Four Cleveland Men Indicted in Federal Court for Armed Robberies

Four Cleveland men were indicted on charges of conspiracy, robbery affecting interstate commerce, and using firearms to commit crimes of violence for their roles in at least eight armed robberies in 2011, law enforcement officials announced today.

Charged are: Antwan Williams, age 25; Jervond Robinson, age 24; Antwan Bolek, age 22; and Dakota Wright, age 25, all of Cleveland.

All the robberies occurred in Cleveland. The locations the men are accused of robbing include: Popeye’s Chicken, 7020 Carnegie Ave.; Famous Gyro George, 7325 Euclid Ave.; Shop Rite, 2131 East 79th Street; Gypsy Beans and Bakery, 6425 Detroit Ave.; Rite Aid Pharmacy, 6512 Franklin Ave.; Burger King, 6170 Denison Ave.; Little Caesar’s Pizza, 6727 Denison Ave., and Convenient Foodmart, 7205 Lorain Ave.

“These defendants sowed fear and interrupted business on both the east and west sides of town,” said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

“These violent individuals targeted local business where Clevelanders were merely going about their normal activities of eating out and shopping,” said Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland Office. “The FBI and the Violent Crimes Task Force is committed to ensuring that such perpetrators are brought to justice.”

Cleveland Police Chief Michael McGrath added, “As a result of local, state, and federal law enforcement working together, four violent fugitives were brought to justice. The arrests of these individuals will make our streets and neighborhoods safer and send a message to lawbreakers that if you commit a crime, we will come after you.”

Prosecutor Mason said, “For the past three years, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and my office have coordinated to prosecute the pattern robbery cases that occur inside our county. When we work together, we can effectively shut down these criminals.”

The indictment charges Williams with armed robberies at Popeye’s Chicken and Famous Gyro George in the summer of 2011.

The indictment charges Williams, Robinson, and Wright with an armed robbery at a Shop Rite store on October 14, 2011.

The indictment also alleges that Robinson, Bolek, and Williams engaged in a conspiracy to commit several robberies on November 11-12, 2011, including armed robberies at the Gypsy Beans and Bakery, Rite Aid Pharmacy, Burger King, Little Caesar’s Pizza, and Convenient Foodmart.

The indictment results from an investigation conducted by the Cleveland Cuyahoga Violent Crimes Task Force, in coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cleveland Division of Police (2nd and 3rd Districts), and the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office.

The Cleveland Cuyahoga Violent Crimes Task Force targets violent crime through a partnership of the United States Attorney’s Office, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department, Cleveland Division of Police, Adult Parole Authority, Cleveland Metropolitan Housing Authority police, and other state and local agencies.

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Bill Mason’s office will assist in the prosecution of this case in the United States District Court. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Kall and Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Greg Mussman.

Mason’s office is also prosecuting the Convenient Foodmart robbery case in state court as well.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal records, if any; the defendants’ roles in the offenses; and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentences will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases will be less than the maximum.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

U.S. Marshals Task Force Arrests Man Wanted for Brutal Assault on Four People

Cleveland, OH – Early this morning, at approximately 12:30 a.m., the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, with the assistance of the Trumbull County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Marco Correa, age 27, near the 100 block of Arhaven Drive in Newton Falls, OH. Correa was wanted by the Cleveland Division of Police for four counts of felonious assault. It is alleged that Correa was one of five people that were involved in an unprovoked assault at Charlie’s Place on Lorain Ave. in Cleveland that left two people unconscious, permanently blinded a waitress, and broke the jaw of an off-duty Cleveland police officer that stepped in to help the victims.

Last Friday, the Cleveland Division of Police requested assistance from the U.S. Marshals Task Force to locate Correa. Correa was previewed in local media yesterday as the “Fugitive of the Week”. Within hours, tips began to pour in and information was developed that Correa was staying at a home. in Newton Falls. Deputy U.S. Marshals and Task Force Officers went to the residence earlier in the day on Monday but did not find Correa. Late Monday night investigators received a tip the Correa was back at the home on Arhaven Dr. and the Task Force quickly responded to the residence. This time Correa was located inside. He was arrested without incident and transported to the Trumbull County Jail.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “Once again the partnership between law enforcement, the media and the public worked together to bring this violent fugitive to justice. We are hopeful this arrest brings some peace to the victims and their families that are continuing to suffer from this horrible crime.”

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of a known fugitive is encouraged to contact the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4-WANTED (1-866-492-6833). You can now also text your tip to TIP411 (847411), keyword WANTED. Callers may remain anonymous and a cash reward may be available. The Task Force’s “Dangerous Dozen” fugitives can be viewed at http://www.usmarshals.gov/district/oh-n/fugitives/pdf/dangerous_dozen.pdf, which is updated monthly.

