Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; George Venizelos, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Charles Gardner, the Commissioner of the Yonkers Police Department; and George N. Longworth, the Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Public Safety, announced the unsealing of an indictment charging 11 defendants with a series of crimes, including the distribution of narcotics and the use of firearms in Yonkers, New York.
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated, “Our drive to remove armed drug gangs from Yonkers remains unrelenting, as evidenced by today’s arrests and charges. With motivated and cooperative law enforcement partners involved, we are a step closer to our goals.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge George Venizelos stated, “Combating the scourge of drugs in our cities remains a focus for this office. Like we’ve seen so many times before, these drugs also brought guns and violence. We will continue to work with any law enforcement agency to clean up our cities’ streets.”
Yonkers Police Commissioner Charles Gardner stated, “This operation is yet another example of our successful partnership with federal authorities in targeting a violent street gang on a local level. It should be a warning to any other groups in Yonkers who choose to engage in this activity. I want to thank U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, the FBI, and the Westchester County Department of Public Safety for their efforts in this investigation.”
Westchester Public Safety Commissioner George N. Longworth stated, “This is another example of the tremendous results that occur when federal and local law enforcement work together to maximize our resources to combat drug trafficking and the violence that goes along with it. We remain committed to working with all our law enforcement partners to keep the people of Westchester safe.”
A two-count indictment, United States v. Joaquin Thatcher, et al., charges 11 members and associates of a violent street gang hailing from Riverdale Avenue, known both as Two Gunz Up and simply Riverdale, with narcotics and firearms offenses. Specifically, the following 11 members of Two Gunz Up—Joaquin Thatcher, a/k/a “Wu"; Paul Foster, a/k/a “Pauly Pistols"; Charlie Jiminez, a/k/a “350,” a/k/a “Gucci"; Torrel Smith, a/k/a “Assassin"; Craig Major, a/k/a “Millz"; Reese Moore, a/k/a “Loc"; Anthony Oliver, a/k/a “Ant Pooh"; Daquon Powell, a/k/a “DP"; Dwayne Carr, a/k/a “Weezy"; Jimmie Hughes, a/k/a “Jim Jim"; and Alexander McCray, a/k/a “AWOL”—are charged with conspiring to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, crack cocaine and marijuana from about 2006 up to about October 2013. Eight of these defendants are also charged with using, carrying, possessing, and discharging firearms during the narcotics conspiracy.
The indictment is the result of a long-term investigation conducted by federal, state, and local law enforcement officers working with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and supported by the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force. As part of that investigation, in March 2009, this office obtained indictments charging three members of Two Gunz Up and the Elm Street Wolves, an allied Yonkers street gang—Gregory Fuller, Davon Young, and Thomas Chambliss—with the January 2008 murder of a narcotics dealer in northern Yonkers. Fuller, Young, and Chambliss were each convicted after trial of murder, conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, robbery, and firearms offenses and were sentenced to 100, 65, and 45 years of imprisonment, respectively.
In August 2011, 66 Yonkers gang members—47 members and associates of the Elm Street Wolves, 12 members and associates of the Cliff Street Gangsters, and seven other individuals—were charged with narcotics trafficking and firearm offenses. Five of the Elm Street Wolves defendants were also charged with the murder of Christopher Cokley, a/k/a “Bracks,” a leading member of the Strip Boyz, a rival Yonkers gang. Each of those defendants has since been convicted, many of them facing mandatory minimum sentences of between 10 and 18 years of imprisonment. Only one of those defendants, Steven Knowles, the leader of the Elm Street Wolves, proceeded to trial. After trial, Knowles was convicted of murder, racketeering, narcotics, and firearms offenses and now faces a mandatory term of life imprisonment.
Two Gunz Up, from Riverdale Avenue, has historically been aligned with other street gangs, including the Elm Street Wolves and the Cliff Street Gangsters, in a violent dispute with a number of rival gangs, including the Strip Boyz from the nearby Schlobohm Housing Project on Schroeder Street in Yonkers. In June 2012, 23 members and associates of the Strip Boyz were arrested and charged with narcotics trafficking and firearm offenses. Fifteen of these defendants have pled guilty, with all but one facing mandatory minimum sentences of between 5 and 12 years of imprisonment. The remaining cases are not yet resolved.
All 11 defendants charged in the indictment were arrested or have previously been taken into custody. They were presented in White Plains federal court. The case is assigned to United States District Judge Vincent L. Briccetti.
Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and the Yonkers Police Department. He added that the investigation is continuing.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division and Violent Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Hartman and Andrew Bauer are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
The CIA Conspiracy to Murder John F. Kennedy is Explored on #CrimeBeatRadio
On November 14th, a command appearance by Peter Janney, author of Mary’s Mosaic: The CIA Conspiracy to Murder John F. Kennedy, on Crime Beat Radio.
Crime Beat is a weekly hour-long radio program that airs every Thursday at 8 p.m. EST. Crime Beat presents fascinating topics that bring listeners closer to the dynamic underbelly of the world of crime. Guests have included ex-mobsters, undercover law enforcement agents, sports officials, informants, prisoners, drug dealers and investigative journalists, who have provided insights and fresh information about the world’s most fascinating subject: crime.
Crime Beat is a weekly hour-long radio program that airs every Thursday at 8 p.m. EST. Crime Beat presents fascinating topics that bring listeners closer to the dynamic underbelly of the world of crime. Guests have included ex-mobsters, undercover law enforcement agents, sports officials, informants, prisoners, drug dealers and investigative journalists, who have provided insights and fresh information about the world’s most fascinating subject: crime.
Robert J. Holley Named Special Agent in Charge of FBI's Chicago Division
Outgoing Director Robert S. Mueller, III named Robert J. Holley special agent in charge of the FBI’s Chicago Division. Mr. Holley most recently served as deputy assistant director of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, Operations Branch I. In this role, he oversaw personnel and resources assigned to counterterrorism investigations.
Mr. Holley began his career as a special agent with the FBI in 1995. He first reported to the Chicago Division, where he was promoted to supervisory special agent of an international terrorism squad.
In November 2005, Mr. Holley was promoted and assigned to FBI Headquarters as a unit chief in the Counterterrorism Division. He transferred back to the Chicago Division in 2008 to serve as the assistant special agent in charge of the National Security Branch.
In June 2010, Mr. Holley was appointed to serve as a section chief in the Counterterrorism Division, where he was responsible for all U.S.-based international terrorism investigations. He was then selected to be the special agent in charge of the Indianapolis Division in October 2011.
An Indiana native, Mr. Holley served nine years in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer.
Mr. Holley is a 1977 graduate of Peru High School in Peru, Indiana, and a 1981 graduate of Ball State University.
Mr. Holley began his career as a special agent with the FBI in 1995. He first reported to the Chicago Division, where he was promoted to supervisory special agent of an international terrorism squad.
In November 2005, Mr. Holley was promoted and assigned to FBI Headquarters as a unit chief in the Counterterrorism Division. He transferred back to the Chicago Division in 2008 to serve as the assistant special agent in charge of the National Security Branch.
In June 2010, Mr. Holley was appointed to serve as a section chief in the Counterterrorism Division, where he was responsible for all U.S.-based international terrorism investigations. He was then selected to be the special agent in charge of the Indianapolis Division in October 2011.
An Indiana native, Mr. Holley served nine years in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer.
Mr. Holley is a 1977 graduate of Peru High School in Peru, Indiana, and a 1981 graduate of Ball State University.
Federal Charges Brought Against 8 Alleged #BlackDisciples Gangsters, Accused of Dealing Narcotics in Chicago
A federal investigation targeting narcotics trafficking on the west and south sides of Chicago has resulted in charges against eight alleged members of the Black Disciples street gang. The charges are contained in eight separate criminal complaints filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago and unsealed following the arrests of six of the defendants. The charges were announced by Robert J. Shields, Jr., Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.
Each of the defendants faces one count of distribution of a controlled substance, either cocaine or heroin. One of the charged individuals was arrested in Peoria, and five others were arrested at various locations in and around Chicago by members of the FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force. One defendant avoided capture and is considered a fugitive.
Those charged with distributing heroin are identified as John Smith, aka “Dope Boy,” 34, of 3050 Bella Court, Lisle, Illinois; Randy Porter, 37, of 1329 N. Stever Avenue, Peoria; Nigel Webb, aka “Niger,” 36, of 3101 West Monroe Street, Chicago; Sylvester Hudson, aka “Cool J,” 39, of 2001 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago; and Jethro Lacking, 37, of 7148 South Green Street, Chicago.
Those facing cocaine distribution charges are identified as Tavares Garrett, aka “Toot,” 34, of 545 North Monticello Avenue, Chicago; Gerard M. Liles, aka “Keppis,” 30, of 2930 West Harrison Street, Chicago; and Darnell McMiller, aka “Murder,” 28, of 1615 West 78th Street, Chicago.
