ROCHESTER—U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Brian Leonard, 42, of Rochester, New York, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, was sentenced to 72 months in prison and a $1,500 fine by U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey, who handled the case, stated that between August 2003 and December 20, 2005, the defendant was involved with numerous others in a drug trafficking organization that was responsible for trafficking between 5 and 15 kilograms of cocaine in the Rochester area. Leonard and other members of the organization would travel to Chicago, Illinois, purchase multiple-kilogram quantities of cocaine from their Chicago-based suppliers, transport the cocaine back to Rochester, and distribute it to mid-level and lower-level drug dealers. Among other methods, members of the organization utilized a 1993 Cadillac equipped with a secret compartment to transport multiple-kilogram quantities of cocaine and avoid detection by law enforcement authorities. In furtherance of the drug conspiracy, the defendant possessed a rifle and shotgun at his residence. Also, on July 26, 2007, the defendant possessed approximately 60 grams of cocaine, which he intended to distribute to others.

Algernon Toole, one of the Rochester-based members of the organization, and his brother, Everette Toole, a Chicago-based cocaine supplier, were convicted on drug conspiracy charges after a jury trial in February 2010 and were sentenced to 240 months and 204 months in prison, respectively. Lawrence Williams, another Chicago-based cocaine supplier, was also convicted of a drug conspiracy charge and sentenced to 262 months in prison, to be served concurrently with a 240-month sentenced imposed for a separate federal drug conspiracy conviction in the District of Wisconsin. Frank Cavallucci, another Rochester-based conspirator, was convicted of drug conspiracy and firearms charges and sentenced to 84 months in prison and a $1,000 fine. Lazero Collado Montero, another Rochester-based member of the organization, was convicted of a drug conspiracy charge and also sentenced to 84 months in prison.

The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher M. Piehota; and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Sheppard.

Rochester Man Sentenced in Cocaine Trafficking Case | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

RALEIGH—United States Attorney Thomas G. Walker announced that in federal court yesterday, United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced GALVIN JERRELL MITCHELL, 28, of Enfield, North Carolina, to 57 months’ imprisonment followed by five years’ supervised release.

A federal grand jury returned a superseding criminal indictment on August 10, 2011. At his arraignment on January 20, 2012, MITCHELL, also known as G-Baby, pled guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (crack) and 500 grams or more of cocaine.

According to the investigation, MITCHELL was identified as a “broker” and “drug runner” for illegal drug trafficking in the Enfield, North Carolina, area. From December, 2008, to September, 2009, it was learned that MITCHELL was responsible for distributing 3,928 grams of powder cocaine and 795 grams of crack cocaine.

Investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Glenn Perry was the assigned prosecutor. Mr. Perry is a prosecutor with the Pitt County District Attorney’s Office. District Attorney Clark Everett has assigned him to the United States Attorney’s Office to prosecute federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force criminal matters. This has been made possible by a grant funded by the Governor’s Crime Commission.

Enfield Drug Dealer Sentenced to Federal Prison | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Twelve individuals are facing federal or state charges in connection with their alleged roles in the distribution of narcotics or firearms in the Chicago area. The investigation that led to the charges, dubbed Operation Devil’s Playground, targeted narcotics and weapons trafficking by alleged members and associates of the Satan Disciples street gang on the southwest side of Chicago. The defendants face firearms charges or drug charges. The various drug charges include distribution of powder cocaine, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine.

The charges and yesterday’s arrests were announced by Robert D. Grant, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Garry F. McCarthy, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department (CPD); Patrick J. Fitzgerald, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Anita Alvarez, Cook County State’s Attorney. The investigation, which began in 2009, was a joint effort of the FBI’s Joint Task Force on Gangs, which is composed of special agents of the FBI, CPD members, and CPD’s Gang Investigations Division, Narcotics Division, and Area 1 Gun Team. The investigation was conducted under the umbrella of the U.S. Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), with assistance provided by the Chicago High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force.

The arrests took place yesterday at various locations around the Chicago area, and all were taken into custody without incident. Five separate federal criminal complaints were unsealed in U.S. District Court following the execution of arrest warrants. In addition, seven separate criminal complaints were filed in state court.

Operation Devil’s Playground was initiated to disrupt the trafficking of drugs and weapons by members of the Satan Disciples street gang that operates on the southwest side of Chicago. Much of the activity that led to yesterday’s charges occurred in and around the intersection of 59th and Richmond Streets. To date, the investigation has resulted in the recovery of 11 firearms, various types of firearms ammunition, and more than $15,000. The investigators made extensive use of controlled and undercover narcotics and weapons purchases, sophisticated physical surveillance, and court-authorized electronic surveillance as part of this ongoing effort to identify and bring to justice those responsible for illegally supplying narcotics and firearms to Chicago’s criminal element.

