Project Safe Neighborhoods Cases
The following are summaries of recent Project Safe Neighborhoods cases being prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. For further information, please contact Keith Syfert, 815-987-4444 (Rockford), or Matt Crowl (312) 353-5354 or Randy Samborn (312) 353-5318 (Chicago).
On June 28, 2005, Ronald Lewis (DOB: 1/02/73 of 637 North Homan, Chicago) was sentenced to 84 months of incarceration for being a felon in possession of three firearms as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program. Lewis was arrested on February 2, 2004, when Deputy Cook County Sheriffs went to an apartment on the south side of Chicago in order to evict Lewis and other residents from the apartment. As the Deputies entered the bedroom they observed Lewis attempt to hide a pillowcase underneath the bed. One of the Deputies reached under the bed and retrieved the pillowcase, inspected the inside of the pillowcase and discovered three loaded firearms. The serial numbers had been removed and obliterated from two of the firearms. At the time of Lewis’ arrest, he had three prior convictions, including attempted first degree murder and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute it. Goodwin was charged in federal court as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal, state, and local initiative to reduce gun violence. At the time of sentencing, Hon. David H. Coar stated that Lewis’ extensive criminal background warranted a significant sentence.
Raphael McGaughy (DOB: 11/6/75 of 2203 Beechwood in Joliet, Illinois) was convicted after a four-day jury trial in U.S. District Court of possessing a firearm after previously having been convicted of a felony. McGaughy, who has several felony convictions for, among other things, aggravated battery and robbery, was arrested July 14, 2004, after Joliet Police officers executed a search warrant at his girlfriend's residence. On July 14, 2004, when Joliet Police Officers entered the residence, they found McGaughy sleeping with a loaded .40 caliber semiautomatic handgun underneath his pillow. McGaughy was charged as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a cooperative effort between the United States Attorney's office and local law enforcement to reduce gun violence. McGaughy will be sentenced on April 20, 2005 at 9:30 a.m. before the Honorable Charles R. Norgle in courtroom 2341 of the Dirksen Federal Building and, because of his prior convictions, is facing a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.
Calvin Porter (DOB: 04/26/65 of 2200 East 93rd Street in Chicago) was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm in U.S. District Court on October 28, 2004 after a two-day bench trial. Porter was arrested by Chicago Police Officers of the 6th District on June 20, 2003, after they received a report that Porter had pistol-whipped another individual in his residence, located at 9326 S. Cottage Grove. The responding officers found Porter still on the 9300 South block of Cottage Grove in a car with a female passenger. When officers stopped the vehicle, the female passenger attempted to flee on foot. The officers caught the woman as she attempted to dispose of a loaded .38 caliber pistol on the street. As a result, both Porter and the female passenger were arrested and charged in state court. The female passenger pleaded guilty in state court, but Calvin's case was transferred to federal court as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a cooperative effort between the United States Attorney's office and local law enforcement to reduce gun violence. Porter will be sentenced on January 17, 2004 at 1:30 p.m. before the Honorable Matthew F. Kennelly in courtroom 2103 of the Dirksen Federal Building.
October 25, 2004. Dwayne D. Anderson (DOB: 9/24/81 of 7557 South Coles in Chicago) was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to selling a firearm to a felon. Anderson was charged after having selling .22 caliber Derringer to a cooperating individual on December 19, 2003, as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a cooperative effort between the United States Attorney's office and local law enforcement to reduce gun violence. Anderson was sentenced on October 22, 2004 by the Honorable Amy J. St. Eve in courtroom 1241 of the Dirksen Federal Building.
On October 7, 2004, a federal jury found Terrance Thornton (DOB: 5/27/1972 of 514 Ann Street in Elgin, Illinois) guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm with the serial number obliterated.
On November 11, 2002, shots were fired from the passenger window of a gray SUV in a residential area on Kathleen Street in Elgin. Within approximately 20 minutes, Elgin police officers located a gray SUV at a small gas station. Officers saw the driver exit the SUV and enter the convenience mart of the gas station. Elgin police officers pulled into the gas station and within seconds saw Thornton in the convenience mart with the driver. Seconds later, Thornton exited the convenience mart with the driver, and officers arrested Thornton pursuant to an outstanding warrant. In plain view on the passenger side floor of the SUV was a Bryco Arms Jennings 9 mm caliber semi-automatic pistol with one bullet in the chamber and one bullet in the magazine. Next to the gun was a box of ammunition with 34 bullets in it. Thornton's fingerprint was recovered from the magazine of the gun, and a ballistics analysis showed that the gun had been fired earlier. Thornton was charged in federal court as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a cooperative effort between the United States Attorney's office and local law enforcement to reduce gun violence. Thornton will be sentenced on December 9, 2004, at 2:00 PM in the courtroom of the Honorable James B. Zagel, courtroom 2503 of the Dirksen Federal Building.
