Thirty-Four People Charged in Connection with Takedown of Violent Drug Trafficking Organization

CAMDEN, New Jersey—Twenty-five people associated with a criminal street gang that allegedly used threats, intimidation, and violence to maintain control of the illegal drug trade in Atlantic City were arrested today in pre-dawn raids by agents of the FBI, the New Jersey State Police, and officers of the Atlantic City Police Department, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

The arrests deal a significant blow to the criminal street gang known as “Dirty Block,” a/k/a “Crime Fam,” “3.6.6.12,” or “3.6,” which allegedly operates in a geographic area of Atlantic City that includes the public housing apartment complexes of Stanley Holmes, Carver Hall, Schoolhouse, Adams Court, and Cedar Court. The defendants are scheduled to make their initial court appearances this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judges Ann Marie Donio and Karen M. Williams in Camden federal court.

“The defendants in this case created an atmosphere of fear and presented real danger to the people who shared their Atlantic City neighborhood,” U.S. Attorney Fishman said. “And they did it so that they could prosper from selling illegal drugs. The law-abiding people of New Jersey—whether they live in the suburbs, on a farm, or in the oldest housing project in New Jersey—deserve to have neighborhoods that are safe places to walk and raise their families. I really hope that today’s arrests will give them that chance.”

FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge David Velazquez said, “The Dirty Block gang had placed a community under siege and extraordinary law enforcement efforts became necessary. The collaboration of federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities have made possible the return of the community to its people.”

Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor James P. McClain said, “This operation has been an excellent example of how cooperating law enforcement can take down a criminal organization and therefore make our community safer. In Atlantic County, we will continue to work with all other available law enforcement agencies to take down those criminal groups that remain or those that might spring up to replace this one.”

The 25 defendants arrested today are among 34 people charged by complaint—including two brothers who have already been arrested and charged in connection with Atlantic City’s first homicide of 2013 and several defendants already in custody—with participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin since at least October 2012.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

An investigation using surveillance, confidential informants, controlled drug purchases, record checks, and telephone wiretaps revealed that Dirty Block acquires and distributes heroin, cocaine, and prescription drugs; maintains various stash houses and drug dens; and possesses numerous illegal firearms to maintain control of drug distribution and to intimidate, threaten, and kill rivals.

Intercepted telephone conversations reveal that two of the principal targets charged today—Mykal Derry, a/k/a “Koose,” and his brother Malik Derry, a/k/a “Lik”—conspired to murder a rival drug dealer, Tyquinn James, a/k/a “T.Y.,” and that on February 10, 2013, Malik Derry allegedly carried out the homicide. The two brothers were arrested on February 11, 2013. The intercepted conversations also describe an incident at the Tropicana Casino on December 24, 2012, in which members of the Dirty Block gang spotted members of a rival gang and attempted to obtain weapons in order to ambush them before they left the casino. Failing that, they chased down and violently assaulted their rivals.

The Dirty Block drug trafficking organization utilizes many people who performed various functions to facilitate the enterprise. These include narcotics suppliers (who sell bulk quantities of heroin at discounted prices), gang leaders (such as Mykal Derry and Tyrone Ellis, a/k/a “Rome”), enforcers or “shooters,” distributors, dealers, runners, couriers, facilitators (who provide cars, phones, locations, and money laundering services), and testers (who ingest narcotics, at the request of a distributor, in order to assess quality).

Mykal Derry, a Dirty Block gang leader and mid-level heroin distributor, has used several conspirators, who are also charged in the complaint, to store drugs, money, and weapons in their homes and to acquire narcotics from higher-level suppliers for distribution in the Atlantic City area. Derry distributed more than a kilogram of heroin to street buyers in quantities referred to as “bricks” (or “walls”), “bundles,” and “bands” (or “rubber bands”). This heroin was marketed using numerous “stamps” that suppliers, distributors, and dealers use to brand their product.

Mykal Derry, along with Ellis, and their conspirators frequently possessed firearms, despite prior felony convictions prohibiting such possession, in furtherance of the conspiracy’s goals. On two separate occasions in October 2012, Derry and other co-conspirators—all previously convicted felons—photographed themselves, and were observed and video recorded, holding, loading, and using firearms at the Shore Shot shooting range in Lakewood, New Jersey.

Defendants Maurice Thomas and Mark Frye were the primary heroin suppliers to Mykal Derry and Tyrone Ellis, providing them with more than a thousand bricks of heroin between October 2012 and February 2013. Wiretaps revealed that Derry and Ellis are but two of Thomas’ and Frye’s customers. Thomas and Frye are believed to be leaders of a sophisticated drug trafficking organization that has multiple lines of supply and uses multiple subjects who meet with customers and distribute large quantities of heroin from multiple tower style apartment buildings on multiple floors. Thomas and Frye were both intercepted over the wiretaps arranging and conducting drug transactions with both Derry and Ellis.

Following Hurricane Sandy in late October 2012, conspirators defrauded the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by lying about the extent of damage they sustained and provided an address for the receipt of FEMA disaster relief funds that was a storage location used for drug trafficking.

Dirty Block was able to secure the release of its members from prison with the services of a corrupt bail bondsman, identified in the complaint as “P.J.L.,” who is employed at Rapid Bail Bonds in Atlantic City. P.J.L. assisted Mykal Derry and other Dirty Block members by procuring fraudulent evidence of employment in order for individuals to act as co-signers of bonds. Derry also has provided P.J.L. with heroin, which intercepted communications reveal was used by P.J.L. for resale.

Despite its specialization in the supply of heroin, Dirty Block members abused various prescription medications and occasionally supplied cocaine as well. On one occasion, one of Mykal Derry’s couriers, Ambrin Qureshi, advised him that she had access to Roxicet prescription medication: “My peoples got a line on pure Roxy straight from the pharmaceutical company, uncut. Raw...”

Intercepted communications also revealed the fascination of several conspirators with “The Wire,” the popular HBO series (2002 to 2008) about the wiretap of a Baltimore-based drug conspiracy. In one conversation between Mykal Derry and his younger brother Malik, Mykal said that he was watching “The Wire” at the time, to which Malik responded that he, too, was watching “The Wire,” and, like Mykal, had “all the seasons.”

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI’s Newark Division, Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Velazquez; the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor McClain; the Atlantic City Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief Ernest Jubilee and Public Safety Director William R. Glass; and the South Jersey Safe Streets Violent Incident and Gang (Safe Streets) Task Force, with the investigation leading to today’s arrests.

He also thanked the New Jersey State Police; the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Northfield Police Department; the Vineland Police Department; the Brigantine Police Department; the Millville Police Department; the Mullica Township Police Department; the South Jersey Transportation Authority; and the U.S. Secret Service for their contributions.