In addition to those charged yesterday, Juan Solis, age 29, of Chicago, an alleged active member of the Satan Disciples, was charged in February 2, 2012 by federal criminal complaint with distributing methamphetamine.

Mr. Grant praised the coordinated efforts of all those involved in this latest joint enforcement action to combat the problem of drugs and violence in our communities. He stated, “Let these arrests serve as a reminder to those that continue to engage in drug and gun dealing. We will persevere in our efforts to make our streets safe for law-abiding residents. They deserve to go about their lives without the fear of violence.”

“The success of this operation is the direct result of our local and federal partnerships,” said Superintendent McCarthy. “Guns, gangs, and drugs, and the violence they cause, have no place in our communities. Together, we are making our neighborhoods safer for the residents who live, work, and play throughout Chicago.”

Those arrested on federal charges were identified as Ranulfo Valadares, age 30, of Chicago, aka “Speedy”; Luis Castaneda, age 29, of Berwyn; and Jaime Reyes, age 35, of Chicago. Refugio Avila, age 31, also of Chicago, aka “Fugi,” was also charged and is in custody. One additional federal defendant, Juan Castaneda, age 27, of Chicago, was not located and is the subject of a manhunt. If convicted of the charges against them, Valadares and Juan Castaneda face a possible sentence ranging from 10 years to life in prison, Reyes and Avila face a possible maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and Luis Castaneda faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Valadares, Luis Castaneda, and Reyes appeared in U.S. District Court in Chicago yesterday, at which time they were formally charged. They remain in custody pending their next court appearances later this week. Avila is scheduled to appear on May 11, 2012, to be formally charged.

State charges were filed against the following: Gerardo Gomez, age 22; Myra Perez, age 25; Sergio Banderas, age 29; Steven Buegel, age 32; Lawrence Winston, age 35; and Marcus Gordon, age 28; and Jessie Talavera, age 23, all residents of Chicago. Those charged in state court appeared at the Cook County Criminal Courthouse, at which time they were formally charged. Additional information regarding the results of the state court appearances is available from the State’s Attorney’s Office at 312-603-3423.

The United States is being represented in court by Assistant United States Attorneys Erik A. Hogstrom and Stephanie Zimdahl. The State of Illinois is being represented by Assistant States Attorney Daniel Fahlgren.

The public is reminded that criminal complaints are not evidence of guilt and that all defendants in a criminal case are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Copies of the federal criminal complaints filed in this case are available from the Chicago FBI’s Press Office at (312) 829-1199. Copies of the criminal complaints filed in state court are available from the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office at (312) 603-1839.

Investigation Leads to Weapons or Drug Charges Against 12 Individuals | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney, Middle District of Georgia, announces the sentencing of the following individuals before the Honorable Hugh Lawson, United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia, on March 26, 2012.

(1) Gary Lockett—age 36, of Enigma, Georgia, entered a plea of guilty on January 11, 2012 to violations of Title 21 United States Code, Section 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B)(iii) and Title 18 United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i), possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. In his plea agreement, Lockett admitted that on February 3, 2011, agents executed a search warrant at his residence and found $195,098 in U.S. currency; a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm; a Bush-Master .223 rifle model number XM15-E2S; two bags of marijuana; a steel hydraulic kilo press; two kilograms of cocaine; a partial cookie of crack cocaine; 27 boxes of ziptop baggies of various sizes; a microwaveable glass plate containing cocaine residue; a money counter; two sets of scales; 22 used gallon-size Ziploc bags containing cocaine residue; a vacuum sealer; and a loaded High Point 9mm pistol. Lockett was held responsible for 10.7 grams of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base or crack cocaine, 1916.8 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, and 17.2 grams of marijuana. Lockett was categorized a career offender based on earlier convictions in the Superior Court of Tift County, Georgia to sale of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Lockett was sentenced to serve 262 months in prison without parole, a period of five years of supervised release, and a $200 mandatory assessment fee.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Mid-South Narcotics Task Force, and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.

(2) Willie Foster—age 29, of Lakeland, Georgia, entered a plea of guilty on December 20, 2011 to a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), distribution of cocaine. In his plea agreement, Foster admitted that from October 9, 2009 through March 6, 2010, he sold less than 25 grams of cocaine and between 1.4 grams and 2.8 grams of crack cocaine to a confidential informant acting at the direction of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Foster was sentenced to serve 21 months in prison without parole, a period of three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory assessment fee.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lanier County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.