The investigation that led to the charges began in 2010 and is part of the ongoing coordinated efforts by federal, state, and local agencies and departments to dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating in and around the Chicago metropolitan area. Agents and officers employed the use of sophisticated surveillance techniques and the controlled purchases of narcotics. According to the complaints, each defendant engaged in the sale of narcotics with individuals who were cooperating in the investigation. To date, the investigation has resulted in the recovery of one handgun and the seizure of approximately seven kilograms of powder cocaine, 1.3 kilograms of crack cocaine, 3.5 kilograms of heroin, one vehicle, and over $28,000.
Those taken into custody appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judges in Chicago and Peoria, and all were ordered held pending their next scheduled court appearances. The defendants face maximum penalties of 20, 30, or 40 years or life in prison. Depending on the charged offense, some may also face a mandatory minimum sentence of either five years or 10 years. The defendants also face maximum fines ranging from $1 million to $10 million.
Defendant Gerard M. Liles remains a fugitive and is the subject of a nationwide manhunt.
The Chicago FBI’s Safe Streets Gangs Joint Task Force is comprised of FBI special agents and officers from the Chicago Police Department.
The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt and that all defendants in a criminal case are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Each of the defendants faces one count of distribution of a controlled substance, either cocaine or heroin. One of the charged individuals was arrested in Peoria, and five others were arrested at various locations in and around Chicago by members of the FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force. One defendant avoided capture and is considered a fugitive.
Those charged with distributing heroin are identified as John Smith, aka “Dope Boy,” 34, of 3050 Bella Court, Lisle, Illinois; Randy Porter, 37, of 1329 N. Stever Avenue, Peoria; Nigel Webb, aka “Niger,” 36, of 3101 West Monroe Street, Chicago; Sylvester Hudson, aka “Cool J,” 39, of 2001 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago; and Jethro Lacking, 37, of 7148 South Green Street, Chicago.
Those facing cocaine distribution charges are identified as Tavares Garrett, aka “Toot,” 34, of 545 North Monticello Avenue, Chicago; Gerard M. Liles, aka “Keppis,” 30, of 2930 West Harrison Street, Chicago; and Darnell McMiller, aka “Murder,” 28, of 1615 West 78th Street, Chicago.
The investigation that led to the charges began in 2010 and is part of the ongoing coordinated efforts by federal, state, and local agencies and departments to dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating in and around the Chicago metropolitan area. Agents and officers employed the use of sophisticated surveillance techniques and the controlled purchases of narcotics. According to the complaints, each defendant engaged in the sale of narcotics with individuals who were cooperating in the investigation. To date, the investigation has resulted in the recovery of one handgun and the seizure of approximately seven kilograms of powder cocaine, 1.3 kilograms of crack cocaine, 3.5 kilograms of heroin, one vehicle, and over $28,000.
Those taken into custody appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judges in Chicago and Peoria, and all were ordered held pending their next scheduled court appearances. The defendants face maximum penalties of 20, 30, or 40 years or life in prison. Depending on the charged offense, some may also face a mandatory minimum sentence of either five years or 10 years. The defendants also face maximum fines ranging from $1 million to $10 million.
Defendant Gerard M. Liles remains a fugitive and is the subject of a nationwide manhunt.
The Chicago FBI’s Safe Streets Gangs Joint Task Force is comprised of FBI special agents and officers from the Chicago Police Department.
The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt and that all defendants in a criminal case are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Statement from Wynn Resorts, @WynnLasVegas, Regarding Its Developments in Pennsylvania
The 
Wynn Resorts Board of Directors recently met to carefully examine the feasibility and opportunities associated with the company's domestic development in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . At this time, the Board has decided that the best course for the company is to pursue business opportunities elsewhere.
The board took a host of factors into consideration, including the Philadelphia market performance over the past year and the competition which will result from the recent approval of gaming in the State of New York . Consequently, the company will withdraw its licensing applications in Pennsylvania.
Wynn Resorts Board of Directors recently met to carefully examine the feasibility and opportunities associated with the company's domestic development in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . At this time, the Board has decided that the best course for the company is to pursue business opportunities elsewhere.
The board took a host of factors into consideration, including the Philadelphia market performance over the past year and the competition which will result from the recent approval of gaming in the State of New York . Consequently, the company will withdraw its licensing applications in Pennsylvania.
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