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

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendants:

Name	Age	Residence	Role
Ibn Abdullah	20	Pleasantville, New Jersey	Enforcer/dealer
Kamal Allen	25	Atlantic City, New Jersey	Enforcer/dealer
Rashada Allen	26	Atlantic City, New Jersey	Facililtator
Kareem Bailey	19	Atlantic City, New Jersey	Dealer/youngin’
Wanda Bishop	32	Atlantic City, New Jersey	Distributor
Wallace Boston	61	Atlantic City, New Jersey	Dealer
Jodi Brown	40	Atlantic City, New Jersey	Facilitator/dealer/tester
Latasha Cherry	29	Millville, New Jersey	Facilitator/courier
Ronald Davis	27	Atlantic City, New Jersey	Dealer
Terry Davis	24	Atlantic City, New Jersey	Enforcer/dealer
Malik Derry	22	Atlantic City, New Jersey	Enforcer/distributor
Mykal Derry	32	Atlantic City, New Jersey	Leader/distributor
Quasim Duncan	19	Mays Landing, New Jersey	Dealer
Tyrone Ellis	31	Galloway, New Jersey	Leader/distributor
Mark Frye	32	Paterson, New Jersey	Supplier
Jeffrey Harvey	28	Collings Lakes, New Jersey	Distributor
Kasan Hayes	26	Atlantic City, New Jersey	Dealer/runner/youngin’
Ronald Johnson	29	Atlantic City, New Jersey	Distributor
Raymond Mack	19	Atlantic City, New Jersey	Dealer/youngin’
Lamar Macon	24	Atlantic City, New Jersey	Dealer/runner/youngin’
Ambrin Qureshi	32	Atlantic City, New Jersey	Courier/runner/facilitator
Franklin Simms	29	Atlantic City, New Jersey	Distributor/facilitator
Kimberly Spellman	31	Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey	Courier/runner/facilitator
Laquay Spence	22	Atlantic City, New Jersey	Dealer/runner/youngin’
Shaamel Spencer	29	Atlantic City, New Jersey	Enforcer/dealer
Rayshell Strong	32	Atlantic City, New Jersey	Distributor/courier/facilitator
Patricia Taylor	33	Atlantic City, New Jersey	Distributor
Maurice Thomas	31	Paterson, New Jersey	Supplier
Aree Toulson	24	Atlantic City, New Jersey	Distributor
Dwayne Townsend	19	Atlantic City, New Jersey	Dealer/runner/youngin’
Tiarrah Turner	23	Atlantic City, New Jersey	Courier
Dominique Venable	23	Atlantic City, New Jersey	Dealer/runner/youngin’
Kareem Young	20	Absecon, New Jersey	Dealer/youngin’
Saeed Zaffa	23	Atlantic City, New Jersey	Distributor

Mercer County Woman Admits Role in Oxycodone Ring

TRENTON, NJ—A Mercer County, New Jersey woman today admitted she conspired with Joseph “JoJo” Giorgianni, Charles Hall, III, and others to illegally distribute oxycodone pain pills, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Stephanie Lima, 41, of Yardville, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court to an information charging her with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute oxycodone.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Between August 2011 and September 2011, Lima agreed with Hall, Carol Kounitz, and Giorgianni to obtain oxycodone from a doctor and distribute that oxycodone in exchange for payment. On August 17, 2011, Lima traveled with Kounitz and Hall to a doctor in Nutley, New Jersey. Lima admitted that during this trip she tried to attend an appointment with the doctor in order to obtain a prescription for oxycodone pills but was unsuccessful. Kounitz obtained a prescription for oxycodone on August 17, 2011, and Lima admitted that she and Kounitz filled this prescription and provided the pills to Hall for distribution.
Lima and Kounitz, in coordination with Hall, made a second trip to the doctor on September 14, 2011, during which Lima obtained a prescription for 120 15-mg oxycodone pills, and Kounitz obtained a prescription for 120 30-mg oxycodone pills. Lima admitted that she and Kounitz later filled those prescriptions and provided the pills to Hall in exchange for payment. Lima understood Giorgianni to be overseeing the sale of the oxycodone that she and Kounitz provided to Hall.
The drug conspiracy charge is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for July 2, 2013.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI’s Trenton Resident Agency, Newark Field Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge David Velazquez, for the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric W. Moran and Matthew J. Skahill of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Special Prosecutions Division in Trenton and Camden, respectively.

Hartford Crack Dealer Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Federal Prison

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Derrick Bailey, also known as “Fry,” 44, of Hartford, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 105 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
This matter stems from Operation Vinefield, a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in Hartford’s North End. As a result of the nine-month investigation, 38 individuals were charged with various offenses related to the distribution of crack cocaine and the unlawful possession and dealing of firearms in and around Hartford. The investigation revealed that Bailey distributed crack cocaine to co-defendants who redistributed the drug to numerous street-level dealers, including gang members, in the area of Enfield Street in Hartford.
Bailey’s criminal history includes multiple narcotics-related felony convictions, as well as a firearms conviction.
Bailey has been detained since his arrest on May 9, 2012. On January 2, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, the Connecticut State Police, the Hartford Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

Calexico Resident Sentenced to 216 Months in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

United States Attorney Laura E. Duffy announced that Alejandro Avilla-Soto was sentenced on Monday, March 11, 2013, before the Honorable Judge Roger T. Benitez, United States District Court Judge to serve 216 months in federal prison based on his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams of methamphetamine, a Schedule II Controlled Substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846.
In his guilty plea, Avilla-Soto admitted to engaging in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from his residence in Calexico, California. According to court documents, the defendant’s source of supply fronted the methamphetamine and allowed the defendant to pay for a portion of the drugs and the rest after it was sold. The defendant entered his guilty plea on July 2, 2012, and has been in custody since his arrest by FBI agents on January 20, 2012.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI Imperial County Safe Streets Task Force, a group of federal, state, and local law enforcement agents led by the FBI, investigating narcotics distribution and gang investigations.
Defendants in Case Number 12CR0542BEN
Alejandro Avila-Soto
Summary of Charges
Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846-conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance (methamphetamine)
Investigating Agencies
Federal Bureau of Investigation
United States Border Patrol
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations

Drug Trafficker Linked to Hells Angels Sentenced to 21 Years

United States Attorney Laura E. Duffy announced that David Raymond Garcia, a methamphetamine dealer and associate of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to serve 262 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. At today’s hearing, U.S. District Judge Marilyn L. Huff also sentenced Jason Scanlon, another methamphetamine supplier charged in the case, to serve 188 months in custody. These two defendants were prosecuted as part of an FBI Violent Crimes Task Force investigation that ultimately resulted in 36 defendants being charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents and information provided at the sentencing hearing by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew G. Schopler, Garcia supplied drugs to or employed at least 20 co-defendants (and Scanlon at least four co-defendants) during the course of the investigation into methamphetamine trafficking and violent crimes committed by the San Diego Chapter of the Hells Angels and their criminal partners. Court documents also show that Garcia and co-defendant Michael Ottinger, Jr., the Sergeant-at-Arms for the Hells Angels, used violent force and intimidation to control the methamphetamine trade in San Diego. On December 3, 2012, Judge Huff sentenced Ottinger for his role in the methamphetamine conspiracy to serve 262 months in federal prison. Ottinger still faces murder charges in state court relating to the 2010 murder of a rival member of the Mongols motorcycle gang.
U.S. District Judge Marilyn L. Huff found both Garcia and Scanlon to be career offenders under federal law. This offense is Garcia’s ninth felony conviction, including eight drug felonies and one felony for forging an access card to commit fraud. Scanlon now has ten felony convictions, including eight drug felonies, one felony for receiving stolen property, and one felony for evading a peace officer.
United States Attorney Duffy stated, “Individuals involved in the drug trade not only proliferate the spread of dangerous narcotics in our society, but they also destabilize our communities with violence and related criminal activities. Our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners on the task force have done the San Diego community a great service by taking these dangerous offenders off the street.”
Defendants Case Number: 10CR5016-H
David Raymond Garcia, Age: 43
Jason Alex Scanlon, Age: 42
Summary of Charges
Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine-Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846
Agencies
Federal Bureau of Investigation
San Diego Police Department
San Diego County Probation Department
Oceanside Police Department
National City Police Department
Chula Vista Police Department
San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
Summary of Sentences in Criminal Case: 10cr5016-H
Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine-Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846

Name	Sentence
Michael Edward Ottinger, Jr.	262 months
David Raymond Garcia	262 months
Martin Francisco Moreno	120 months
Hugo Gomez Flores	120 months
Rory Cruz Flanigan	70 months
Jason Alex Scanlon	188 months
Eduardo Andres Sarquiz	41 months
Juan Antonio Mendez	115 months
William Manuel Castellano	92 months
Daniel Joseph Seiler	87 months
Cynthia Marie Stephan	78 months
Matthew Joseph Mooney	84 months
Darrel Lee Cooper	60 months
Robert Blaine Hodges	48 months
Mercedes Ciara Nina Cornejo	77 months
Bruce Kevin Lambert	70 months
Jason Michael Bradford	60 months
Douglas Edward Witcher	63 months
Phalen Farber	40 months
Derek Ralph Low	77 months
Mary Elizabeth Saber	92 months
Anthony James Medvec	30 months
Andre Guy Almeraz	46 months

Summary of sentences for illegal use of a communication facility to facilitate meth trafficking-Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b):
Martin Thomas Forschner: 30 months
Patrick James Haggerty: 46 months
Law enforcement continues to seek the public’s assistance in locating fugitive defendant Ernesto Verdugo, Jr. Anyone with information regarding this fugitive may contact the FBI at (858) 565-1255.

