Leader, Enforcer, and Member of Area Drug Ring Convicted of Racketeering, Murder, Firearms, and Narcotics Charges

Defendants Carried Out Murders in the District and Maryland, Including One of a Government Witness

WASHINGTON—Three men were convicted by a jury today of federal racketeering conspiracy charges, three murders in aid of racketeering activity, and various narcotics and firearms offenses for their roles in a violent drug organization that operated in Barry Farm and other neighborhoods within the District of Columbia and the larger metropolitan area. The victims included a woman who was slain in 2009 because she was a government witness.

The verdicts were announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen, Jr.; James W. McJunkin, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office; Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD); Mark A. Magaw, Chief of the Prince George’s County, Maryland Police Department; and Teresa Chambers, Chief of the U.S. Park Police.

A jury returned the verdicts, finding the defendants guilty of all charges, following more than a week of deliberations and a trial that lasted more than two months in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The jury convicted Mark Pray, 31, of Washington, D.C.; Alonzo Marlow, 31, also of Washington, D.C.; and Kenneth Benbow, 31, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, of numerous charges.

The Honorable Rosemary M. Collyer, who presided at the trial, scheduled sentencing for Pray and Benbow on June 22, 2012. Marlow is to be sentenced on June 21, 2012. All three defendants face mandatory sentences of life in prison.

Six others earlier pled guilty to charges, and a seventh man pled guilty in a related case.

According to the government’s evidence, starting as early as 2006, Pray led an organization that distributed large amounts of PCP, crack cocaine, cocaine and marijuana in Barry Farm and elsewhere in the Washington, D.C. area. Pray enlisted family members, friends, and individuals known to him from Barry Farm and elsewhere to distribute controlled substances. Members of the Pray Drug Organization regularly carried firearms to promote and protect the drug enterprise and its interests; committed, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence, including murder, to protect and expand the enterprise’s criminal operations; and promoted a climate of fear through violence and threats of violence. Marlow functioned as the group’s “enforcer.” Benbow was a close associate of both men in the enterprise.

“Today a jury of ordinary citizens struck back against a violent drug organization that operated for so many years in Barry Farm and elsewhere,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “These killers tried to protect their narcotics enterprise by murdering a witness whose truthful testimony could put them behind bars. These guilty verdicts send an unmistakable message to criminals who believe that they can overcome justice with violence.”

“These individuals used threats and violence to control and intimidate their communities in furtherance of their criminal enterprise,” said Assistant Director in Charge McJunkin. “Together with MPD and the Safe Streets Task Force, we remain dedicated to protecting our citizens from those who seek to do them harm, and to bringing to justice those who commit such violent crimes.”

“These defendants and their organization made it clear that they would not be deterred from carrying out their violent and illicit activities,” said Chief Lanier. “They targeted a witness, which demonstrates the ruthlessness of this organization. Today’s verdict should send a strong message to criminals that MPD and our law enforcement partners will continue to focus on violent crime.”

“I am pleased with the convictions of these individuals. It sends a message that you will be held accountable,” said Chief Magaw. “I am also proud to be a part of the collaborative effort of the law enforcement and prosecutorial partners that made this happen.”

“We are pleased with the outcome of this case,” said Chief Chambers. “It is always rewarding to see the cooperative efforts of several law enforcement agencies bringing increased safety to our communities.”

Pray and Marlow were convicted of charges in the killing of the government witness, Crystal Washington, 44, who was shot to death April 10, 2009 in the District of Columbia. Ms. Washington was slain one business day before the start of a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, during which she was to testify for the government against Pray and three other individuals. According to the government’s evidence, Marlow killed Ms. Washington at Pray’s direction to prevent her from testifying in the case.

Pray and Marlow also were convicted of charges in the January 13, 2010 murder of Jheryl Hodge, 20, also in the District of Columbia. Marlow, in consultation with Pray, shot Mr. Hodge several times, in broad daylight, in the middle of the Barry Farm neighborhood. Mr. Hodge was related to a man whom Pray and Marlow viewed as a rival.

Finally, Pray and Benbow were convicted of charges in the murder of Van Johnson, Jr., 28, which took place September 24, 2008, in Prince George’s County. Pray and Benbow ambushed Mr. Johnson after following him from a nightclub. According to the government’s evidence, they believed that Mr. Johnson had been speaking badly of Benbow.