On October 1, 2004, Tamiko Holloman was sentenced by federal Judge Amy St. Eve to 24 months imprisonment for her role as a "straw purchaser" in the illegal purchase of at least 35 handguns in Memphis, Tennessee that were then later transported and sold to gang members on the west side of Chicago. The case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, the cooperative program between federal and local law enforcement to reduce gun violence.
Holloman, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was originally charged with conspiracy to (i) deal in firearms without a license, (ii) transfer guns to someone having reason to believe they were from another state, without being a licensed firearms dealer, and (iii) being a felon-in-possession of firearms. Holloman agreed to buy guns in Memphis for Lamonda King, of Milwaukee, a convicted felon who formerly lived in Chicago and had ties to gang members on the city's west side. King told Holloman that he could make money by buying guns through her in Memphis, where pawnshops sold guns cheaply and did not require a waiting period, and then reselling them in Chicago. King paid Holloman a fee for buying the guns for him. From November 2001 through May 2002, Holloman purchased at least 35 guns for King from pawn shops in Memphis.
King brought the guns to Chicago where he sold them to gang members. King's principal customer was Lester Green, a Gangster Disciple from the 11th District. On one occasion, King sold several guns to a Vice Lord in the 11th District introduced to him by Green. The Vice Lord told King that he wanted 40 to 50 handguns or whatever would fit in King's trunk. On another occasion, King sold about 10, 9 mm pistols to a Gangster Disciple in Cabrini Green introduced to him by Green. King also sold guns to Green at the Rockwell Gardens housing project. On at least one occasion, Holloman accompanied King to Chicago and was present for the transaction.
At least seven of the guns purchased by Holloman for King have been recovered by CPD in Chicago, including:
* A fully-loaded gun recovered (about four months after it was purchased) in the 11th District from Clarence Olsen, a/k/a/ William Smith, as he was being apprehended for committing a robbery and aggravated vehicular hijacking in the vicinity of 3600 West Madison. Olsen was convicted in state court and was sentenced last September to 10 years' imprisonment;
* a fully-loaded gun in the 12th District from Ricky Battles after a search was conducted at his residence. He was convicted in state court and was sentenced last Friday to Cook County boot camp;
* a fully-loaded gun was recovered (approximately three months after it was purchased) in the 11th District from Diondre Dunigan, after a search was conducted at a residence. He was convicted in state court and was sentenced last October to two years' imprisonment.
On May 16, 2002, Green and a companion, Demetris Thompson were arrested for purchasing 9 handguns from King on the west side. Both Green and Thompson later pled and were sentenced on federal firearms offenses. Thompson was sentenced to 94 months imprisonment and Green to 120 months imprisonment. King was also later charged and convicted of federal firearms offenses. He was sentenced to 54 months imprisonment.
Edward Birk (DOB: 12/31/53 of 6800 S. Wolcott in Chicago) was convicted after a two day jury trial of possessing a firearm after previously having been convicted of a felony in U.S. District Court. In the days leading up to his arrest on January 9, 2004, Birk, who has several felony convictions for, among other things, rape, armed robbery, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and distribution of a controlled substance, had been negotiating to sell a shotgun. Birk was charged as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a cooperative effort between the United States Attorney's office and local law enforcement to reduce gun violence. Birk will be sentenced on November 5, 2004 at 9:30 a.m. before the Honorable Amy J. St. Eve in courtroom 1241 of the Dirksen Federal Building and, because of his prior convictions, is facing a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.
August 16, 2004. Dwayne D. Anderson (DOB: 9/24/81 of 7557 South Coles in Chicago) pled guilty to selling a firearm to a felon in U.S. District Court. Anderson was charged after having sold a .22 caliber Derringer to a cooperating individual on December 19, 2003, as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a cooperative effort between the United States Attorney's office and local law enforcement to reduce gun violence. Anderson will be sentenced on October 22, 2004 at 9:30 a.m. before the Honorable Amy J. St. Eve in courtroom 1241 of the Dirksen Federal Building and is facing up to 10 years in prison.