Wife of Nuestra Familia Gang Leader Pleads Guilty in Ongoing Nuestra Familia Drug Trafficking Prosecution

SACRAMENTO, CA—Carolyn Huerta, 37, of Castroville, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to traffic methamphetamine, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
This case is the product of an investigation by the FBI’s Stockton Violent Crime Task Force, the San Joaquin County Metropolitan Narcotics Task Force (METRO), the Stockton Police Department, the Salinas Police Department, the Watsonville Police Department, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Department, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation into the activities of the Nuestra Familia (NF), a violent Hispanic prison gang based within the California and federal prison systems whose members exert control over street-level Norteño gang members engaged in drug trafficking and violent crime. Assistant United States Attorneys Jason Hitt and William S. Wong are prosecuting the case.
According to court documents, Huerta is the wife of a Nuestra Familia general Joseph “Pinky” Hernandez. Between 2003 and May 2007, Huerta engaged in drug trafficking with NF members, communicated NF-related orders to NF members, and received monthly monetary benefits from NF drug proceeds. Huerta provided a vital communications link to incarcerated NF generals. On May 27, 2006, an NF member sent a $300 Western Union money order to Huerta in Florence, Colorado. That same day, Huerta entered the Supermax prison in Colorado to visit Hernandez in an effort to obtain coded communications for the Salinas regiment. The meeting was ultimately unsuccessful because of the significant security measures in place at the facility. Huerta’s travel expenses for this trip were paid using NF drug money.
According to court documents, in 2004, Huerta would occasionally receive four ounces of methamphetamine from the NF’s Salinas regiment. She was given the methamphetamine without charge. This permitted Huerta to make money from methamphetamine sales without paying back any costs associated with the drugs. Huerta received the NF drug proceeds and methamphetamine as a fee for facilitating communication between her husband and others. Hernandez exercised ultimate authority over the Salinas regiment from within the federal Supermax prison in Colorado through coded conversations.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF Program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multi-level attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. 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.
Huerta is scheduled to be sentenced on June 24, 2013, by United States District Judge William B. Shubb. She faces a sentence of 10 years to life in prison and a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory sentencing factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

Hells Angels Members Convicted of Racketeering Conspiracy for Their Dealings with Drugs, Guns, Armed Robbery, and Money Laundering

COLUMBIA, SC—United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated that 15 members and associates of the Hells Angels have been convicted of crimes related to a RICO conspiracy. Most recently, a federal jury found three members of the Hells Angels—Hells Angels Charter President Mark Baker (a/k/a Lightening) and full-patch Hells Angels members David Oiler (a/k/a Gravel Dave) and Bruce Long (a/k/a Bruce-Bruce)—guilty of racketeering conspiracy (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, also known as RICO-18 U.S.C. §1962), drug trafficking, money laundering, and firearm offenses. Previously, six members and associates of the Hells Angels pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy. Additionally, six other individuals pleaded guilty to related charges. In the coming months, these defendants will be sentenced by Federal District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie.
Members and associates of the Hells Angels South Carolina Nomads Charter operated in Lexington and Rock Hill, South Carolina. As part of the coordinated criminal activity, the group engaged in narcotics trafficking, narcotics conspiracy, money laundering, firearms trafficking, use of firearms in relation to crimes of violence and drug trafficking, attempted armed robbery, and other offenses. The Hells Angels Charter’s leadership coordinated the criminal activity and received a kickback or cut of the illicit proceeds generated by members and associates of the Hells Angels. As Baker explained in recordings, members of the Hells Angels were supposed to pay a cut of their profits from illegal activity to Baker as the president of the Hells Angels Charter.
The investigation’s initial insight into the Hells Angels’ drug trafficking came through Dan Bifield (a/k/a Diamond Dan) supplying cocaine and to an individual cooperating with law enforcement. After arranging the cocaine deal in various calls and meetings, Dan Bifield and his wife, Lisa Bifield, first supplied cocaine in July 2011, along with bath salts to be mixed with the cocaine. After the first cocaine deal, Dan and Lisa Bifield again arranged to supply cocaine on August 5, 2011, through Dan Bifield’s cocaine supplier (fellow Hells Angels member Bruce Long). As Long had recently become a full-patch member of the Hells Angels, Bifield turned over the cocaine supply relationship to Long, requiring only that Bifield and the Hells Angels get a cut of the profits. Long then supplied the cooperator with cocaine throughout September, October, November, and December 2011.
In addition to Long, Hells Angels member David Oiler supplied methamphetamine and cocaine. Oiler provided more than a pound of high-quality methamphetamine to the cooperator in 2011 and 2012. Furthermore, Oiler offered to supply larger quantities of narcotics on numerous occasions. Oiler’s primary supplier was Kerry Chitwood. Chitwood and Oiler’s relationship dated back to their joint membership in the outlaw motorcycle gang, the Southern Gentlemen, based in Gastonia, North Carolina. Even after Oiler left the Southern Gentlemen to join the Hells Angels, Chitwood supplied drugs to Oiler. As captured through wiretaps and surveillance, Chitwood also supplied drugs to Hells Angels Chapter President Mark Baker, which Baker then distributed to others. Oiler also attempted to obtain cocaine through another member of the Southern Gentleman, Ronald Byrum.
Along with the cocaine and methamphetamine, members of this drug conspiracy also trafficked in prescription pain pills. Mark Baker arranged for fellow Hells Angels member Frank Enriquez (a/k/a Big Frank) to supply Percocet (oxycodone) pills to an individual cooperating with law enforcement, which Enriquez did.
The drug conspiracy was not limited to actually distributing cocaine, methamphetamine, and pills but also included a law enforcement sting in which the Hells Angels and their associates sold firearms to an informant believing the firearms were to be used in armed robberies of drug dealers. Moreover, the alleged proceeds from the law enforcement sting were then laundered by Bifield, Baker, Long, Oiler, and James Rhodus, a Hells Angels prospect.
The Hells Angels and their associates supplied a substantial number of firearms to the informant, knowing both that the informant was a felon and that the firearms were going to be used in the planned drug robbery. In total the group (though the actions of Pryor, Oiler, Long, Bifield, Keach, and others), supplied more than forty firearms, including assault rifles with extended magazines, a machinegun, silencers, and various other firearms. These firearms were all taken off the street by the coordinated sting operation by law enforcement.
After a month-long trial, the jury convicted Mark Baker of RICO conspiracy, narcotics conspiracy, and money laundering; David Oiler of RICO conspiracy, narcotics conspiracy, various counts of narcotics distribution and attempted distribution, money laundering, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and a crime of violence, and illegal possession of a machine-gun and silencer; and Bruce Long of RICO conspiracy, narcotics conspiracy, various counts of narcotics distribution and attempted distribution, money laundering, and sale of firearms for use in drug trafficking and a crime of violence. Based on these charges and the substantial drug weights found by the jury, each of these defendants face a maximum sentence of life and a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 10 years in federal prison.
Previously, six defendants pleaded guilty to a racketeering conspiracy: Dan Bifield (a/k/a Diamond Dan), Richard Thrower (a/k/a Little Mark, a/k/a Rat), David Pryor (a/k/a Yard Owl), Fred Keach (a/k/a Big Fred), Frank Enriquez (a/k/a Big Frank), and Johanna Looper. Each of these defendants faces up to 20 years in prison. Three defendants had pleaded guilty to a narcotics conspiracy: Kerry Chitwood (a/k/a Gowilla), Ron Byrum (a/k/a Big Ron), and Trent Brown. Chitwood faces a maximum sentence of life and a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years; Byrum faces a maximum sentence of life; and Brown faces up to forty years in prison. Lisa Bifield pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and a crime of violence and faces a maximum of life in prison and a mandatory minimum of five years. James Rhodus (a/k/a Sonny) pleaded guilty to money laundering and Bruce Wilson (a/k/a Diesel) pleaded guilty to selling a firearm to a known felon. Rhodus faces up to 20 years, while Wilson faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
This multi-agency investigation began in response to community concerns about the infiltration of the Rock Hill community by outlaw motorcycle gangs and the brewing violence developing between members of rival outlaw motorcycle gangs—the Hells Angels and the American Outlaws Association. Ultimately, that investigation—through cooperating individuals, surveillance, search warrants, court-authorized wiretaps, consensual recordings, controlled buys, stings, and other investigative techniques—provided a window into the Hells Angels criminal activities. This joint investigation included members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Lexington Police Department; Lexington County Sheriff’s Department; York County Sheriff’s Office; Rock Hill Police Department; and the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jay Richardson and Jim May.

