Investigation Leads to Indictment of 21 People on Gun and Drug Charges

Thirteen Indictments Filed in Federal Court

BOISE—U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced today that a federal grand jury in Boise has indicted 21 individuals in 13 separate indictments for distributing methamphetamine and possessing firearms. The indictments, which were unsealed by the court this morning, are the result of a long-term investigation by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force. The investigation began when the task force focused on the drug distribution of the “Aryan Knights” gang. The gang is active both in prison and on the streets throughout Idaho. Through the investigation, law enforcement agents identified Aryan Knight gang members who were trafficking methamphetamine, as well as associates of the gang who were the source of that methamphetamine.

Of the 21 individuals indicted, 13 were indicted on drug charges, including four counts of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 15 counts of distribution of methamphetamine, and four counts of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Eight individuals were indicted on firearm charges, including six counts of unlawfully possessing firearms, two counts of possessing sawed-off shotguns, and one count of transferring a sawed-off shotgun. Two individuals were indicted on both drug and firearms charges, including two counts of distributing methamphetamine and two counts of unlawfully possessing firearms.

Five defendants were arrested earlier today in a law enforcement effort coordinated by the Metro Task Force. Twelve other defendants were already in custody. The four remaining defendants have outstanding warrants. A federal grand jury indicted the defendants in April, July, August, and September. James Everette Hood, 40, of Boise, was indicted on April 12; Rory Vincent Palma, 38, of Boise, on July 10. The six defendants indicted on August 14 are Joshua Michael Trent, 31, Christina Shantell Massie, 35, Andrew Gallegos, 23, Jose Silva, 30, Shannon L. Stewart, 41, and Michael P. Duschka, 36, all of Boise. The 13 defendants indicted on September 12 are Dallas Tyler Thompson, 31, Cameron James Ball, 25, Joshua Michael Nall, 31, Nicholas Andrew Steele, 26, Lisa Rochel Samayoa, 45, Jesse Ray Delgado, 47, Stephanie Ann Robinson, 29, and Dennis Lynn James, 45; all of Boise; Christopher John Solders, 26, and Darin Scott Melton, 44, both of Twin Falls, Idaho; Nina Ann Lucas, 32, of Pocatello, Idaho; Rigoberto Bastrana Carrasco, 36, of Ogden, Utah; and Omar Riveroll- Hernandez, 32, of Long Beach, California. Carrasco and Riveroll-Hernandez are both Mexican nationals.

The charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute is punishable by up to 20 years, 40 years, or life imprisonment, depending on the amount of methamphetamine involved; fines of up to $1 million, $5 million, or $10 million; and a minimum term of three up to five years of supervised release.

The charge of unlawfully possessing a firearm is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.

The charges of possessing a sawed-off shotgun and transferring a sawed-off shotgun are punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $10,000, and up three years of supervised release.

“Methamphetamine trafficking is Idaho’s most serious drug crime,” said Olson. “The involvement of known gang members and the presence of firearms pose significant danger to our communities. Fortunately, federal, state, and local law enforcement are working together to thoroughly investigate and, where appropriate, assist in bringing charges against those who bring this addictive substance and the violence that often accompanies it into Idaho. I commend the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force and Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Atwood for their detailed and painstaking efforts in producing these indictments.”

The indictments are the result of a joint investigation of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), which included the cooperative law enforcement efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and U.S. Marshals Service; the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force, a task force comprised of federal, state, and local agencies including the Boise Police Department, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Caldwell Police Department, Nampa Police Department, Meridian Police Department, and Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; the Twin Falls Police Department, Twin Falls Sheriff’s Office, and Idaho State Police.

The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.

The charges are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Nafzger and Chris Atwood, the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership, the Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Gang SAUSA, although hired by state and local agencies, prosecutes cases in federal court. Those defendants convicted of federal charges are imprisoned in federal institutions rather than state prison, which results in significant savings by the State of Idaho. The Gang SAUSA has indicted a total of 212 defendants in federal court since the program’s inception in February 2007. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit treasurevalleypartners.org.