(3) Adrian Whitaker—age 37, of Moultrie, Georgia, entered a plea of guilty on December 20, 2011 to a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), distribution of cocaine. In his plea agreement, Whitaker admitted that from April 26, 2010 through July 8, 2010, he sold 30.37 grams of cocaine to a confidential informant acting at the direction of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Whitaker was categorized a career offender based on his prior convictions for sale of cocaine and aggravated assault in the Superior Court of Colquitt County, Georgia.

Whitaker was sentenced to serve 100 months in prison without parole, a period of three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory assessment fee.

“As we continue to work with our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners, drug dealers will find no safe haven in the Middle District of Georgia,” said United States Attorney Michael Moore.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office.

All three cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen.

Inquiries regarding these cases should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office at 478-752-3511.

Drug Dealers Sentenced in Valdosta | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERTO J. RODRIGUEZ, also known as “Blanco,” 33, of Branford, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 100 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a New Haven County narcotics trafficking ring.

This matter stems from an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation dubbed “Operation Brass Deal,” which was spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force in New Haven. As a result of the investigation, a total of 16 individuals were convicted of various narcotics offenses related to the large-scale distribution of cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, and oxycodone in New Haven, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, and other towns in New Haven County. During the investigation, law enforcement officers seized more than $75,000 in cash, more than one kilogram of cocaine, and approximately 750 grams of crack cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2009, an individual working with law enforcement made several purchases of crack cocaine from RODRIGUEZ’S father, Roberto “Tito” Rodriguez. During those transactions, Tito informed the purchaser that his son cooked powder cocaine into crack cocaine. On February 8, 2010, Tito Rodriguez contacted RODRIGUEZ and asked him to convert an amount of powder cocaine into crack cocaine, and RODRIGUEZ agreed. The following day, RODRIGUEZ converted the cocaine into 65 grams of crack cocaine, which Tito then sold to his customer.

In April 2009, RODRIGUEZ received a kilogram of cocaine from a New York-based cocaine supplier. A court-authorized wiretap revealed that RODRIGUEZ and other members of the conspiracy then distributed the cocaine throughout the Greater New Haven area.

During the investigation, RODRIGUEZ also possessed with intent to distribute marijuana and oxycodone.

RODRIGUEZ initially fled Connecticut in order to avoid prosecution for these offenses. He was arrested by FBI agents in Florida on June 17, 2009, and has been detained since his arrest.

On September 14, 2010, RODRIGUEZ pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”), and one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

Roberto “Tito” Rodriguez pleaded guilty to the same charges and, on November 3, 2009, he was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, which is composed of representatives of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Haven Police Department, the Hamden Police Department, the Ansonia Police Department, the Milford Police Department, the East Haven Police Department, the Connecticut State Police, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert M. Spector and Christopher M. Mattei.

Branford Man Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Federal Prison for Narcotics Distribution Offenses | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

NEW ORLEANS—BRIAN RIGGINS, age 42, a resident of New Orleans, was found guilty yesterday in a five-count second superseding indictment of being a member of a five kilogram cocaine conspiracy and related drug and firearm charges by a federal jury after a two-day trial, announced U.S. Attorney Jim Letten.

Among other things, the jury heard testimony that RIGGINS was stopped by Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Officers in February 2009 and found to be carrying a quarter kilogram of cocaine hydrochloride in his vehicle. During a subsequent search of RIGGINS’ residence, officers located approximately nine kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, over 70 grams of cocaine base (“crack”), approximately $60,000 in drug proceeds, and four firearms, including an illegally shortened sawed-off shotgun.

Due to RIGGINS’ previous two felony convictions for drug trafficking crimes, RIGGINS faces a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of $20,000,000, and 10 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Sentencing is set for May 2, 2012, before United States District Court Judge Ivan Lemelle.

The case was investigated by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Sean Toomey and Edward Rivera.

Federal Jury Convicts Man for Drug Conspiracy and Firearms Crimes | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

United States Attorney Robert Pitman announced that in Midland this afternoon, 42-year-old Francisco Sauseda and 40-year-old Armando Sauseda, Sr., were sentenced to life in federal prison for their roles in two drug-related homicides in 2009.

On September 30, 2011, a jury convicted the defendants of one count of committing murder in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana. In addition to the life imprisonment on the murder charge, United States District Judge Robert A. Junell also sentenced Armando to 87 months’ imprisonment; Francisco, 51 months’ imprisonment, on the drug conspiracy charge to run concurrently.