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, Cleveland Division, is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies: U.S. Marshals Service, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Cleveland Division of Police, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department, Euclid Police Department, Lakewood Police Department, Linndale Village Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, and the Westlake Police Department.

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.

Cocaine Trafficking Charges Filed Against 72 People for Conspiracy Focused on East Side of Cleveland

CLEVELAND—Seventy-two people were indicted in federal court in the Northern District of Ohio for their roles in a conspiracy to bring powder and crack cocaine in from Georgia and Kentucky and sell it throughout Greater Cleveland, law enforcement officials announced today.

Four of those indicted are also accused of taking part in the shooting and robbery of a Euclid, Ohio man in January 2012. That shooting led to a manhunt throughout Euclid and Cleveland.

An additional 14 people were indicted in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Common Pleas Court on state drug charges.

The indictment is believed to be the largest ever filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, in terms of number of defendants.

“The criminal activity laid out in this indictment shows the lengths people will go to sell drugs, but it should also underscore our commitment to fighting back,” said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

“This investigation and 97-count indictment represent a top-to-bottom dismantlement of a violent criminal organization intent on polluting our neighborhoods with drugs,” said Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Field Office. “As evidenced by the results of this investigation, the Northern Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force and its community partners will work tirelessly to target and eliminate the most significant threats to our communities.”

Cleveland Police Chief Michael McGrath said, “With these 86 indictments, a major blow has been dealt to drug trafficking in this area. This is another example of what can be accomplished when our law enforcement partners work together to identify and arrest those individuals responsible for selling drugs in our communities. Along with our law enforcement partners and the community, we will continue to work together to stop the sale of illegal drugs in our neighborhoods.”

The drug conspiracy took place between 2011 and May 2012, according to the 97-count federal indictment.

Walter Williams obtained kilogram amounts of cocaine in Georgia and elsewhere and transported the drugs to Cleveland, where he sold the cocaine to Edward Martin and others. Martin, in turn, sold large amounts of cocaine to Deante Rogers, Thomas McDonald, Aaron Strange, Andy Gray, Jamar Pennyman, T’Andre Buchanan, Irin Green, David Paige, Demtrius Duvall, Dennis Edwards, Shaughn Hubbard, Richard Wilson, and others in the Greater Cleveland area, according to the indictment.

Chase Downey, John Campbell, Javier Garza, and Francisco Rodriguez, all of Kentucky, traveled to the Cleveland area and sold kilograms of cocaine to Charles Smith, Randy Jackson, Deante Rogers, Thomas McDonald, and others, according to the indictment.

Deante Rogers used his Cleveland residence to sell, process, and store cocaine and crack cocaine, according to the indictment.

Charles Smith used a Euclid residence to sell, process, and store cocaine and crack cocaine, according to the indictment.

Rogers and Smith would then sell cocaine and crack cocaine to dozens of other people, according to the indictment.

On January 6, 2012, John Campbell, Chase Downey, Francisco Rodriguez, and R.D. (a person known to the grand jury but not charged herein) met Charles Smith at the residence in Euclid and offered to sell him a kilogram of cocaine for $30,000, according to the indictment.

During the meeting, Rodriguez shot Smith twice and Campbell, Downey, and Rodriguez and took nearly 900 grams of cocaine, 300 grams of crack cocaine, and $30,000, according to the indictment.

Cuyahoga County prosecutors have charged Rodriguez, Downey, Campbell, and R.D. for those acts, as well as for the shootout with police that followed.

Federal prosecutors are also seeking to forfeit assets obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violations or used to commit or facilitate the commission of the violations, including but not limited to, more than $93,000 in cash; nine firearms; a watch; jewelry; a Ford F150; and three homes.

“By following the money trail, special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation help to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations that attempt to conceal the true source of their money from the government,” said Darryl Williams, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS)-Criminal Investigation.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal record, if any; the defendants’ role in the offense; and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentences will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, they will be less than the minimum.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph M. Pinjuh and Adam Hollingsworth following an investigation by the Northern Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force (NOLETF).