Member of National Drug Organization Sentenced

NEWPORT NEWS, VA—Kevin Gerald Forde, aka “Miami Kev,” 38, of Newport News, Virginia, was sentenced today to 300 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for his participation in a complex drug trafficking organization operating between New York, California, and the Virginia Peninsula.
Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Mythili Raman, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division, made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge Mark S. Davis.
Forde was found guilty by a federal jury on November 7, 2012, and convicted of drug conspiracy, distribution of cocaine, and illegal use of a communication device.
Forde was charged, along with several co-defendants, in a superseding indictment returned on August 15, 2012. According to court documents and evidence presented in court, suppliers of multi-kilogram quantities of illegal drugs in New York, California, Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas distributed cocaine and marijuana to leaders of the long-running organization for further distribution on the Virginia Peninsula. Forde was part of a sophisticated drug network that supplied the Thug Relations street gang, which was located primarily in the Aqueduct Apartments and Warwick Lawn Apartments in the Denbigh area of Newport News. Beginning in 1999 until his arrest in 2011, Forde was a buyer and seller of cocaine and crack cocaine who participated in hundreds of transactions with numerous individuals that involved a wide range of quantities.
This case was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Virginia State Police, the Newport News Police Department, the Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, and Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Hurt and Trial Attorney Louis Crisostomo of the Organized Crime and Gang Section in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.justice.gov/usao/vae.

Former City of Miami Police Sergeant Sentenced on Civil Rights Violations, Narcotics Distribution Conspiracy, and Obstruction of Justice Charges

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; Michael B. Steinbach, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office; and Manuel Orosa, Chief, City of Miami Police Department (MPD), announced the March 22, 2013 sentencing of defendant Raul Iglesias, 40, of Miami, Florida, a former City of Miami police sergeant, following his January 2013 conviction on eight counts, including two civil rights violations, conspiracy to possess and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine, obstruction of justice, and making false official statements. U.S. District Judge Cecilia Altonaga sentenced Iglesias to 48 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
Iglesias was convicted in January 2013, following a two-week trial. According to the evidence presented at trial, Iglesias, in his capacity as a supervisor of an anti-narcotics unit in the City of Miami Police Department, planted cocaine on a subject, stole drugs and money from other subjects, obstructed justice, and made false statements to federal investigators.
The prosecution is the result of a joint investigation by the City of Miami Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit and the FBI’s Public Corruption Squad. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ricardo Del Toro and Michael Berger.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.

Operation Crystal Clear Results in Charges Against 24 Defendants as Part of Investigation into Drug Trafficking in Arkansas and Texas

MAGNOLIA, AR—Conner Eldridge, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas; Randall Coleman, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI; and Ian Vickery, Prosecuting Attorney for the 13th Judicial District of Arkansas, announced today that 24 individuals have been charged with state and federal crimes involving large scale drug trafficking of methamphetamine in Waldo and Magnolia, Arkansas, and surrounding areas. The investigation, known as Operation Crystal Clear, resulted in 16 arrests today by local, state, and federal law enforcement as part of a roundup of the charged defendants. The drug trafficking activity involved a large area of Southwest Arkansas and reaches into Texas, including Texarkana and Dallas.
In addition to the arrests, five search warrants were executed in Waldo, Magnolia, Dallas, Texas, and Desoto, Texas. According to allegations in the indictment and information in other documents filed in court, the investigation has been on-going since early 2012. The investigation included controlled purchases of methamphetamine, surveillance and monitoring, and other investigative techniques. During the course of the investigation, over three pounds of methamphetamine, five firearms, and approximately $150,000 in cash were seized. As alleged in the indictment, the organization was involved in distributing pound quantities of methamphetamine in Southwest Arkansas and Texas.
United States Attorney Eldridge commented, “Working together, we remain focused on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting drug trafficking organizations in South Arkansas and throughout the Western District. Those who bring this illegal activity onto our streets threaten our communities. We will continue to work to ensure that those who choose to traffic in drugs and participate in associated illegal activity are held accountable so that Arkansans can have confidence that our streets are safe. I thank the dedicated members of local, state, and federal law enforcement who have worked together tirelessly in this effort.”
“Today’s Operation Crystal Clear is an example of what a strong group of dedicated partners in law enforcement can accomplish when working together to combat violent crime in our local Arkansas communities,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Randall Coleman. “Working together on our Safe Streets Task Force, we will continue to disrupt and dismantle those groups who choose to conduct their illegal drug and firearms trafficking activities here.”
Prosecuting Attorney Ian Vickery said, “We all know that the damage from drugs is suffered locally by our families and communities, but the business of drug trafficking is national, if not international; so this 13th Judicial District is especially grateful for the multi-state leadership and support provided this district by the FBI, the Department of Justice, and U.S. Attorney Conner Eldridge in our fight against drug crimes.”
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney David Butler added, “The 13th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is proud of the state and federal agencies who have worked together to arrest several upper-level methamphetamine dealers. This operation will put a big dent in the amount of methamphetamine being distributed into Camden, Magnolia, and El Dorado. Operation Crystal Clear is a result of the collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s office and the Columbia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office in prosecuting this case.”
The federal defendants arrested will appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry Bryant in federal court in El Dorado. The state defendants arrested will appear before Judge Larry Chandler in Columbia County Circuit Court in Magnolia.
The federal defendants arrested today in the case are as follows: Curtis Cole, age 45, of Waldo; Courtney Loudermill, age 34, of Waldo; Jamie Martin, age 33, of Waldo; Claudie Miller Jr., age 40, of Dallas, Texas; Lee Williams, age 40, of Magnolia; and Eric Wyrick, age 34, of Texarkana, Texas. Four federal defendants remain fugitives. The defendants face a penalty of up to 20 years in prison for the distribution of methamphetamine. The most serious charges for distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and for conspiracy to distribute more than 280 grams of crack cocaine have maximum penalties of life in prison.
The state defendants arrested today in this case are as follows: Steven Atkinson, of Waldo; Johnny Carter, of Magnolia; Brandon Chambliss, age 33, of Magnolia; Samuel Cogbill, age 29, of Waldo; Michael Hunter, age 36 of Waldo; Mario Meadows, age 23, of Magnolia; Sammy Otwell, of Magnolia; Ricardo Walker, age 21, of Waldo; Jarrod Wilson, of Magnolia; and John Woodward. Four state defendants remain fugitives.
Operation Crystal Clear is a joint operation between the Little Rock FBI Division and El Dorado RA Safe Streets Task Force, which consists of the El Dorado Police Department; Union County Sheriff’s Department; Magnolia Police Department; Columbia County Sheriff’s Department; Camden Police Department; Ouachita County Sheriff’s Office; Crossett Police Department; Arkansas State Police; and Southern Arkansas University Police Department. Other agencies assisting with the operation include: the U.S. Marshals Service; Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office; FBI Texarkana, Texas Resident Agency; Dallas FBI Division; and the Bi-State Narcotics Task Force, which consists of Texarkana, Arkansas and Texas Police Departments and the Miller County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Quinn and Jonathan Ross are prosecuting the case for the Western District of Arkansas.
An indictment is merely an accusation. An arrest warrant represents a finding of probable cause. A person is presumed innocent unless or until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Seven Nuestra Familia Gang Members and Associates Arrested on Federal Drug Trafficking Charges