Evidence during the trial revealed that on June 1, 2009, a vehicle occupied by deceased, Steven Soto and Jose “Chico” Gardea, was ambushed in an alley in Odessa by Armando Sr., Francisco, Armando Sauseda, Jr., Auden Sauseda, and Moises Marquez, Jr. More than 150 shots were fired in the ambush, according to evidence presented to the jury. Gardea was killed instantly, according to testimony at trial. Armando Sr. then executed Soto with two shots to the back of the head while he crouched on the floorboard. Gardea and Soto were unarmed.

This case was investigated by agents with Federal Bureau of Investigation, together with the Odessa Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney John Klassen and Brandi Young prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Federal Life Sentences Handed Down in Double Murder Investigation | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JONATHAN WILLIAMSON, also known as “Rue,” 33, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Mark R. Kravitz in New Haven to 100 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a narcotics trafficking operation.

This matter stems from “Operation Slim Fast,” a joint law enforcement investigation that focused on two drug trafficking organizations, one that operated out of Bridgeport and one that operated out of Bridgeport, Puerto Rico, and Springfield, Massachusetts. As a result of the investigation, 19 individuals have been charged in federal court with various narcotics and firearms related offenses, and law enforcement officers seized approximately four kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of crack cocaine, a quantity of heroin, an SKS assault rifle, five handguns and more than $150,000 in cash.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2010, members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force Task Force conducted an investigation of narcotics trafficking activity in and around the Marina Village Housing Complex in Bridgeport that focused primarily on the Marina Village Bloods, a violent narcotics trafficking organization. WILLIAMSON was affiliated with the Marina Village Bloods, and he sold between 196 and 280 grams of crack cocaine during the course of the investigation.

On September 1, 2011, WILLIAMSON pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram of more of heroin and 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force – which is composed of personnel from the FBI, the Bridgeport, Norwalk and Trumbull Police Departments – with assistance from the United States Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut State Police, and Hartford, Stratford and Stamford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tracy Dayton, Jonathan Freimann and Doug Morabito.

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Bridgeport Man Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Federal Prison for Role in Narcotics Trafficking Ring | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

NEWARK, NJ—Two associates of the G-Shine Bloods criminal street gang operating in Plainfield, N.J., were sentenced today to prison terms for their involvement with crack cocaine distribution in the area, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Andre Kelly, 45, a/k/a “Duke,” of Edison, N.J., was sentenced to 30 months in prison; and Mustafa Harris, 33, a/k/a “Moose,” of Plainfield, was sentenced to 84 months in prison. Both defendants previously pleaded guilty to separate Informations charging one count each of distribution of crack cocaine. Kelly and Harris entered their guilty pleas before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton, who also imposed the sentences today in Newark federal court.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, in 2010, Kelly and Harris each distributed crack cocaine to an FBI confidential informant for prices ranging from $1,500 to $3,000.

In addition to the prison terms, Judge Wigenton sentenced Kelly to four years of supervised release and Harris to five years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael B. Ward in Newark, and the FBI Violent Crimes Criminal Enterprise Task Force assigned to the Safe Streets Task Force; the Union County Prosecutor’s Office; the New Jersey State Police; and the Plainfield Police Department for the investigation leading to today’s sentences.

The length of the sentences imposed on Kelly and Harris was affected by the Fair Sentencing Act (FSA), which was signed into law on August 3, 2010. Among other things, the FSA reduced the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine offenses and eliminated the five-year mandatory minimum penalty for crack possession. The U.S. Department of Justice believes that the FSA should apply to all defendants who are sentenced on or after August 3, 2010.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rodney Villazor of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Narcotics/Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Unit in Newark.

Two G-Shine Bloods Associates Sentenced to Prison for Crack Cocaine Distribution | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that SAMANTHA FOGLE, 24, of Bridgeport, was sentenced yesterday, October 31, by United States District Judge Mark R. Kravitz in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for her role in a narcotics trafficking operation.

This matter stems from “Operation Slim Fast,” a joint law enforcement investigation that focused on two drug trafficking organizations, one that operated out of Bridgeport and one that operated out of Bridgeport, Puerto Rico, and Springfield, Massachusetts. As a result of the investigation, 19 individuals have been charged in federal court with various narcotics and firearms related offenses, and law enforcement officers seized approximately four kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of crack cocaine, a quantity of heroin, an SKS assault rifle, five handguns, and more than $150,000 in cash.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2010, members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force Task Force conducted an investigation of narcotics trafficking activity in and around the Marina Village Housing Complex in Bridgeport that focused primarily on the Marina Village Bloods, a violent narcotics trafficking organization.

On August 8, 2011, FOGLE pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram of more of heroin and 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”). In pleading guilty, FOGLE admitted that the Marina Village apartment she shared with a co-defendant was used to store narcotics and firearms. At times, FOGLE also delivered narcotics on behalf of the same co-defendant.