This prosecution grew out of a long-term FBI/MPD/USPP alliance called the Safe Streets Task Force that targets violent drug trafficking gangs in the District of Columbia. The Safe Streets Initiative is funded in part by the Baltimore Washington High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area as well as the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. The Safe Streets Initiative involves more than 150 Safe Streets Task Forces around the country that combat street gangs by combining federal, state, and local police resources.

In announcing the verdicts, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director in Charge McJunkin, Chief Lanier, Chief Magaw, and Chief Chambers thanked the many dedicated people who worked on the case, including the special agents from the FBI’s Washington Field Office; Detectives William Xanten, Michael Murphy, and Bryan Kasul, Officer John McElhenny, and Mobile Crime Officers Tim Coughlin and Tina Rahmadhan, all of the Metropolitan Police Department; Detectives Paul Dougherty and Wayne Martin, of the Prince George’s County Police Department; and Detective William Sepeck, of the U.S. Park Police. They also thanked the U.S. Marshals Service for its assistance in the investigation.

They also acknowledged the work of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegals Brendan Tracz and Colin Rettamel; Legal Assistants Diane Brashears and Tammy Scott; Litigation Technology Specialist Ron Royal; and the Victim Witness Assistance Unit, including Witness Security Specialist Michael Hailey. They also expressed appreciation to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth Waxman and Michelle Zamarin, who participated in the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott L. Sroka and Nicholas Coleman, who provided assistance.

Finally, they thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew P. Cohen and Anthony Scarpelli, who investigated and tried the case.

Thirteen People Arrested Today in Drug Conspiracy, Accused of Distributing Cocaine in Washington, D.C. Area

WASHINGTON—Thirteen people were arrested today following their indictments on federal charges in connection with an ongoing investigation by the FBI/Metropolitan Safe Streets Task Force into a network that distributed cocaine in the Washington, D.C. area.

The arrests and charges were announced this afternoon by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., James W. McJunkin, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Cathy L. Lanier, chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Those arrested, along with a 14th person taken into custody earlier this month, were among 27 defendants named in an indictment returned on March 8, 2012 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The indictment, partially unsealed today, charges the defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. The indictment also includes a forfeiture allegation seeking all proceeds derived from the crimes, as well as assets used to commit the offenses. If convicted, the defendants face a minimum of 10 years in custody and a maximum of life in prison.

The FBI, MPD, U.S. Park Police, Prince George’s County Police, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Maryland State Police joined in today’s law enforcement action. A total of 11 locations were searched in Maryland and three in the District of Columbia. Authorities seized a shotgun, a rifle, and nine handguns, as well as cocaine and marijuana, cash, and five vehicles.

The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to carry out the drug operation from September 2010 through March of this year, when it was broken up by law enforcement. The network allegedly operated in the District of Columbia as well as in Temple Hills, Maryland.

“Today’s law enforcement activities show our determination to target those selling dangerous drugs in our city,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “This investigation has led to numerous arrests as well as the recovery of 11 firearms and drugs. Thanks to the hard work of the FBI, the Metropolitan Police Department and other law enforcement partners, we have taken another step toward making our community safer.”

“This morning’s arrests dismantled a dangerous network which threatened the safety of our community,” said Assistant Director in Charge McJunkin. “Together with our partners on the Safe Streets Task Force, the FBI will continue to pursue and prosecute violent drug traffickers in order to keep our neighborhoods safe for our citizens.”

“Today’s arrests highlight the teamwork between our federal and local partners as we continue to remove drugs, guns and criminals from our streets—in an effort to make our neighborhoods safer,” said Chief Lanier.

Arrested on the charges were: Keith Donnell Boone, 42, of Clinton, Maryland, and his sister, Kimberly Delores Boone, 45, of Temple Hills, Maryland; Andre Linwood Brown, 56, of Washington, D.C.; Kelvin Kevin Heyward, 57, of Clinton, Maryland, and his sons, Kevin Kelvin Hayward, 39, of Greenbelt, Maryland, and Markel Kevin Heyward, 33, of District Heights, Maryland; Anthony Quinn Jones, 47, of District Heights, Maryland; Bernard William Jones, 34, of Bowie, Maryland; Anthony Darryl Kirby, 27, of Fort Washington, Maryland; Jonathan McCoy Logan, 40, of Clinton, Maryland; Willie Bennett Stokes, II, 26, of District Heights, Maryland; Joe Thomas, 76, of Washington, D.C.; and James Ralph Walker, 31, of District Heights, Maryland. Joe Thomas is the father of defendants Kimberly Delores Boone and Andre Linwood Brown.

