Kenneth Amedola Olugbenga, involved in the Kennedy Street Crew drug trafficking ring, received a 160-month federal prison sentence for his key roles as a leader and money launderer. This sentence is part of a larger investigation into a notorious drug organization that controlled open-air markets in Northwest Washington D.C.
U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., alongside leaders from multiple law enforcement agencies, announced the sentencing. Olugbenga had pled guilty on September 20, 2024, to charges of conspiracy to distribute significant amounts of cocaine, cocaine base, and marijuana, as well as possession of a firearm related to drug trafficking. "Judge Howell also ordered Olugbenga to forfeit $374,598.00 as part of his sentence," it was noted.
Olugbenga's operations spanned Kennedy Street in Northwest D.C. and included the establishment of fake businesses to launder drug revenues. His efforts included frequent flights to the West Coast to manage drug supply lines. Authorities have connected Olugbenga to the laundering of approximately $1.8 million in illegal drug money through various fronts, including local casinos and fraudulently obtained pandemic-related financial aid.
Officials stated, "KDY members operated open-air drug markets...defend its territory from rival crews and commit other violent crimes." The investigation, involving the Metropolitan Police Department, the DEA, and other agencies, led to Olugbenga's arrest in June 2023. "On June 27, 2023, law enforcement arrested Olugbenga and served search warrants at two residences associated with him," resulting in significant drug and weapon seizures.
Olugbenga's conviction is part of an initiative by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force aimed at dismantling high-level criminal enterprises. Sixteen out of seventeen charged KDY members have been sentenced, with another pending. The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, led by prosecutors Matthew W. Kinskey and Sitara Witanachchi, is handling the ongoing prosecutions.
