UCE. Hale was charged separately for his role in this conspiracy and convicted in September 2010 by a jury’s verdict following a six-day trial of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense. He was sentenced on April 19, 2011, to a total of 295 months in federal prison without parole and fined $1000.

Martinez has been permitted to remain on bond pending the issuance of a court order to surrender to a Bureau of Prisons facility to be designated in the near future where he will serve his sentence.

The investigation leading to the charges and ultimately the conviction of Martinez and the others was conducted by the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations with the cooperation of the Laredo Police Department. Former Assistant United States Attorney Samuel Sheldon and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roberto F. Ramirez and James McAlister prosecuted the case.”

To find additional federal criminal news, please read Federal Criminal Defense Daily.

Douglas McNabb and other members of the U.S. law firm practice and write extensively on matters involving Federal Criminal Defense, INTERPOL Red Notice Removal, International Extradition and OFAC SDN List Removal.

The author of this blog is Douglas McNabb. Please feel free to contact him directly at mcnabb@mcnabbassociates.com or at one of the offices listed above.

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Jury Convicts Four Hermanos Pistoleros Latinos Gang Members of Drug and Firearms Charges

June 29, 2011

U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of Texas on June 28, 2011 released the following press release:

“LAREDO, Texas – Late yesterday afternoon a federal jury convicted four members of the Hermanos Pistoleros Latinos (HPL) street gang of various charges arising from a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) sting operation, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced today.

Mark Anthony Milan, 26, Cristobal Cervantes, 28, and Luis Eduardo Alvarez, 27, all of Laredo, were found guilty of conspiracy with intent to distribute 25 kilograms of cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. A fourth defendant, Michael Porras-Castillo, 25, also of Laredo, along with Milan and Cervantes, were found guilty of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. All four defendants have been remanded into the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending their sentencing on Oct. 11, 2011. All four defendants are self-professed members of the HPL.

During trial before U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez, the jury heard testimony from ATF agents that Milan came to the attention of the ATF last year when Milan attempted to buy 25 machine guns he intended to sell in Mexico from an undercover ATF agent. That deal was called off by the ATF agent when the money was not timely produced.

However, ATF initiated a separate investigation into Milan after learning that Milan had expressed an interest in committing home invasions to a confidential source. In February 2011, Milan met with a second undercover ATF agent (UC) on three separate occasions. Each time Milan was accompanied by Cervantes. During each meeting, the UC, who posed as a disgruntled truck driver, Milan and Cervantes discussed burglarizing a residence purportedly containing 25 kilograms of cocaine. The UC was to receive five kilograms of the contraband for the information. It was agreed that the burglary would take place on March 9, 2011, and a final meeting between the UC and the defendants was set to occur on that date in advance of the operation.

On March 9, 2011, at their final meeting before executing the planned home invasion, Milan and Cervantes were accompanied by co-defendants Porras-Castillo and Alvarez. All four of the defendants were dressed all in black, with Russain SKS assault weapons, body armor, gloves, handcuffs and ski masks. The UC spoke with the four defendants briefly as they sat in their vehicle and briefly reviewed the planned invasion and drugs to be taken. As planned, before the “home invasion” could occur, other ATF agents observing the planned meeting, moved in and arrested all four defendants.

During trial, Milan and Cervantes attempted to convince the jury they had been entrapped by the UC, that is, they claimed they would not have been involved in the conspiracy had the UC not suggested it. Their attempt proved unveiling as the jury found them both guilty of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute the 25 kilograms of purported cocaine. Porras and Alvarez claimed they had been recruited to commit a home invasion to collect money which was owed and denied any knowledge of cocaine. The claim proved unavailing for Alvarez who was convicted of the drug conspiracy charge. Porras, who claimed a limited understanding of the English language, was acquitted of the drug conspiracy, but found guilty along with Milan and Cervantes of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Convicted felons are prohibited by law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Assistant United States Attorney James Ustynoski represented the United States at trial and is prosecuting the case.”