Today, Judge Kravitz ordered FOGLE, who has been released on bond since shortly after her arrest on January 5, 2011, to report to prison on January 6, 2012.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force—which is composed of personnel from the FBI, the Bridgeport, Norwalk, and Trumbull Police Departments—with assistance from the United States Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut State Police, and Hartford, Stratford, and Stamford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tracy Dayton, Jonathan Freimann and Doug Morabito.

Bridgeport Woman Sentenced to Three Years in Federal Prison for Role in Narcotics Trafficking Ring | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

OAKLAND, CA—Desean Nathaniel Gardner was sentenced yesterday to 235 months in prison for his role as the leader of a conspiracy to manufacture and distribute crack cocaine throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and surrounding communities, United States Attorney Melinda Haag announced.

According to his plea agreement, Gardner, 33, of East Palo Alto, Calif., conspired to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine base in the form of crack cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, from about March 18, 2008, to about March 7, 2009.

According to the plea agreement, as part of the conspiracy, and in furtherance of it, Gardner purchased kilogram quantities of powder cocaine from others and then converted or “cooked” those quantities of cocaine into crack cocaine for sale. In many instances, Gardner provided or sold this crack cocaine to other members of the conspiracy to re-sell. Gardner also provided some of the crack cocaine he manufactured to two co-conspirators, a man and his wife, to distribute to individuals from their residence in East Palo Alto. In fact, from Jan. 7, 2009, through March 7, 2009, Gardner provided these two co-conspirators, or instructed them to distribute, or possess with intent to distribute, a total of at least 892 grams of crack cocaine. Gardner would regularly collect the drug proceeds from those co-conspirators and re-supply them with more crack cocaine to distribute.

The plea agreement also states that Gardner sold and provided crack cocaine to other members of the conspiracy in ounce, half-ounce, quarter-ounce, and eighth-ounce quantities. Gardner typically charged $600 for an ounce, $300 for a half-ounce, $150 for a quarter-ounce, and $75 for an eighth-ounce. Frequently, other members of the conspiracy would contact Gardner on his mobile telephones to arrange to purchase crack cocaine. During these conversations Gardner and his co-conspirators used intentionally vague and coded language to discuss narcotics trafficking activities in order to avoid detection by law enforcement.

According to the plea agreement, in some instances Gardner would sell crack cocaine to a co-conspirator for less than the usual price with the understanding that the co-conspirator would pay him back at the next purchase with money the co-conspirator received from selling the crack cocaine that Gardner had previously given to him or her. This practice is called “fronting.” In addition to setting the price of the crack cocaine and determining whether to front a co-conspirator with crack cocaine, Gardner also chose the meeting locations where he distributed crack cocaine to other co-conspirators. Typically, Gardner used a Mitsubishi Galant, equipped with a hidden compartment to transport cocaine, crack cocaine, and drug proceeds. This vehicle was registered to a co-conspirator but Gardner was the purchaser and exclusive user of the vehicle. Gardner used a vehicle registered in a co-conspirator’s name in order to avoid detection and apprehension by law enforcement.

According to the plea agreement, from Jan. 7, 2009, through March 7, 2009, Gardner provided at least twenty-five co-conspirators with at least 3.51 kilograms of crack cocaine for re-sale. During the entire length of the conspiracy Gardner distributed more than five kilograms of crack cocaine. Gardner acted as an organizer and leader of extensive criminal activity. Specifically, Gardner set the prices of various quantities of crack cocaine sold by him and other members of the conspiracy. Gardner decided where drug transactions would occur and established a location from which crack cocaine would be distributed. Gardner gave instructions to at least three other members of the conspiracy as to where to meet others for the purpose of selling crack cocaine, how much crack cocaine to distribute, and how much money to collect as payment.

The plea agreement also states that, prior to participating in the offense conduct described above, Gardner had been convicted of the following felony narcotics trafficking offenses: (1) possession of marijuana for sale, a felony, in violation of California Health and Safety Code Section 11359, on or about May 19, 1998, in San Mateo County Superior Court, for which Gardner was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment; and (2) possession/purchase cocaine base for sale, a felony, in violation of California Health & Safety Code Section 11351.5, and possession of marijuana for sale, a felony, in violation of California Health and Safety Code Section 11359, on or about Nov. 2, 2001, in Santa Clara County Superior Court, for which Gardner was sentenced to three years’ in prison. Accordingly, for purposes of the United States Sentencing Guidelines, Gardner is a career offender. Finally, Gardner participated in the conspiracy and committed the conduct described above while he was on probation for another offense.