A 14th defendant, Darnell Antonio Parker, 41, of Arlington, Virginia, was arrested earlier.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.

This prosecution grew out of a long-term FBI/MPD alliance called the Safe Streets Task Force that targets violent drug trafficking gangs in the District of Columbia. The Safe Streets initiative is funded in part by the Baltimore Washington High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area as well as the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. The initiative involves more than 150 Safe Streets Task Forces across the country that combat street gangs by combining federal, state, and local police resources. The task forces, which began in 1992 in Los Angeles and the District of Columbia, address gang activity, including drug-related crimes.

In announcing the charges, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director McJunkin, and Chief Lanier thanked those who pursued the investigation from the FBI/MPD Safe Streets Task Force and other agencies. In addition, they expressed appreciation to the Prince George’s County Police Department, the U.S. Park Police, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Maryland State Police for their assistance in the investigation.

They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the investigation from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle A. Zamarin, Thomas A. Gillice, and Suzanne Clement Libby, who are prosecuting the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zia Faruqui, Anthony Saler and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Anand Sithian, of the Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section, which is assisting with the forfeiture action.

Man Sentenced to 65-Month Prison Term for Taking Part in Drug Conspiracy

He and Others Operated Near Seventh and O Streets NW, Other Locations

WASHINGTON—Marcus Alfred Gurley, 31, of Glenn Dale, Maryland, was sentenced today to a prison term of 65 months on federal charges stemming from his role in a drug trafficking ring that operated in the Washington, D.C. area, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen, Jr.; James W. McJunkin, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office; and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Gurley pled guilty in December 2011 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine as well as a firearms offense. He was sentenced by the Honorable Reggie B. Walton. After his prison term, Gurley will be placed on five years of supervised release and required to perform 200 hours of community service. The judge also issued an order of forfeiture calling for Gurley and others to be responsible for $1 million as proceeds constituting or derived from the drug trafficking activities.

Gurley was among 17 people arrested last year following their indictments in August 2011 on conspiracy and other charges. The indictments followed a nearly three-year investigation by the FBI and MPD into the trafficking of cocaine, cocaine base, and marijuana. The ring’s activities occurred in the area surrounding Seventh and O Streets NW and in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

As part of his guilty plea, Gurley admitted that between January 2010 and August 2011, he was engaged in a conspiracy to distribute powder cocaine. He stated that he received cocaine from a supplier in the drug trafficking organization for redistribution in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. He acknowledged paying the supplier approximately $4,500 for 125 grams of cocaine, $15,000 to $16,000 for 500 grams of cocaine, and approximately $33,000 for one kilogram of cocaine. Gurley also admitted being responsible for obtaining and selling between 500 grams and two kilograms of powder cocaine while taking part in the conspiracy.

The weapons charge stems from three firearms that were recovered, along with ammunition, in a search of Gurley’s home on August 9, 2011, the day of his arrest.

The sentencing was the latest in a series of recent developments in the case. Co-defendant Joseph Young, 35, of Lanham, Maryland, was sentenced on February 24, 2012 to a five-year prison term. In addition, one of the leaders of the organization, Espey Brown, Jr., 37, of Washington, D.C., pled guilty on February 22, 2012 to two federal charges in the case. Brown is to be sentenced on May 22, 2012.

The prosecution grew out of an FBI/MPD alliance called the Safe Streets Task Force. The Safe Streets initiative involves more than 150 Safe Streets Task Forces around the country that combat street gangs by combining federal, state, and local police resources. The task forces, which began in 1992 in Los Angeles and the District of Columbia, address gang activity including drug-related crimes. Sharing resources, manpower, and intelligence allows federal prosecutors to focus on securing the maximum sentences and penalties for gang members found guilty. By working through a task force, investigators can focus on the entire criminal enterprise, instead of the prosecution of individual gang members.

In announcing the guilty plea, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director in Charge McJunkin, and Chief Lanier commended the work of the FBI and MPD members of the task force who investigated the case. They also thanked the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Park Police, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, and the Prince George’s County Police Department, all of which provided assistance. Finally, they cited the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including Legal Assistant Diane Brashears, Program Specialist Kim Hall, and Paralegal Specialists Carolyn Carter McKinley and Teesha Tobias. They also acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth F. Whitted, Emily Scruggs, and Seth Adam Meinero, who are prosecuting the case, as well as the Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which is assisting in the investigation and prosecution.