News: Spokane, Washington

Crips and Gangster Disciples Busted

A joint law enforcement operation arrested 24 members on numerous counts of drug distribution and other crimes

July 22, 2008

SPOKANE WA NEWS -- A joint law enforcement operation targeting gang activity in the Spokane, Washington region busted 24 members and associates of the Crips and Gangster Disciples gangs. Multiple indictments were unsealed on July, 16, 2008, which charge more than 40 federal crimes against 24 gang members and associates. Numerous counts of distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy, nemesis and other drugs were charged. Additionally, some gang members were charged as convicted felons in possession of firearms, and one indictment also charged a gang associate with two counts of coercing juvenile females to engage in prostitution. This child exploitation enterprise was fueled by Internet advertisements. The sealed indictments were returned on June 24, 2008, by a federal grand jury. Furthermore, the drug distribution charges carry potential sentences of up to 20 years imprisonment or more while the firearm offenses carry up to 10 years imprisonment. Finally, the coercing juveniles into prostitution carries up to 20 years in prison.

The joint law enforcement operation targeting gang activity involved more than 175 federal, state and local authorities, 20 of the defendants were arrested in the Spokane area, while 4 were arrested in Tacoma and Seattle, Washington. Another 11 were arrested on state charges. Authorities continue to search for others. Over 20 federal search warrants were executed in connection with these arrests.

The operation marks a 18 month-long investigation conducted by the Spokane Violent Crime Gang Enforcement Team. This case highlights a progressive law enforcement model in which federal authorities work shoulder-to-shoulder with their local and state counterparts to investigate and dismantle gang criminal enterprises.

During the announcement of the successful bust of the Crips and Gangster Disciples gang members, leaders of the joint law enforcement operation gave the following comments:

U.S. Attorney James A. McDevitt said, "Without these model partnerships among our local, state and federal authorities, this type of tremendous effort to stem the growing wave of criminal gang activity would not be possible. It is exactly this type of collaborative law enforcement effort that will enable us to continue to effectively counter these criminals, and prevent the tragic loss, counted in addiction, wasted lives, and broken families, that follow in their wake."

FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Laura M. Laughlin noted, "This case clearly illustrates the destructive nature of these criminal enterprises. Not only are they alleged to have distributed illegal drugs throughout the community, but at least one member of the group is alleged to have victimized children by forcing them into prostitution. The FBI is committed to protecting children from those who exploit them and subjecting the victimizers to the full force of the criminal justice system."

Spokane Chief of Police Anne Kirkpatrick, "Far too many Spokane residents are subject to the influence of gangs and the damage they inflict on our community. We will not allow this, and so the fight against the crime that gangs breed will remain one of the top priorities of the Spokane Police Department. Today's arrests are the product of a close and continuing partnership, and a willingness to use every tool at our disposal to stamp out this kind of gang activity."

Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich remarked "Our residents deserve a safe environment in which to live, to raise their children and not worry about being victims of criminal gang activity. Local and state law enforcement officers, in concert with our federal partners, delivered a message that child prostitution, illegal drug distribution, and gun violence will not be tolerated. Reinforcing the close relationship throughout all levels of law enforcement that you see here today remains one of my highest priorities."

ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Kelvin Crenshaw commented "We've all seen firsthand the devastation that gang activities can have in a community. Today, gangs are more violent, more organized, and more widespread than ever before. By removing these gang members and associates from our streets, we can reclaim our neighborhoods so our neighbors and children can enjoy their freedom without fear of injury or drug dealers."

Interestingly, the majority of the Crips and Gangster Disciples gang members average age is 29, with several members above the age 35. The defendants charged in the indictments are as follows:

Coby C. Adams, age 30
Michael Bernard, age 39
Amy M. Bevers, age 29
Robert Brown, age 29
Micheal D. Charles, age 23
Micheal J. Charles, age 30
Marcus S. Dansby, age 25
Roland W. Finney, age 33
Nehemiah W. Fowlkes, age 27
Shelana L. Gardner, age 22
Marc George, age 31
Sherard W. Henderson, age 35
Jeremiah Jones, age 30
Anthony Lawrence, age 37
Jabari M. McCaskill, age 25
Wayne D. McDuffie, age 29
Marquis Mitchell, age 32
Samuel R. Pernell, age 28
Patrick O. Sardin, age 35
Vanessa L. Seavers, age 20
Carol Solomon, age 31
Corrine Stewart, age 22
Jakekeyeda Q. Walker, age 33
Christopher M. Williams, age 24

The Spokane Violent Crime Gang Enforcement Team is part of FBI the Safe Streets Violent Crime Initiative. The agencies involved in the operation include the Spokane County Sheriff's Office, the Spokane Police Department, the Washington State Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Protective Service, the Washington State Gambling Commission, the Washington State Department of Corrections, the Spokane Regional Drug Task Force, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the Tri-Cities Violent Gang Task Force, and the North Idaho Regional Violent Crime Task Force.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every suspected Crips and Gangster Disciples gang member in the indictment is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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