To find additional federal criminal news, please read The Federal Crimes Watch Daily.

Douglas McNabb and other members of the U.S. law firm practice and write extensively on matters involving Federal Criminal Defense, INTERPOL Red Notice Removal, International Extradition and OFAC SDN List Removal.

The author of this blog is Douglas McNabb. Please feel free to contact him directly at mcnabb@mcnabbassociates.com or at one of the offices listed above.

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North Texas Man Plead Guilty To Drug Distribution Conspiracy

April 21, 2010

Edgar Gomez-Huerta has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. His sentencing is set for September 8, 2010.

Gomez-Huerta was arrested nearly six month ago as part of a DEA-led operation targeting approximately 84 individuals accused of being associated with Mexico’s La Familia cartel. These individuals were arrested on charges outlined in 10 federal indictments and several criminal complaints.

As part of the operation, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at various locations throughout North Texas that resulted in the seizure of more than 1000 pounds of methamphetamine, 4.5 kilograms of cocaine, $660,000 in cash, 50 firearms, 53 vehicles, one boat, two all terrain vehicles, one camper, and two real properties. This was in addition to more than 650 pounds of methamphetamine, 135 kilograms of cocaine, more than 100 firearms, more than $2.4 million in U.S. currency, and more than $1 million in other assets already seized from members and customers of these organizations throughout the area.

Evidence presented during Gomez-Huerta’s detention hearing revealed that he acted as a Dallas-based cell leader and that he received shipments of methamphetamine on a monthly basis from upper level members of the “La Familia Michoacán” drug trafficking cartel. Moreover, according to plea documents filed in the case a methamphetamine and cocaine supply source began to import into the United States multi-kilogram shipments of methamphetamine and cocaine through border checkpoints near Laredo, Texas. Couriers hired by the suppliers delivered the drugs to Gomez-Huerta who then maintained care, custody and control of the drugs at various “stash” houses in the area prior to their sale. Gomez-Huerta also admitted to obtaining thousands of dollars in proceeds from the sale of drug, a well as, relying on co-conspirators to transport the cash to his supply source in Mexico.

Douglas McNabb and other members of the firm practice and write extensively on matters involving Federal Criminal Defense, Interpol Litigation, International Extradition and OFAC Litigation.

The author of this blog is Douglas McNabb. Please feel free to contact him directly at mcnabb@mcnabbassociates.com or at one of the offices listed above.

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Former ATF Agent Charged With Drug Conspiracy, Money Laundering in Oklahoma

April 11, 2010

Brandon Jay McFadden of Lubbock, Texas, has been indicted in the Northern District of Oklahoma for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana; possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute; possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense; and money laundering.

The indictment alleges that from July 2002 through September 2009, McFadden was employed as a special agent with the ATF and stationed in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In his role as a special agent, McFadden regularly investigated potential firearms and drug trafficking offenses. According to the indictment beginning in 2007, and continuing through October 2008, McFadden conspired with other individuals to distribute marijuana, powder cocaine, and methamphetamine. As part of that conspiracy, McFadden is accused of planting drug evidence on suspects; stealing drugs and money from suspects; and testifying falsely in court. The money laundering count pertains to charges that McFadden used proceeds of the drug trafficking to purchase a Chevrolet Silverado.

The drug conspiracy charges carry a potential sentence of not less than 10 years’ imprisonment and up to life. The possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute carries a potential sentence of not more than 20 years’ imprisonment. Under federal law, a conviction for carrying and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of five years’ imprisonment. Finally, the offense of money laundering is punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment.

Douglas McNabb and other members of the firm practice and write extensively on matters involving Federal Criminal Defense, Interpol Litigation, International Extradition and OFAC Litigation.

The author of this blog is Douglas McNabb. Please feel free to contact him directly at mcnabb@mcnabbassociates.com or at one of the offices listed above.

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