FRESNO, CA—Federal, state, and local agents arrested eight Nuestra Familia gang members and associates on federal drug trafficking charges and served six federal search warrants in a two-day operation as part of a coordinated law enforcement operation targeting the criminal gang Nuestra Familia. In addition, six defendants were arrested on state warrants.
The operation was announced by United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Herbert M. Brown.
“This Central Valley Gang Impact Task Force operation exemplifies how multi-jurisdictional, collaborative FBI Safe Streets Task Forces successfully investigate and disrupt violent criminal gang activity in our communities,” said Herbert M. Brown, Special Agent in Charge of the Sacramento FBI. “Takedowns such as the effort in Modesto and Turlock today demonstrate the commitment of the FBI and its task force partners to improving of the quality of life in our communities by removing individuals who traffic dangerous drugs and commit violent crimes from our streets.”
This operation is the product of joint investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Probation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Central Valley Gang Impact Task Force, the California Highway Patrol, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and their Special Services Unit, the Police Departments of Ceres Turlock and Modesto, the Sheriff’s Departments of Merced and Stanislaus Counties, the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, and the Stanislaus County Probation Department.
This case is the product of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a focused multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force investigating and prosecuting the most significant drug trafficking organizations throughout the United States by leveraging the combined expertise of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
The following defendants were arrested following indictments by a federal grand jury on March 7, 2013, charging them with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and various other drug trafficking offenses:

• Gary Romero, aka Pizza, aka Cesar, aka Pepperoni, 47, of Stockton (arrested Saturday)
• Joe Anthony Gomez Felix, aka Gator, aka Bullet, 33, of Modesto (arrested on Tuesday)
• Danny Richard Edwin Brown, aka D-boy, 37, of Modesto (arrested on Tuesday)
• Salvador Raymond Deleon Rodriguez, aka Sal, aka Fat Shark, 37, of Ceres (arrested today)
• Maximilano Sanchez, aka Max, 38, of Turlock (arrested today)
• Victor Barrajas Arriola, aka Twinky, 32, of Ceres (arrested today)
• Jesse Israel Alarcon, 23, of Modesto (arrested on Tuesday).

Carlos Lopez, 45, Turlock, was arrested in December 2012 on an indictment filed on December 5, 2012, that charged him with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, the defendants are alleged members of the Nuestra Familia prison gang or Norteño gang. Court documents allege that the defendants engaged in a variety of violent crimes in violation of federal and state law including homicide, attempted homicide, home invasion, burglary, and methamphetamine trafficking.
The maximum statutory penalty for a violation of the various drug trafficking offenses is 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine. Some of the defendants may face life in prison and a $10 million fine. The actual sentences, however, would 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.
The charges are only allegations, and the defendants presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Mercer County Woman Admits Involvement in Trenton Oxycodone Ring

TRENTON—A Mercer County, New Jersey woman today admitted her role in conspiring with Joseph “JoJo” Giorgianni, Charles Hall, III, and others to illegally distribute oxycodone pain pills, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Carol M. Kounitz, 57, of Hamilton, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court to an information charging her with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Between August 2011 and September 2011, Carol M. Kounitz agreed with Charles Hall, III, Stephanie Lima, and Joseph A. Giorgianni to obtain oxycodone from a doctor in exchange for payment. In coordination with Hall, on August 17, 2011, Kounitz went to a Nutley, New Jersey doctor and obtained a prescription for 120 15-milligram oxycodone pills for resale. Kounitz and Lima later filled that prescription and gave the pills to Hall in exchange for payment. Kounitz, Hall, and Lima made a second trip to the doctor on September 14, 2011, during which she obtained a prescription for 120 30-milligram oxycodone pills, and Lima obtained a prescription for 120 15-milligram oxycodone pills. Kounitz and Lima later filled those prescriptions and provided the pills to Hall in exchange for payment. Kounitz understood Giorgianni to be overseeing the sale of the oxycodone that she and Lima provided to Hall.
The drug conspiracy count to which Kounitz pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for June 26, 2013.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI’s Newark Field Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge David Velazquez, for the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric W. Moran and Matthew J. Skahill of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Special Prosecutions Division in Trenton and Camden, respectively.

Rhode Island Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Narcotics Offense

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Edward Prezioso, also known as “Wu Loc,” 25, of Westerly, Rhode Island, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release. On December 14, 2012, Prezioso pleaded guilty to one count of using a telephone to facilitate a narcotics felony.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, the New Haven Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police into drug distribution and related violence allegedly being committed by members and associates of the Grape Street Crips in New Haven.
On February 6, 2012, Prezioso was intercepted over a court-authorized wiretap discussing the acquisition and distribution of crack cocaine with a co-defendant in New Haven.
On April 9, 2012, a grand jury returned an indictment charging 18 individuals, including Prezioso, with narcotics distribution offenses stemming from this investigation. To date, nine of the defendants have pleaded guilty. The other nine defendants are detained while awaiting trial.
With respect to the defendants awaiting trial, U.S. Attorney Fein stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was being investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, which includes officers from the New Haven, Hamden and Milford Police Departments, and the State of Connecticut Department of Correction. The investigation was significantly assisted by the Connecticut State Police, the United States Marshals Service, and the Westerly (Rhode Island) Police Department.
The investigation was funded in significant part by the United States Attorney’s Office Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and supported by the Office’s Project Safe Neighborhoods and Anti-Gang programs.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony Kaplan and Gordon Hall.

New Haven Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Distributing Crack

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Derrick Brock, also known as “Easy,” 26, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. On November 6, 2012, Brock pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack cocaine).
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, the New Haven Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police into drug distribution and related violence allegedly being committed by members and associates of the Grape Street Crips in New Haven. During the investigation, Brock, who was identified as a member of the Grape Street Crips, was intercepted over a court-authorized wiretap discussing the acquisition and distribution of crack cocaine with co-defendants in New Haven and Rhode Island.
Brock was ordered not to associate with any of his co-defendants during his term of supervised release.
On April 9, 2012, a grand jury returned an indictment charging 18 individuals, including Brock, with narcotics distribution offenses stemming from this investigation. To date, nine of the defendants have pleaded guilty. The other nine defendants are detained while awaiting trial.
With respect to the defendants awaiting trial, U.S. Attorney Fein stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was being investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, which includes officers from the New Haven, Hamden, and Milford Police Departments and the State of Connecticut Department of Correction. The investigation was significantly assisted by the Connecticut State Police, the United States Marshals Service, and the Westerly (Rhode Island) Police Department.
The investigation was funded in significant part by the United States Attorney’s Office Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and supported by the Office’s Project Safe Neighborhoods and Anti-Gang programs.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and H. Gordon Hall.

