Matthew M. Graves U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia
Andre Alonte Willis, a leader of the Push Dat Shit (PDS) street crew in Washington, D.C., was sentenced to 20 years in prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses. The U.S. District Court's decision followed his conviction on five felony counts, including conspiracy to distribute marijuana and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., announced the sentence alongside FBI Special Agent Sean T. Ryan, ATF Special Agent Anthony Spotswood, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Willis, also known as "Boogie," was found guilty by a jury on September 12, 2024. Evidence presented at trial showed that Willis played a significant role in the PDS gang's operations, providing exotic strains of marijuana sourced from California. Authorities seized $150,000 in cash and drugs from his apartment upon arrest.
The PDS gang operated an open-air drug market on Wheeler Road Southeast and formed an alliance with the Jugg Gang (JG) in August 2018. This alliance led to increased drug activity until April 2023.
As rival gangs targeted them with drive-by shootings termed "spinning the block," PDS/JG members armed themselves with "ghost guns" assembled from online kits. These weapons were used both defensively and offensively against rivals.
Judge Amy Berman Jackson imposed sentencing enhancements based on Willis' leadership role within the gang and his involvement in activities that posed significant risks to others. After serving his prison term, Willis will be subject to five years of supervised release.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, ATF, and MPD with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Nelson and Justin Song along with Paralegal Specialist Melissa Macechko.