An indictment is a means of charging a person with criminal activity. It is not evidence. The person is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Thirteen Members and Associates of the “Wolfpack” Criminal Organization Charged in Manhattan Federal Court with Narcotics and Firearms Offenses

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Mary Galligan, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”); and Raymond W. Kelly, the Police Commissioner of the City of New York (“NYPD”), announced today the unsealing of charges against 13 members and associates of a criminal organization known as the “Wolfpack” for narcotics and firearms offenses. Defendants FRANKIE FROKAJ, CORRY LOMBARDI, JOSEPH CAMAJ, DRITON HAXHIJAJ, JOSEPH MITCHELL, GEORGE CEKAJ, STEPHEN CRIVILLARO, ALBERTO SPAGNUOLO, and JASON VILLALONA were arrested earlier today and appeared in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge James L. Cott this afternoon. CHRISTOPHER NRECAJ and DAVID NRECAJ were already in custody from an August 10, 2012 arrest on a previous indictment in this case. MARIA MANGIARDI is in custody on state charges. The remaining defendant, DEDA FROKAJ is at large.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “Gangs like the Wolfpack allegedly bring drugs and violence to the communities they inhabit, and they have no place in civil society. Thanks to today’s law enforcement action, their ranks are now depleted, but we will not stop until the Wolfpack is extinct.”

FBI Acting Director in Charge Mary Galligan said: “As the indictment alleges, this organization is aptly named. The members of the Wolfpack preyed on rival drug dealers, and did it with guns and violence. This type of alleged activity posed a threat to the safety of everyone in the Bronx neighborhoods the Wolfpack prowled, not just rival criminals. The FBI is committed to preventing predatory organizations like this one from becoming entrenched.”

NYPD Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said: “It’s hard to imagine a greater menace to neighborhood safety than the triple threat posed by alleged traffickers of oxy, coke, and guns. But the detectives, agents, and prosecutors in this case posed a triple threat of their own as the Wolfpack defendants learned the hard way. Congratulations to the great team that made it possible.”

The following allegations are based on the superseding indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:

From 2008 through August 2012, the 13 charged defendants were members and associates of the Wolfpack. During that time, the defendants conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of cocaine, 100 kilograms and more of marijuana, and quantities of Oxycodone. In the course of their criminal activities, members of the Wolfpack and their associates shared weapons and used violence against their rivals. In addition, CHRISTOPHER NRECAJ, DAVID NRECAJ, and FRANKIE FROKAJ are charged with using and carrying firearms in connection with the conspiracy. CHRISTOPHER NRECAJ is also charged with two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, in connection with his possession of a Glock handgun in March 2012, and a Smith and Wesson handgun and Mosseberg shotgun in August 2012.

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CHRISTOPHER NRECAJ, 40; DAVID NRECAJ, 27; FRANKIE FROKAJ, 28; DEDA FROKAJ, 29; LOMBARDI, 24; CAMAJ, 26; HAXHIJAJ 23; MANGIARDI, 28; MITCHELL, 24; CEKAJ, 51; CRIVILLARO, 24; SPAGNUOLO, 23; and VILLALONA, 21, are all residents of the Bronx.

CHRISTOPHER NRECAJ, DAVID NRECAJ, and FRANKIE FROKAJ all face a potential life sentence, and a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison. DEDA FROKAJ, LOMBARDI, CAMAJ, HAXHIJAJ, MANGIARDI, MITCHELL, CEKAJ, CRIVILLARO, SPAGNUOLO, and VILLALONA each face a maximum term of 40 years in prison, and a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison. Below is a chart outlining the charges against the defendants and the maximum terms of imprisonment they face for each offense.

This case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge George B. Daniels.

Mr. Bharara praised the investigative work of the FBI-NYPD Balkan Organized Crime Task force, and stated that the investigation is ongoing.

The case is being prosecuted by the Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas McQuaid, Peter Skinner, and Rebecca Mermelstein 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.

Bloods Gang Members Sentenced to Life in Prison for Roles in Three Murders, Racketeering Conspiracy and Firearms Offenses

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – September 13, 2012 – Keairus Wilson, 22, a/k/a "Key Thang," and Rondarius Williamson, 22, both of Nashville, Tennessee, have been sentenced to life in prison by U.S. District Judge Aleta Trauger, announced Jerry E. Martin, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. Wilson was sentenced on September 10, 2012 to life, plus 35 years, in prison and Williamson was sentenced yesterday to life, plus 65 years, in prison. Both were convicted by a federal jury on March 22, 2012 for their roles in three murders, racketeering conspiracy, and firearms offenses, all of which were related to their membership in the Bloods street gang.