On April 8, 2009, a federal grand jury returned a second superseding indictment charging Gardner and 34 other defendants with conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine and marijuana in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(b)(1)(A)(iii), (b)(1)(D). Gardner was also charged with six counts of distributing of crack cocaine in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). Those additional counts were dismissed at the sentencing hearing.

Gardner, who has been in custody since his March 2009 arrest, will begin serving his 235-month sentence immediately. Gardner was also sentenced to a five-year term of supervised release during which he may be searched by any federal, state, or local law enforcement officer with or without cause, ordered to pay a $20,000 fine and a $100 special assessment and ordered to forfeit a Mitsubishi Galant and two mobile telephones.

Assistant United States Attorneys Garth Hire, of the United States Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime Strike Force, and Assistant United States Attorney Christina McCall, are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Paralegals Patty Lau and Noble Hughes and Legal Technicians Kathleen Turner, Vanessa Vargas, and Janice Pagsanjan. The conviction and sentence were the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Menlo Park Police Department, the East Palo Alto Police Department, the Internal Revenue Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Department. The sentence was handed down by United States District Court Judge Claudia Wilken.

Further Information:

Case #: CR 09-0203 CW

A copy of this press release may be found on the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s website at www.usdoj.gov/usao/can.

Leader of East Palo Alto-Based Crack Cocaine Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to More Than 19 Years in Prison | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that RAQIESHA DAVIS, also known as “Brooklyn,” 37, of Davenport Street, Bridgeport, was sentenced yesterday, September 21, by United States District Judge Mark R. Kravitz in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for her role in a narcotics trafficking operation.

This matter stems from “Operation Slim Fast,” a joint law enforcement investigation that focused on two drug trafficking organizations, one that operated out of Bridgeport and one that operated out of Bridgeport, Puerto Rico, and Springfield, Massachusetts. As a result of the investigation, 19 individuals have been charged in federal court with various narcotics and firearms related offenses, and law enforcement officers seized approximately four kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of crack cocaine, a quantity of heroin, an SKS assault rifle, five handguns, and more than $150,000 in cash.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2010, members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force Task Force conducted an investigation of narcotics trafficking activity in and around the Marina Village Housing Complex in Bridgeport that focused primarily on the Marina Village Bloods, a violent narcotics trafficking organization. The investigation revealed that DAVIS and others conspired to distribute crack cocaine and heroin from a residence in Marina Village.

On June 6, 2011, DAVIS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”). In pleading guilty, DAVIS admitted that she was responsible for distributing at least 100 grams of crack during the course of the conspiracy.

DAVIS has been released on bond since shortly after her arrest on January 5, 2011. She was ordered to report to prison on November 6, 2011.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force—which is composed of personnel from the FBI, the Bridgeport, Norwalk, and Trumbull Police Departments—with assistance from the United States Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut State Police, and Hartford, Stratford, and Stamford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tracy Dayton, Jonathan Freimann, and Doug Morabito.

Bridgeport Woman Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Role in Narcotics Trafficking Ring | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Audrey Anderson, the Assistant State’s Attorney of DuPage County, says that 29-year-old Melissa Zambrano and 29-year-old Fernando Rivera were allegedly traveling to California early Sunday morning to sell the drugs. The pair was stopped by police as they were heading onto Illinois Route 83 by Interstate 55.

Anderson says that the DuPage Metropolitan Enforcement Group has had its eye on Zambrano and Rivera. When the pair last traveled to California, they were put under heavy surveillance. After they returned to DuPage County, police dogs were used find the drugs concealed in secret compartments.

Zambrano has since admitted to police that she had been visiting California for several months now to deal drugs, says Anderson. The pair was allegedly making $4,000 to $12,000 per trip.

On Monday, Zambrano and Rivera were charged with delivery of a controlled substance and cocaine trafficking. If convicted, each could be locked away for up to 120 years. Bail was set for both at $1 million.

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LAS VEGAS – Paris Hilton denied owning the purse in which police say less than a gram of cocaine was found after a traffic stop on the Las Vegas Strip, according to an arrest report released Monday.

“She told me the purse was not hers, that she had borrowed it from a friend,” Las Vegas police Lt. Dennis Flynn wrote in his report of Hilton’s arrest shortly before midnight Friday. The friend was not identified.

The 29-year-old celebrity socialite acknowledged owning $1,300 in cash, several credit cards, a package of Zig-Zag rolling papers and a broken tablet of the prescription asthma medication Albuterol also found in the purse late Friday during her arrest at the Wynn Las Vegas resort.