The NOLETF is a long standing multi-agency task force comprised of investigators from the FBI; Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority; Drug Enforcement Administration; IRS; Immigration and Customs Enforcement; U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service; Cleveland Division of Police; Cleveland Heights, Ohio Police Department; Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office; Euclid Police Department; Regional Transit Authority Police Department; Strongsville, Ohio Police Department; Westlake, Ohio Police Department; and Shaker Heights, Ohio Police Department. The NOLETF is also one of the initial Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) initiatives. The HIDTA Program supports and helps coordinate numerous Ohio drug task forces in their efforts to eliminate or reduce drug-trafficking in Ohio.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Shooting Suspect Nabbed by Task Force

Cleveland, OH – Wanted fugitive William Neal, age 21, was arrested this morning at approximately 11:30 am in Cleveland, Ohio. Neal was wanted by the Cleveland police Department on charges of two counts of felonious assault shooting and one count of aggravated robbery. Neal was the primary suspect in two different shootings that have recently taken place on Cleveland’s east side. The first occurred this past June when it is alleged that Neal shot and robbed a male victim that was involved in a dice game on Mt. Hermon Avenue. It is believed that Neal walked up on the participants of the game and shot one of the males five times before robbing him of his money and fleeing the scene. The second instance took place during the first few days of July when it is believed that Neal and others fired a weapon several times into a dwelling on Donald Avenue. The drive-by shooting is believed to have occurred as a result of rival gang activity. Following the second shooting, the Cleveland Police solicited the assistance of the Task Force in the search for Neal.

The Task Force began its search late last week and was able to gain critical information on Neal’s family members and associates. The investigation intensely continued through the weekend and over the past few days. The Task Force was finally able to identify an associate of Neal’s family that was possibly providing a place for him to hide. At approximately 11:00 am, the Task Force descended upon a residence located on the 1300 Block of Russell Avenue in Cleveland. A perimeter was established around the residence as Deputy Marshals and Task Force Officers attempted to make entry. The members of the Task Force called into the residence and convinced Neal to surrender. Neal was arrested without incident and a semi automatic weapon was recovered in the residence.

Acting Assistant Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian Fitzgibbon stated, “The members of the Task Force did everything they could to prevent this violent offender from striking again and jeopardizing the safety of the community. The summer weather encourages outdoor activity and we want our citizens to feel safe from gunfire and violence.”

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of a known fugitive is encouraged to contact the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at: 1-866-4-WANTED. Callers may remain anonymous.

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force – Cleveland Division is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies: U.S. Marshals Service, Bratenahl Police Department, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Cleveland Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department, Euclid Police Department, Lakewood Police Department, Linndale Village Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Westlake Police Department, Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service and the U.S. Secret Service.

The Buck Stops Here for Bail Bondsmen Shooter

Cleveland, Ohio – Wanted fugitive Reginald “Ricky” Smith, age 28, was arrested this morning at approximately 10:50 am. Smith was named as the primary suspect in the shooting incident involving two bail bondsmen in the Collinwood area on Cleveland’s east side two weeks ago. Smith was the intended target of the bondsmen due to the fact that he defaulted on his bond in a state drug case he was charged in. The incident occurred at 16208 St. Clair Avenue in Cleveland on May 21, 2011, at approximately 9:30 pm. Smith was standing in the store when the two bondsmen approached and attempted to serve an arrest warrant on him. A physical altercation quickly ensued which spilled out of the store into the parking lot area. It is alleged that during the struggle, Smith pulled out a Mac-10 semi-automatic handgun and shot both bondsman before fleeing the area. The following Monday, May 23rd, the Cleveland Police solicited the assistance of the U.S. Marshals led Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force to assist with the case. Deputy Marshals and Task Force Officers quickly began to interview and investigate family and associates of Smith. The information that was ascertained led to a few locations that Smith had been known to frequent. During the past week, the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, with the assistance of the Cleveland Division of Police SWAT Unit, searched numerous residences in Cleveland’s fourth district in an attempt to arrest Smith with no avail. Finally, the Task Force was able to discover evidence showing that Smith was in the company of three individuals the night of the shooting. The Task Force was able to identify the three individuals which led to critical information regarding the location where Smith was eventually apprehended.

Early this morning the Task Force was able to identify an address located at on the 14900 block of Florida Avenue in Cleveland. The Task Force set up surveillance on the residence and started coordinating arrest efforts with the Cleveland Police SWAT Unit. The Task Force then established a tight perimeter surrounding the residence while the SWAT Unit was in route to the residence. Deputy Marshals and Task Force Officers began calling out on a PA system to Smith inside the residence to surrender.

Undoubtedly, Smith seeing that the residence was surrounded with heavily armed police officers knew that the running was over. After a 10 minute wait, Smith exited through the front door of the residence and surrendered to police.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “This was a priority case for our task force and we followed the trail relentlessly over the last two weeks and the work paid off today. I am thankful that no one else was injured and that this fugitive is now safely in custody to face these charges.”

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of a known fugitive is encouraged to contact the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at: 1-866-4-WANTED. Callers may remain anonymous.