Wilson was found guilty on eight counts, including the murders of Michael Goins, in June, 2008 and Alexandra Franklin in July, 2009. He also was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, using and carrying firearms during and in relation to crimes of violence, and conspiracy to use and carry firearms during and in relation to crimes of violence.

Williamson was found guilty on seven counts, including the murder of Andreus Taylor in May, 2009. He also was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, using and carrying firearms during and in relation to crimes of violence, and conspiracy to use and carry firearms during and in relation to crimes of violence.

"The life sentences handed down this week are the culmination of more than three years of investigation and litigation involving the Bloods gang. This case exemplifies the commitment of law enforcement in the Middle District of Tennessee to end gang violence by dismantling and prosecuting gang members for their various gang related crimes - from falsified court records, to drug dealing, to murder," said Jerry Martin. "These sentences should serve as a reminder to all current or would-be gang members that the consequences for choosing to engage in gang-related crime are serious."

"Wilson and Williamson will soon serve hard time for their senseless acts of violence and criminal activity that once empowered the Bloods gang in Nashville," said ATF Special Agent-in- Charge Glenn N. Anderson. "Both have been held accountable as were the other Bloods prosecuted in this investigation. They no longer reign over innocent neighborhoods but instead will become permanent residents at the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Without a doubt, the people in Nashville can rest a little easier now that two more violent gang members are off the streets forever. ATF and our law enforcement partners will continue our steadfast focus on gangs that insist on criminal activity as a way of life."

According to evidence presented at trial, Wilson and Williamson were both members of the Bloods, a violent street gang that originated in Los Angeles in the 1970s and ultimately migrated to cities throughout the United States, including Nashville. Specifically, Wilson was a member of the Eastside Skyline Piru set of the Bloods, and Williamson was a member of the Tree Top Piru set of the Bloods. The Bloods gang has a hierarchal structure and a long-term and often lethal rivalry with the Crips gang.

From approximately 2006 until December 2011, Bloods gang members committed and conspired to commit acts of murder, attempted murder, robbery and drug trafficking. Evidence at trial showed that the Bloods gang members met regularly to plan and agree upon the crimes to commit, including murder; maintained and circulated a collection of firearms for use in criminal activity by Bloods members; distributed cocaine, cocaine base, marijuana and hydromorphone; and used the proceeds of those drug transactions to help finance the gang's illegal activities. Bloods gang members committed murder and other acts of violence against rival gang members and others during the course of the conspiracy.

More than 30 individuals have pleaded guilty in the Middle District of Tennessee to various crimes related to their involvement in the Bloods gang. Kenneth Gaddie, aka "K.G.," remains a fugitive. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact ATF.

Lonnie Greenlee, 54, of Nashville, co-founder of the Galaxy Star Drug Awareness and Gang Prevention Center in Nashville and father of lead defendant Lonnie Newsome, allowed Bloods gang members to use the facility to conduct gang meetings. According to evidence presented at trial, Greenlee provided numerous Bloods gang members with fraudulent documentation of court-ordered community service hours in exchange for money. Greenlee pleaded guilty in May 2011 to one count of racketeering conspiracy and was sentenced to 24 months' in prison on April 2, 2012.

The remaining defendants and prior sentences imposed include:

•Montez Hall a/k/a "Tez," 22, of Nashville, – 360 months;

•Anthony Brooks a/k/a "A.B.," 25, of Nashville, – 300 months

•Lonnie Newsome a/k/a "Big Lonnie," 26, of Nashville, – 240 months;

•Kerry Pettus a/k/a "Lil Kerry," 24, of Nashville, – 240 months;

•Tim Allen a/k/a "Lil Tim," 22, of Nashville, – 216 months;

•Cedric Woods a/k/a "Lil Ced," 23, of Nashville, – 210 months;

•Jeffrey Albea a/k/a "Lil Jeff," 20, of Nashville, – 120 months;

•Aaron Gooch a/k/a "A-Ron," 23, of Nashville, – 120 months;

•Deshaune Jones a/k/a "Mexico," 23, of Nashville, – 120 months;

•William Walden a/k/a "Wild Bill," 23, of Nashville, – 120 months;

•Anthony Lampkins a/k/a "Doo Daddy," 23, of Nashville, – 96 months;