Flynn said Hilton had asked to be allowed to go into the hotel after her boyfriend, 34-year-old Las Vegas nightclub mogul Cy Waits, failed field sobriety tests given by a motorcycle officer who stopped them in a black Cadillac Escalade that Flynn said smelled of marijuana smoke.

Flynn said Hilton denied owning a small plastic “bindle” containing 0.8 grams of cocaine powder that the police lieutenant said fell out when Hilton opened the purse to get a tube of lip balm.

“Hilton admitted the Albuterol … was hers and is prescribed to her, but the suspected cocaine was not,” Flynn wrote. “I asked Hilton whose cocaine it was, and she said she had not seen it but now thought it was gum.”

Hilton’s lawyer, David Chesnoff, said Monday that he would not comment on the police report.

“As previously stated, the facts of the situation will be tested in a courtroom,” he said.

Hilton’s publicist, Dawn Miller, did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

Hilton faces a low-grade felony possession of cocaine charge that could get her probation if convicted. A violation of that probation could be punishable by up to one to four years in Nevada state prison.

Hilton was freed without bail before dawn Saturday after spending less than three hours handcuffed on a booking room bench at the Clark County jail.

Waits, 34, spent the night in jail before he was released on $2,000 bail. He faces a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Waits declined comment Monday when reached by The Associated Press. His lawyer did not immediately respond to a message.

Waits is managing partner of the Tryst Nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas, XS The Nightclub at Wynn’s Encore resort, and Drai’s after hours club at Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon.

Flynn said that while Hilton was in the Escalade, she told him she was “extremely embarrassed, due to all the people taking pictures of her,” and asked to go inside the Wynn resort to use a bathroom. Flynn estimated the crowd at about 100 people.

Several photos apparently snapped with cell phone cameras have been posted on at least one Internet site showing Hilton with police at the Escalade on the neon-splashed Strip. Las Vegas police do not have cameras on patrol vehicle dashboards.

Flynn said Hilton was taken to a security holding room inside Wynn to await the arrival of a female officer to accompany her to a rest room.

“Hilton said she needed to put some lip balm on, and I handed her the purse from the table,” the police lieutenant wrote. “As she began to open it, I saw a small bindle of what I believed to be cocaine in clear plastic baggy begin to fall from the purse and into my hand.”

Hilton briefly faced a marijuana charge last month after a FIFA World Cup match in South Africa, but the case against her was dropped after a woman who was with her pleaded guilty to possessing the drug.

___

Associated Press entertainment writer Anthony McCartney in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

Vegas police: Hilton denied owning purse, cocaine (AP) | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Willie Brownlee, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division; and Colonel David Rohrer, Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after the verdict was accepted by United States District Judge Claude M. Hilton.

Hernandez was convicted of conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison when he is sentenced on April 23, 2010.

According to court documents and evidence at trial, Hernandez was part of a drug trafficking conspiracy that transports cocaine across the Mexican border into the United States, including into Virginia.

On Sept. 3, 2009, Hernandez and three co-conspirators transported a kilogram of cocaine from Fauquier County to Fairfax Country, where they were arrested as the Hernandez stood lookout during the sale of the cocaine to a confidential informant.

In addition, evidence at trial showed that after his arrest, Hernandez attempted to threaten and intimidate potential witnesses to prevent them from cooperating with law enforcement and to prevent them from testifying at trial.

Others charged in the conspiracy include:

• Uriel Evencio Sandoval-Covarrubias, 24, of Marshall, Va., who is a fugitive based on the criminal complaint on Oct. 23, 2009.
• Aquiles Fuentes Ordas, 32, of Manassas, Va., who pled guilty on Dec. 22, 2009, and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 12, 2010.
• Danis Francisco Romero Lopez, 24, of Manassas, Va., who pled guilty on Dec. 23, 2009, and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 12, 2010.

This case is being investigated by the ATF and the Fairfax County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Pedersen and Special Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Owings are prosecuting 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 usdoj.gov/usao/vae.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia at vaed.uscourts.gov or on pacer.uspci.uscourts.gov.

Virginia man convicted in cocaine conspiracy | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Darris Hyte, 31, who last resided at 1209 Sairwood Dr., Elgin, was sentenced yesterday in Federal Court. Because he possessed a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, Hyte faced a mandatory minimum of five years up to life in federal prison under federal law.

Hyte was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David Coar in U.S. District Court in Chicago on November 5, said Patrick J. Fitzgerald, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.

According to court documents, on June 23, 2008, in Elgin, Hyte possessed 31.5 grams of crack cocaine, which he intended to distribute. Along with the crack cocaine, Hyte also had a loaded .40 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number.