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force – Cleveland Division is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies: U.S. Marshals Service, Bratenahl Police Department, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Chagrin Falls Police Department, Cleveland Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department, Euclid Police Department, Lakewood Police Department, Linndale Village Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Westlake Police Department, Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service and the U.S. Secret Service.

Twenty-Five People Charged in "Operation Iron Chef" Accused of Distributing Powder and Crack Cocaine

Twenty-five people were charged in a 59-count indictment, accused of distributing powder and crack cocaine throughout Cleveland, Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Cleveland office, announced today.

The indictment charges three separate but related drug trafficking organizations with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (crack). Most of the people indicted were arrested this morning.

"Once again, law enforcement in Northeast Ohio worked together to take down large organizations that brought drugs from outside the region into Cleveland," Dettelbach said.

This sting was dubbed "Operation Iron Chef" because one of the men indicted frequently cooked powder cocaine into crack cocaine from a house on

Willowhurst Road

in Cleveland.

"Today's arrests in 'Operation Iron Chef' demonstrates the continued successful effort by federal, state and local law enforcement to stop those drug trafficking organizations here in Cleveland and around the country that are targeting our communities," Anthony said. "This investigation revealed that the drug trafficking organizations here in Cleveland were being supplied by traffickers in Detroit, Oakland and East Chicago, Indiana."

Count 1 of the indictment charged 10 people for their participation in a drug ring lead by Donte Harris from January through August 2010. This group received cocaine from Oakland, California and elsewhere and distributed it throughout Cleveland, according tot he indictment.

On June 8, 2010, police stopped Kevin Lanier, a member of the drug ring. The vehicle fled and eventually crashed into a porch on

Ostend Road

in Cleveland. Lanier and the driver ran away and police recovered about 13 grams of crack cocaine from around the crash site, according to the indictment.

Count 2 of the indictment charged seven people for their participation in a drug ring lead by Ramone Thomas. From May 2010 through August 2010, this group distributed powder and crack cocaine throughout Cleveland, according to the indictment.

The organization utilized a house on

Hampton Road

in Cleveland as part of their operation, according to the indictment.

Count 3 of the indictment charged nine people for their roles in a drug ring lead by Shawn Fears. From August through October 2010, this group brought cocaine from East Chicago, Indiana and elsewhere to Cleveland and distributed it throughout the area, according to the indictment.

Those indicted are: Shawn Fears, 41, of Euclid, Ohio; Ramone Thomas, 29, of Cleveland, Ohio; Donte Harris, 27, of Euclid, Ohio; Kevin Lanier, 27, of Cleveland, Ohio; Christopher Brownlee, 28, of Cleveland, Ohio; David Beasley, 41, of Cleveland, Ohio; Anthony Coleman, 31, of South Euclid, Ohio; David Porter, 24, of Cleveland, Ohio; Markettia Harris, 24, of Cleveland, Ohio; Michelle Lee Harris, 22, of Cleveland, Ohio; Jermaine Hilliard, 29, of Cleveland, Ohio; Ladarius Davis, 22, of Cleveland, Ohio; Darnell Horton, 34, of Cleveland, Ohio; Carlos Hibbit, 26, of Cleveland, Ohio; Secarius Dillar, 36, of Cleveland, Ohio; Lidon Porter, 33, of Cleveland, Ohio; Albert Sandidge, 54, of Cleveland, Ohio; Lamont Jackson, 49, of East Chicago, Indiana; Marvin Tolbert, 37, of Cleveland, Ohio; Walter Winnick, 57, of Cleveland, Ohio; Percy Wells, 29, of Cleveland, Ohio; Arketa Willis, 40, of Twinsburg, Ohio; Marco Parra, 30, of Bedford Heights, Ohio; Dushawn Harris, 35, of Cleveland, Ohio, and Preston Charles Thompson, 20, of Cleveland, Ohio.

If convicted, the defendants' sentences will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendants' prior criminal record, if any, the defendants' role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentences will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases they will be less than the maximum.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Teresa L. Dirksen and Roger Bamberger, following an investigation by the Northern Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force (NOLETF).

The NOLETF is a long standing multi-agency task force comprised of investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, Cleveland Division of Police, Cleveland Heights Police Department (CHPD), Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office (CCSO), Euclid Police Department (EPD), Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Police Department, Strongsville Police Department (SPD), University Heights Police Department (UHPD) and Shaker Heights Police Department (SHPD). The NOLETF is also one of the initial Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) initiatives. The HIDTA Program supports and helps coordinate numerous Ohio drug task forces in their efforts to eliminate, or reduce drug-trafficking in the State of Ohio.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.