Leigha Simonton, United States Attorney, Northern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas
Eight gang members were arrested on Tuesday in an operation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad Meacham.
The arrests took place in the Wheatley Place Neighborhood in South Dallas as part of "Operation Blue Laces," targeting members of the 42 Oakland Crips street gang. The individuals made their initial court appearances on Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Renee H. Toliver.
Those charged include Kendrick Jamal Young, known as “Peanut,” Christopher Jamiel Love, also called “Black,” Alex Jerome Bowman or “Big A,” Victor Scott Wingham, referred to as “Johnny Joe,” Joshua Jimond Wheatley, Travion Williams known as “Traa Savage,” Jihadd Thies Gorree Thomas, and Jamarian Augustus Hewitt. Charges against them range from conspiracy to distribute controlled substances to carjacking and possession of firearms.
During a detention hearing on Friday, prosecutors alleged that these defendants engaged in daily drug dealing activities on Casey Street in Dallas' "Dead End" area. Evidence presented included phone records indicating communication about law enforcement raids and resumption of drug dealings post-raids.
The takedown resulted in the seizure of 14 firearms, over a kilogram of methamphetamine pills, various other drugs including oxycodone and marijuana, more than $47,000 in cash, six vehicles, Crips-themed jewelry, and a caiman alligator which was relocated to the Dallas Zoo.
It is important to note that indictments are allegations and not evidence; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, some face up to life imprisonment.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Division, Dallas Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations’ Dallas Field Office among others. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service assisted with the care and transportation of the seized alligator. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Calvert is handling prosecution.