Pierce County Man Sentenced to 72 Months in Prison for Interstate Prostitution and Money Laundering Conspiracies and Tax Fraud

A Milton, Washington man who owned a Federal Way Korean bar where Korean National women were promoted for prostitution was sentenced today to 72 months in prison and five years of supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan. Chang Young Kim, 59, was also ordered to pay $112,050 in restitution and over $1.6 million in back taxes and penalties to the Internal Revenue Service. Kim pleaded guilty in November 2012 to conspiracy to transport individuals for prostitution, conspiracy to engage in money laundering, bribery of a public official, and tax evasion. Kim owned the Blue Moon Korean bar business in Federal Way, which utilized Korean national women working illegally as “bar girls” and prostitutes. Kim was indicted in three separate criminal schemes, some related to the club and others to fraudulent business dealings. At sentencing, U.S. District Judge Ronald B. Leighton said to the defendant, “You were a one-man criminal enterprise...[and] the most instrumental of everyone on a host of fronts.”
During 2010 and 2011, Kim owned the Blue Moon using “madam” Miyoung Roberts, 42, of Auburn, Washington, to recruit and manage more than two dozen “bar girls” and arrange their transportation from Korea to the U.S. Kim and his co-defendants arranged apartments for the women to live in and supervised some of the women’s prostitution activities. During the undercover investigation by law enforcement, Kim offered and paid $15,000 to a Washington State Liquor Control Board investigator, believing the investigator was corrupt and that he was getting advance warning of inspections. The investigator was reporting the bribes as part of the undercover investigation.
In a separate scheme, Kim convinced two clients of his real estate company, Royal Realty, to invest $400,000 in the purchase of a Cle Elum, Washington motel. However, there was no deal to purchase the property, and Kim and two co-conspirators used the money for their own expenses. Finally, Kim attempted to evade more than $1.6 million in income taxes by failing to report income and by putting assets in other people’s names.
In asking for a significant sentence, prosecutors wrote to the court that Kim “has spent a good part of his adult life steeped in fraud and deception....In order to commit these crimes, the defendant was willing to use his family members to further his personal objectives, causing them to place themselves in financial and legal jeopardy. He was willing to violate the law through bribery....It is as though the defendant had no limits as to how far he would go to lie, cheat, and steal.”
“Kim operated a sex club a few blocks away from homes and schools, degrading the quality of life in the community as well as the women involved,” said Brad Bench, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Seattle. “HSI will continue to work closely with its law enforcement partners to attack and dismantle these kinds of enterprises that prey on the vulnerable and often bring other criminal activity into the area.”
“Our communities deserve better than to have human trafficking going on in them,” said Kenneth J. Hines, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation in the Pacific Northwest. “IRS special agents bring their unique skills in conducting financial investigations, ranging from tax evasion to money laundering, to the team of law enforcement professionals working to erase this type of crime from our region.”
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB), the Federal Way Police Department, Lakewood Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ye-Ting Woo.
Press contact for the U.S. Attorney’s Office is Emily Langlie at (206) 553-4110 or Emily.Langlie@usdoj.gov.

Former Pennington Gap Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Lortabs

ABINGDON, VA—United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy announced today that John Charles Kelly entered a guilty of plea in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon to a charge involving the distribution of hydrocodone.
John Charles Kelly, 39, of Pennington Gap, Virginia, entered a plea of guilty to one count of distribution of hydrocodone.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Lee, Kelly, an officer with the Pennington Gap, Virginia Police Department, was socializing with two females at his residence in July 2012 and distributed approximately 20 Lortab pills to the two females.
Sentencing has been set for May 31, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon. Kelly faces a potential maximum sentence of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a potential fine of $500,000.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; United States Marshals Service; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Virginia State Police; Southwest Virginia Drug Task Force; and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Lee is prosecuting the case for the United States.

Former Harris County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Lands in Federal Prison for Scheme to Steal Narcotics

HOUSTON—Richard Bryan Nutt, 45, a former Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HSCO) deputy, has been sentenced to federal prison for conspiring with others to use his position as a law enforcement officer to steal drug loads from dealers and split the proceeds with others, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. Nutt pleaded guilty February 7, 2011.
Today, United States District Judge Vanessa Gilmore sentenced him to 46 months in prison to be followed by a one-year-term of supervised release. At sentencing, Judge Gilmore took into consideration that it was his first offense and that Nutt has more than 20 years in law enforcement and military service. At the hearing, Nutt apologized to the court and to his family.
In late 2010, the Houston Police Department (HPD) obtained information that members of law enforcement were robbing shipments of narcotics in Houston and subsequently initiated a sting operation. On December 15, 2010, then Deputy Nutt met with his co-conspirators, at which time they learned a vehicle containing narcotics or narcotics proceeds would be driving through Houston. They agreed to stop the vehicle, a Chrysler Aspen SUV, with the assistance of Deputy Nutt. He was to conduct a traffic stop of the SUV, which was reportedly to be driven by a drug dealer from Mexico, and pretend to arrest the driver then release him while the co-defendants took the vehicle containing the drugs. The conspirators would then split the money from the sale of the drugs.
Later that day, Nutt, in full uniform and driving a silver pickup equipped with red and blue emergency lights, spotted and followed the Chrysler Aspen SUV as it drove into a parking lot of a Houston area shopping center. Once parked, the SUV driver, actually an undercover HPD officer, abandoned the SUV. A package thought to contain cocaine was then transferred from the SUV to a blue Nissan Altima. Nutt entered the vehicle as it drove off the lot, and it was soon stopped by HPD officers. The package, which actually contained fake cocaine, was found and removed from under the passenger seat where Nutt sat. Nutt and his co-defendants were arrested by law enforcement officers and subsequently charged federally.
Others involved in the scheme have all pleaded guilty and also been sentenced to prison.
Nutt, previously released on bond, was allowed to continue on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The investigation was conducted by the Internal Affairs and Narcotics Divisions of the Houston Police Department with the assistance of the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James McAlister.

Two Arrested in Connection with Drug Distribution Investigation

Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the Cleveland Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for the Northern District of Ohio, and Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, announce the arrest of two individuals and the execution of five search warrants this morning.
Jason Phillips and Joseph Phillips were arrested this morning on probable cause of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine based on an investigation initiated in November 2012. Federal charges will be filed tomorrow in federal court.
“These two individuals purchased numerous kilos of cocaine, broke those kilos into grams, and distributed to their customers throughout the Cleveland vicinity,” said Stephen D. Anthony. “The Northern Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force will work tirelessly to target and eliminate the most significant threats to our communities.”
Five search warrants were executed this morning, to include four residences and a business.
“Today’s events are another example of the FBI and local law enforcement working together to make our community safer,” said Steven M. Dettelbach.
“These arrests are a testament to the great results achieved when law enforcement agencies join together for the common goal of making our streets safe. Through our cooperative partnerships we will continue to make a positive impact in our communities and thwart the sale of illegal drugs in our neighborhoods,” said Michael McGrath, Cleveland Chief of Police.
This case was investigated by the Northern Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force (NOLETF) composed of multiple agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, Drug Enforcement Agency, Internal Revenue Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, Cleveland Division of Police, Cleveland Heights Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Euclid Police Department, Regional Transit Authority Police Department, Strongsville Police Department, University Heights Police Department, and Shaker Heights Police Department.
A special thanks to the Ohio State Highway Patrol for their assistance in providing additional law enforcement personnel.
A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Any questions regarding this press release can be directed to SA Vicki D. Anderson at Vicki.anderson@ic.fbi.gov or 216-522-1400.