•Antonio Washington a/k/a "T.O.," 23, of Nashville, – 96 months;

•William Bartlett a/k/a "Face Mob," 29 of Gallatin, – Tenn., 88 months;

•Ricky Williams a/k/a "Big Rick," 26, of Nashville, – 85 months;

•Jermaine Tate a/k/a "Maine Maine," 23, of Nashville, – 85 months;

•Alonzo McLaurine a/k/a "Zo," 22, of Nashville, – 84 months;

•Shayne Gibson, 20, of Nashville, – 84 months;

•Karlos Taylor a/k/a "Los," 22, of Nashville, – 80 months;

•Alexander McDonald a/k/a "Dominique," 22, of Nashville, – 60 months;

•Anthony Campbell a/k/a "Dante," 22, of Nashville, – 57 months;

•Jermaine Coward a/k/a "Maine Maine," 21, – of Nashville, 52 months;

•Joedon Bradley a/k/a "Jo Jo," 24, of Nashville, – 48 months;

•Adrian Montgomery, 21, of Nashville, – 48 months;

•Donald Dowell a/k/a "D-Dow," 26, of Nashville, – 47 months;

•Torey Cohen Boseman, 26, of Nashville, – 36 months;

•James House a/k/a "Bam," 39, of Nashville, – 30 months;

•Shawn Howell, 25, of Nashville, – 27 months;

•Rodney Britton, 24, of Nashville, – 24 months;

•Kaylon Cunningham, 26, of Nashville, – 60 months probation;

•Corneilus Primm, 27, of Nashville, – 36 months probation;

•Brandon Prince, 24, of Nashville, – 36 months probation.

The investigation was a joint operation conducted by the ATF; the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department; the U.S. Marshals Service; the LaVergne, Tennessee Police Department; and the Davidson County, Tennessee Sheriff's Office. The case was prosecuted by Cody L. Skipper, formerly a Trial Attorneym assigned to the Depart of Justice's Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant United States Attorney Scarlett M. Singleton for the Middle District of Tennessee.

INDIANAPOLIS MAN SENTENCED TO 6 YEARS IN PRISON FOR GUN, IDENTITY THEFT CRIMES

INDIANAPOLIS – Joseph H. Hogsett, the United States Attorney, announced today that William "Ricky" Harris, age 34, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 72 months (6 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker. This follows his plea of guilty to charges of possessing firearms as a convicted felon and access device fraud.

"I know I sound like a broken record, but this Office simply has no tolerance for convicted felons who illegally arm themselves," Hogsett said. "We are doing all we can to help reduce violent crime, and we are committed to keeping guns out of the hands of violent, repeat offenders in this Indianapolis."

In pleading guilty, Harris admitted that on December 13, 2011, he was found by law enforcement to be in possession of a dozen different firearms. In 2003, Harris was convicted of a felony in Marion County, and therefore is not legally entitled to possess firearms. Guns confiscated from Harris included:

•Beretta .32 caliber pistol

•Marlin .22 caliber rifle

•Winchester 16 gauge shotgun

•High Standard 12 gauge shotgun

•Winchester 12 gauge shotgun

•Kel-Tec .223 caliber pistol

•Henry .22 caliber rifle

•Harrington & Richardson .410 shotgun

•Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol

•Browning 12 gauge shotgun

•Ruger .357 caliber revolver

In addition, Harris pleaded guilty to charges that he possessed 15 or more counterfeit access devices, such as credit cards, debit cards, and fraudulent account numbers. The information filed earlier this year specifically describes a number of counterfeit gift cards that had been re-encoded with fraudulent account information. During the course of the investigation, Harris also admitted that he had been a drug dealer in Indianapolis for many years, selling both marijuana and heroin.

These indictments come as part of the U.S. Attorney's Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), and are the result of collaborative investigative efforts by the ATF, the United States Secret Service, and local law enforcement.

Launched in March 2011, the VCI has produced a dramatic increase in the number of gun-related charges brought federally – from just 14 charges in 2010 to more than 110 last year. Already in 2012, 61 felon in possession of a firearm charges have been filed as part of the Violent Crime Initiative, putting the office on pace to meet or exceed last year's total.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers, who prosecuted the case for the government, Harris was also sentenced to 3 years of supervised release to be served upon his release. Federal sentencing rules require that, at a minimum, Harris will serve 85% of his sentence in prison.