Hyte admitted that he possessed the firearm in order to protect his distribution of crack cocaine. According to court filings, Hyte was considered a career offender under federal sentencing guidelines based on two prior drug trafficking convictions.

As a career offender, Hyte faced a heightened sentencing guideline range.

Hyte was indicted in October 2008 and pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense on June 11, 2009.

In addition to the 20-year prison sentence, Judge Coar imposed a term of five years of supervised release and a $1,000 fine.

The case was investigated by the Elgin Police Department and the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation as part of the FBI’s Safe Streets Initiative.

The Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office, which initially brought charges, later referred the case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for federal prosecution.

The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Hauser.

MEDIA CONTACT:

United States Attorney’s Office, 312-353-5300
Northern District of Illinois

Elgin Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Possession of a Handgun and Crack Cocaine | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The indictments are the result of a joint FBI and ATF investigation targeting members of the “Marshall Organization,” a drug trafficking group operating throughout the Eastern District of Michigan.

Mr. Berg was joined in the announcement by Gustavo Grodsinsky, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Thomas E. Brandon, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and Police Chief Michael J. Cecchini, Bay City Police Department.

The indictment was sealed by court order until today.

Charged in the indictment were:

• Eric Marshall, 48, formerly of St. Louis, MO, currently of Bay City, MI;
• Marko Burns, 29, of Bay City, MI;
• Rolando Demyers, 23, formerly of St. Louis, MO, currently of Bay City, MI;
• Dale Hawn, 38, of Bay City, MI;
• Jwan Hoyt, 19, Bay City, MI;
• Terry Marshall, 44, of Bay City, MI;
• Carolson Martin, 29, of Bay City, MI;
• Johnny Marshall, 41, of St. Louis, MO;
• Ariq Mcculloh, 22, of Bay City, MI;
• Stephen Marshall, 22, of Bay City, MI;
• Earl Blount, 29, of Bay City, MI;
• James Anderson, 36, of Detroit, MI;
• Jesse Wayne Peterson, 27, of Bay City, MI;
• Johnny Walker, 26, of Bay City, MI; and
• Antoine Marshall, 44, of Kawkawlin, MI

The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to distribute crack and powder cocaine in Bay, Midland, and Saginaw Counties.

The indictment also alleges specific crack and powder cocaine distributions, along with the possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.

United States Attorney Terrence Berg stated, “Crack continues to threaten the vitality and safety of the most marginalized members of our society and undermines the health of many neighborhoods.

Today’s indictment is an attempt to dismantle an organization that is alleged to distribute significant amounts of both crack and powder cocaine. It is a good example of what can be accomplished through local, state and federal law enforcement cooperation.”

FBI Special Agent In Charge Andrew Arena stated, “As a partner with Mid-Michigan the law enforcement agencies, we strive to work matters that impact communities and have far reaching impact. The FBI will continue to work in conjunction with our partners to disrupt and dismantle such organizations.

The FBI would like to especially recognize the cooperation and partnership of the Bay City Police Department in the investigation in this case.”

At the time of this release fourteen defendants have been arrested and will be making appearances in federal court in Bay City, Michigan, as well as St. Louis, Missouri.

Earlier this morning, agents executed sixteen federal search warrants in Bay City and Detroit, Michigan. Agents recovered more than 1 kilogram of powder cocaine, 2 ounces of crack cocaine, firearms, and other drug paraphernalia.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent. It will be the government’s burden to prove guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

United States Attorney Berg congratulated all the law enforcement partners who took part in the investigation including the FBI, ATF, Bay City Police Department, Michigan State Police, and the Bay Area Narcotics Enforcement Team.

Their significant cooperation resulted in the Indictment in this case. He noted that the case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shane N. Waller.

MEDIA CONTACT:

United States Attorney’s Office, 313-226-9100
Eastern District of Michigan

Fifteen Indicted by Federal Grand Jury in Michigan Drug Trafficking Investigation | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Servin pleaded guilty to this charge on Sept. 3, 2009.

Between August 1, 2007 and Jan. 28, 2009, Servin sold cocaine in Beloit.

On June 19, 2008, January 9, and May 8, 2009, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at Servin’s home where they recovered numerous firearms, ammunition, marijuana, drug ledgers, and scales.

A grand jury returned a seven-count indictment against Servin on June 3, 2009.

The charges against Servin were the result of an investigation conducted by the Rock County Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of officers and agents from the Rock County Sheriff’s Department, Beloit Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter M. Jarosz.

MEDIA CONTACT:

United States Attorney’s Office, 608-264-5158
Western District of Wisconsin

Rock County, Wisconsin Man Sentenced to 57 Months on Cocaine Charge | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.