Keyser Resident Convicted on Drug Charges

MARTINSBURG, WV—A 51-year-old Keyser, West Virginia resident was convicted on March 13, 2013, by a Martinsburg jury on six counts. The trial lasted two days, concluding late afternoon Wednesday. Judge Gina M. Groh presided over the trial.
United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced that Charles Page Haines, III was convicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine base from June 5 to June 28, 2012; four counts of distribution of cocaine base on June 5, June 6, and twice on June 7, 2012; and one count of maintaining a drug-involved premise from June 5 to June 28, 2012, all in Keyser, Mineral County, West Virginia.
Trial evidence indicated that Haines was involved with co-defendants Loren Constantine Brown and Crystal Starr Metz in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and provided his residence as a place from which the crack was distributed.
Haines, who is in custody pending sentencing, faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine on each of the conspiracy and distribution counts and up to 20 years’ imprisonment and $500,000 fine on the maintaining a drug-involved premise count.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Zelda E. Wesley and former Assistant United States Attorney Thomas O. Mucklow and investigated by the Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, consisting of officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Virginia State Police-Bureau of Criminal Investigations.

Derry Woman Pleads Guilty in Heroin Distribution Conspiracy

JOHNSTOWN, PA—A resident of Derry, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Holly Thomas, 21, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, from the spring of 2011 to May 15, 2012, Thomas, along with co-defendants, conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for August 6, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Indiana Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Thomas. Other agencies participating in this investigation included the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Cambria County Drug Task Force, the Cambria County Sheriff’s Department, the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, the Indiana County Drug Task Force, and the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office.

Kona Man Convicted of Federal Drug Offenses

HONOLULU—A federal jury today found Uiki Teaupa, age 42, of Kona, guilty of two drug conspiracy and distribution offenses involving more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Teaupa will face a sentence of at least 10 years, and up to life imprisonment, when he is sentenced by United States District Judge J. Michael Seabright on July 8, 2013.
Florence T. Nakakuni, United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii, said that according to information produced in court, Teaupa made at least eight trips to the mainland between 2009 and 2012, during which he obtained more than 20 pounds of methamphetamine. Teaupa brought the methamphetamine to the Big Island of Hawaii, where another individual distributed it.
The jury heard three days of testimony and returned its verdict after a few hours of deliberation. Teaupa has been in custody since his arrest on November 2, 2012.
The indictment of Teaupa was the result of a two-year joint investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hawaii County Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Nammar.

Convicted Felon Operating a Grow House and Illegally Possessing Firearms in San Leandro Sentenced to 78 Months in Prison

OAKLAND, CA—This week, Vincent Nguyen was sentenced to 78 months in prison for conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute marijuana, possessing with the intent to distribute marijuana, and being a felon in possession of firearms, United States Attorney Melinda Haag announced.
Nguyen was arrested on January 10, 2012, after complaints from citizens led to an investigation by the San Leandro Police Department. Nguyen pleaded guilty on October  31, 2012.
In his plea agreement, Nguyen admitted that from August 2011 through January 2012, he, along with others, operated a marijuana grow house at 3471 Carrillo Drive in San Leandro, California. He was found in possession of 82 mature marijuana plants, almost one kilogram of marijuana packaged for sale, a Norinco U.S. 7.62 caliber rifle with a high capacity magazine, a Romak-Romarm 7.62 caliber assault rifle that had been stolen, and a .45 caliber Smith & Wesson semiautomatic pistol. In addition, about $10,000 in cash, a 9mm Bryco Arms semiautomatic pistol, and more than 100 rounds of various caliber ammunition were found at 3471 Carrillo Drive and seized by law enforcement.
Nguyen, 21, of Oakland, had previously been convicted in 2010 for felony possession of marijuana for sale.
The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton, who also sentenced Nguyen to three years of supervised release. Nguyen was indicted, with others, by a federal grand jury on June 7, 2012. Co-defendants Van Do Nguyen and Loc Huynh were sentenced by Judge Hamilton on January 23, 2013, to 72 months and 87 months in prison, respectively.
Brian C. Lewis is the Assistant U.S. Attorney who is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Janice Pagsanjan. The prosecution is also the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
A copy of this press release may be found on the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s website at www.usdoj.gov/usao/can.

Hartford Crack Dealer Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Nida Williams, also known as “N-Dog,” 35, of Bloomfield, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 108 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a Hartford crack cocaine distribution ring.
This matter stems from Operation Vinefield, a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in Hartford’s North End. As a result of the nine-month investigation, 38 individuals were charged with various offenses related to the distribution of crack cocaine and the unlawful possession and dealing of firearms in and around Hartford.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the investigation revealed that Clinton Hill Weston, also known as “Ack,” supplied Williams and Dana Adams, also known as “Soul,” with 125-gram and 63-gram quantities of crack cocaine. Williams and Adams then distributed the crack to numerous street-level dealers, including gang members, who primarily distributed the drug in the area of Enfield Street in Hartford.
Williams was arrested on April 19, 2012. A subsequent search of his Bloomfield residence revealed more than 29 grams of crack cocaine and 14 rounds of ammunition.
Williams has been detained since his arrest. On December 17, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
Weston and Adams also pleaded guilty and are currently serving prison terms of 152 months and 156 months, respectively.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, the Connecticut State Police, the Hartford Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

West Tennessee Drug Round-Up Nets 11 on Federal Trafficking Violations

Henderson, Decatur, Benton, and Madison Counties following indictments for federal drug trafficking violations, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton, III.
The indictments were returned by a federal grand jury in Jackson on February 19, 2013, but remained under seal until today’s arrests. Each indictment contained counts alleging violations of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
The suspects arrested during the operation were:

• Thomas Arnold, 46, of Benton County
• Jason Blackstock, 30, of Henderson County
• Monica Bruce, 37, of Benton County
• Jerry Evans, 69, of Decatur County
• Peggy Gullett, 46, of Henderson County
• Teresa McCoy, 43, of Decatur County
• James Nolen, 47, of Henderson County
• Billie Pearcy, 68, of Decatur County
• Karen Pepper, 37, of Madison County
• Bruce Rosson, 29, of Decatur County
• Freddy Webb, 51, of Henderson County

A 12th suspect, Elizabeth Little, 47, of Decatur County, was out of state and is making arrangements to turn herself in to authorities. In addition to the arrests, law enforcement officials seized illicit narcotics, U.S. currency, and drug paraphernalia. At least 10 firearms were also seized, including handguns and long guns.
The charges in the indictments stem from the illegal activity of possessing and distributing methamphetamine. Each of the 12 suspects was charged with unlawfully and knowingly possessing with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. This charge is punishable as follows:

• No prior felony drug trafficking convictions: up to 20 years’ imprisonment; a fine of up to $1,000,000; up to three years’ supervised release
• Prior felony drug trafficking convictions: up to 30 years’ imprisonment; a fine of up to $2,000,000; up to six years’ supervised release

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; FBI Memphis, Jackson Resident Agency; Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; Tennessee Highway Patrol; Henderson County Sheriff’s Department; Lexington Police Department; and the 24th Judicial District Drug Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matt Wilson on behalf of the government.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Dallas Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Role as Leader of Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy

DALLAS—Todd Ray Walker, 39, of Dallas, was sentenced this afternoon by U.S. District Judge Barbara M. G. Lynn to 240 months in federal prison for conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas. Walker has been in custody since June 27, 2011, when he was arrested by officers with the Dallas Police Department.
According to documents filed in the case, Walker admitted that on multiple occasions from January 2011 to the date of his arrest, he received multi-ounce quantities of methamphetamine from multiple Dallas-based supply sources, stored the drugs at residences on Westglen Drive and Forney Road in Dallas, and distributed the drugs from the residences. During the time of the conspiracy, Walker possessed and/or distributed more than two kilograms of methamphetamine.
In addition, Walker admitted that in retaliation for the theft of drugs and drug proceeds from the Westglen residence, on or about June 27, 2011, he held a female against her will for several hours at the residence. He forced her to strip so that he could search her for drugs and/or money and admits that he was armed with a handgun while he held her inside the residence. Her hands were then bound by co-defendant James Darnell Brown, and Walker took photographs of her being assaulted by co-defendants Amy Suzanne Benat and Rachel Marie Anderson. Walker, Brown, Benat, and Anderson were arrested when officers with the Dallas Police Department arrived at the residence on June 27, 2011, and a subsequent search of the residence resulted in the seizure by law enforcement of approximately 250 grams of methamphetamine and multiple firearms.
Walker was ordered to forfeit his residence on Westglen Drive and 36 firearms to the United States.
This Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation was conducted by the FBI. To date, a total of 50 defendants, mostly customers of Walker, have been named in multiple indictments.
Deputy Criminal Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Calvert was in charge of the prosecution.

