Saturday, June 30, 2012

Law Enforcement Arrests Defendants Charged in Federal Indictment with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine


If Convicted, Each Defendant Faces Up to Life in Federal Prison

WICHITA FALLS, TX—In a law enforcement operation led earlier today by the FBI, 16 defendants charged in a federal indictment with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack cocaine) were arrested by special agents with the FBI and officers with the Wichita Falls, Fort Worth and Arlington Police Departments. The indictment, returned by a federal grand jury in Dallas on June 20, 2012, and unsealed this afternoon, charges a total of 30 defendants; 11 are in state custody and three remain at large. Today’s announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Diego G. Rodriguez, of the FBI’s Dallas Field Office.

“Today’s arrests, and the resulting shutdown of a crack cocaine distribution ring that has been plaguing the Wichita Falls community for some time, are the results of an excellent, well-coordinated Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation,” said U.S. Attorney Saldaña. “I commend the hard work and dedicated efforts of the FBI and its Safe Streets Task Force in concert with the Wichita Falls, Fort Worth and Arlington Police Departments in this investigation.”

“This operation celebrates cooperation between local and federal law enforcement agencies who were able to identify gang members and associates allegedly involved in persistent criminal activity in the area,” said Special Agent in Charge Rodriguez. “These arrests will have a significant impact on the gang’s influence and demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a safe community for residents of Wichita Falls.”

“Joint operations of this magnitude and importance positively affect the safety and quality of life for our citizens of Wichita Falls and Wichita County,” said Interim Chief Manuel Borrego, of the Wichita Falls Police Department. “Partnering with the FBI to work investigations against criminal gangs who are heavily involved in the trafficking of illegal drugs in Wichita Falls has benefitted our residents.”

Each of the defendants is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. All defendants, except as noted, are residents of Wichita Falls. The below-listed defendants were arrested today:

■Jesse Mae Buckner, 40
■Katrina Davis, 27
■Elvada Latoya Davis, 30
■Latonia Yevette Fleeks, 41
■Peggy Fleeks, 50
■Sherry Ann Fleeks, 49
■Terrance Fleeks, 27
■Terrance Russell Fox, aka “T-Baby,” 24
■Michael Hansboro, aka “Sparkling Mike,” 32
■Fritz Earl Hicks, aka “Big Loc,” 44, Fort Worth, Texas
■Fritz Earl Hicks, aka “Big Loc,” 44, Fort Worth, Texas
■Kemmy Holliman, aka “Lil Kemmy,” 27
■Walter Henry Johnson III, aka “Koo-Koo,” 31
■Cold Contrell McGrew, 32
■Monte McNeely, 30
■Lloyd Kelly Murray, 29
■Parvin Patel, 48
■Tommy Gene Randle, aka “Tom-Tom,” 31
■Ikeem Shaw, aka “Luke,” 21
■Danielle Latrese Vasquez, 25

The below-listed defendants are in state custody:

■Eddie Ramone Barry, Jr., 27
■Danielle Denise Cleaver, 30
■Elmondo Leunsay Gildon, aka “Money Man,” 32
■Darrell Jeffrey, 38
■Steven McGrew, Jr., aka “Funky Grape,” 35
■Richard Jason Perry, 32
■Shaun Royalty, aka “P.A.,” 34
■Philip Lestroy Thomas, aka “Capone,” 36
■Herman Vaughan, aka “Akinola Shoyinka,” 24
■David Yarborough, 56

A federal indictment is an accusation by a grand jury and a defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. If convicted, however, each defendant faces a statutory sentence of not less than 10 years or more than life in prison and a $10 million fine. In addition, the indictment includes a forfeiture allegation which would require the defendants to forfeit to the U.S. all proceeds obtained as a result of their offense, to include the Budget Inn Motel, located at 914 East Scott Avenue, in Wichita Falls, sought from Parvin Patel and another parcel of land in Wichita County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon McCarthy is in charge of the prosecution.

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