Erie Man Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Cocaine

ERIE, PA—A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months in prison on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr. imposed the sentence on Ollie Dion Pullium, 32.
According to information presented to the court, on January 10, 2012, Pullium conspired with another individual to distribute two ounces of cocaine.
Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the EAGLE task force, which is composed of members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Erie Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Pullium.

Hartford Crack Dealer Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal Prison

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Jayquan Faniel, 28, of Hartford, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 126 months of imprisonment, followed by eight years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a previous federal conviction.
This matter stems from Operation Vinefield, a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in Hartford’s North End. As a result of the nine-month investigation, 38 individuals were charged with various offenses related to the distribution of crack cocaine and the unlawful possession and dealing of firearms in and around Hartford.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 23, 2012, an individual working with law enforcement purchased approximately 3.5 grams of crack cocaine from Faniel at Faniel’s Garden Street residence. On April 27, 2012, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of the residence and recovered approximately 148 grams of crack cocaine, a digital scale, $1,889 in cash, and a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol.
Faniel has been detained since his arrest on April 27, 2012. On October 9, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (crack cocaine).
Faniel’s criminal history includes a federal conviction in 2005 related to his distribution of crack cocaine in Hartford, for which he received a 60-month sentence. He was released from prison in 2009 and was serving a term of supervised release at the time of this most recent offense.
Judge Hall sentenced Faniel to 120 months for distributing crack cocaine and a consecutive six-month sentence for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, the Connecticut State Police, the Hartford Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

Baltimore Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Drug Dealing and Gun Charge Uncovered by Federal Wiretap

BALTIMORE—Baltimore Police officer Kendell Richburg, age 36, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The guilty plea 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; and Commissioner Anthony W. Batts of the Baltimore Police Department.
“Kendell Richburg’s treacherous conduct harms all police officers,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “He helped a drug dealer avoid arrest while planning an armed robbery and filing false police reports about other suspects.”
“Kendell Richburg’s unacceptable criminal actions are an affront to the law enforcement profession and the hard working men and women of the Baltimore Police Department,” said Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts. “Today’s plea agreement is a victory for the citizens of Baltimore and a representation of this agency’s unwavering commitment to accountability and the delivery of justice.”
According to his plea agreement, from June 2011 through October 2012, Richburg, who was assigned to the Violent Crimes Impact Section in the Northwestern District of the Baltimore Police Department, conspired with a street-level drug trafficker to distribute heroin. Richburg’s co-conspirator was a registered confidential informant with the Baltimore Police Department. The co-conspirator sold drugs in the Pimlico area of Northwest Baltimore. Richburg provided information to the co-conspirator that permitted him to sell drugs without interference from law enforcement, telling the co-conspirator on a near daily basis when it was “safe” to go out to sell drugs. In return, the co-conspirator provided Richburg with information about his drug customers so that Richburg could arrest them. Richburg paid his co-conspirator with official Baltimore Police Department funds for providing the information that resulted in the arrest of the drug customers. Richburg sometimes gave the co-conspirator back some of the drugs seized from the drug purchasers so that the co-conspirator could re-sell the drugs. Richburg falsified the arrest documents to eliminate the co-conspirator’s involvement, often falsely stating that Richburg had witnessed a drug transaction.
In early 2012, the FBI received information that Richburg was trafficking in stolen property, including iPhones, iPads, and other electronics, and obtained a wiretap of Richburg’s cellphone. Intercepted conversations confirmed that Richburg was trafficking in stolen property, and this led to the discovery of Richburg’s drug trafficking.
Richburg and the co-conspirator were also overheard discussing the “planting” of evidence and arranging an armed robbery. For example, on September 2, 2012, Richburg and the co-conspirator discussed having the co-conspirator plant a gun in an unlicensed cab, then having Richburg pull over and arrest the cab driver on a gun violation and pay the co-conspirator $350 to $400. On October 9, 2012, Richburg, armed with his service weapon, searched a person, without probable cause, and located a large amount of cash. The victim told Richburg that he had just received his paycheck. Richburg contacted his co-conspirator and arranged for the co-conspirator, whom Richburg knew was armed, to rob the victim, identifying where the victim was located.
Richburg faces a minimum mandatory sentence of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison for the drug conspiracy; a minimum mandatory sentence of five years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence; and a maximum of life in prison for use of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett scheduled sentencing for June 11, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. Richburg remains detained.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI and Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys A. David Copperthite and Peter M. Nothstein, who are prosecuting the case.

Erie Man Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Cocaine

ERIE, PA—A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months in prison on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr. imposed the sentence on Ollie Dion Pullium, 32.
According to information presented to the court, on January 10, 2012, Pullium conspired with another individual to distribute two ounces of cocaine.
Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the EAGLE task force, which is composed of members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Erie Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Pullium.

Tulare County Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced

FRESNO, CA—United States District Judge Anthony W. Ishii sentenced Adrian Negrete Hernandez, 26, of Terra Bella, today to seven years and three months in prison for conspiring to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
“This case stems from a two-year Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force wiretap investigation that resulted in five indictments and the conviction of 13 defendants,” U.S. Attorney Wagner said. “The multi-agency investigation led to the dismantling of a drug trafficking organization based in the small farming communities of Terra Bella and Porterville.”
According to court documents, Negrete was a long-time methamphetamine supplier in Terra Bella, and he sold the drug primarily to street-level dealers in Terra Bella and Porterville. At his arrest, Negrete possessed a 9-millimeter Beretta pistol, a Kimber rifle with scope, a Savage rifle with scope, and $43,311 in cash, representing the proceeds of his drug trafficking activities.
The OCDETF investigation was conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Southern Tri-County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, Tulare and Kern County Sheriff’s Offices, and Bakersfield Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, Fresno Police Department, Tulare Police Department, and the Porterville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen A. Escobar prosecuted the case.

Tulare County Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced

FRESNO, CA—United States District Judge Anthony W. Ishii sentenced Adrian Negrete Hernandez, 26, of Terra Bella, today to seven years and three months in prison for conspiring to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
“This case stems from a two-year Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force wiretap investigation that resulted in five indictments and the conviction of 13 defendants,” U.S. Attorney Wagner said. “The multi-agency investigation led to the dismantling of a drug trafficking organization based in the small farming communities of Terra Bella and Porterville.”
According to court documents, Negrete was a long-time methamphetamine supplier in Terra Bella, and he sold the drug primarily to street-level dealers in Terra Bella and Porterville. At his arrest, Negrete possessed a 9-millimeter Beretta pistol, a Kimber rifle with scope, a Savage rifle with scope, and $43,311 in cash, representing the proceeds of his drug trafficking activities.
The OCDETF investigation was conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Southern Tri-County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, Tulare and Kern County Sheriff’s Offices, and Bakersfield Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, Fresno Police Department, Tulare Police Department, and the Porterville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen A. Escobar prosecuted the case.