On August 4, 2004,
Kevin Henderson was charged in a federal indictment as part of the
Project Safe Neighborhoods program with being a felon unlawfully in possession
of a firearm. In addition to the felon in possession of a firearm, Henderson
was also charged with (1) possessing with intent to distribute more than
5 grams of crack cocaine; (2) possessing with intent to distribute powder
cocaine; (3) possessing seven firearms during and in relation to a drug
trafficking crime; (4) possessing an automatic assault rifle; and (5)
possessing an explosive device. Henderson was charged after police responded
on November 26, 2003 to a 9-1-1 domestic disturbance call at 7760 South
Troy Street. After Henderson was arrested, police discovered the firearms,
drugs, and explosive device.
Henderson is 38 years old and lives at 7760 South Troy Street in Chicago.
Henderson faces a maximum of forty-five years imprisonment if convicted.
Arraignment is not yet set.
The investigation
into Henderson was a joint investigation involving officers from the 8th
District and agents with the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives.
July 8, 2004. Today, Bryant Harris (DOB: 7-6-66; 803 S. California, Chicago) was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program. After a two day jury trial, Harris was convicted of possessing a .32 caliber semi-automatic handgun which he had at his residence in the 11th District. Police Officers Patrick Thelen and Mireya Mitchell of the 11th District originally arrested Harris on May 22, 2003 and he was charged by the Cook County States Attorney. His case was taken federally as part of the joint federal and local initiative: Project Safe Neighborhoods. The case was tried in front of Judge John Darrah. No sentencing date has been scheduled. Harris faces approximately ten years in prison when he is sentenced.
On July 7, 2004, Cory Miles, DOB: 3/1/77; 1405 S. Drake, Chicago) and Craig Hughes (3930 Winthrop, Indianapolis, Indiana) pled guilty to conspiracy to transfer firearms in interstate commerce knowing that the firearms would be used in a drug trafficking crime. The case was charged as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program. Both defendants were arrested on February 2, 2004 and charged with transferring firearms to members of the New Breeds Street gang for use in the protection of the gang's drug dealing in the Chicago area, including in the Chicago Housing Authority buildings. At least seven of the firearms were recovered in Chicago in connection with criminal investigations. Hughes admitted to buying 19 weapons and transferring them to Miles knowing that Miles would give them to other members of the street gang for use in their drug trafficking business. Hughes pled guilty to conspiracy and is cooperating with the government. Miles pled guilty to conspiracy and to four separate counts of transferring firearms knowing that the guns would be used in a drug trafficking crime. Miles faces approximately a three year sentence and Hughes faces an approximate 18 month sentence under the sentencing guidelines. Sentencing is scheduled for September 23, 2004 in front of Judge David Coar at 219 S. Dearborn in Chicago.
On April 28, 2004, Fabian Lafuente, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Harry D. Leinenweber to 300 months incarceration, imposed a $25,000 fine, and ordered $67,500 in narcotics proceeds forfeited following defendant's conviction on cocaine trafficking and firearms charges after a two-week jury trial. During the sentencing hearing, Judge Leinenweber ruled that Lafuente had obstructed justice by providing false testimony both at trial and during the sentencing hearing, and that Lafuente was the leader of the 40-member Elgin faction of the Insane Deuce criminal street gang. Testimony at sentencing provided by Detective Tom Wolek of the Elgin Police Department established that defendant Lafuente's arrest and conviction had seriously diminished the Insane Deuce's influence and had resulted in a lower number of drive-by shootings and other related criminal activities in the Elgin area. Defendant is 29 years old and last lived at 115 Wilcox Avenue, Elgin, Illinois. Lafuente was prosecuted in federal court as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a cooperative effort between the United States Attorney's office and local law enforcement to reduce gun violence.
On April 22, 2004, Lorenzo Eaton (DOB: 02/23/57 of South Bend, Indiana) pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm in U.S. District Court. Eaton was arrested by Chicago Police Officers of the 15th District on September 4, 2003. Officers observed Eaton arrive at Central Avenue and Corcoran Place where Eaton planned to participate in a sale of two guns. When officers approached Eaton's vehicle, he attempted to conceal a black SKS assault rifle, and police saw another man in the vehicle, Anthony Pickett, attempt to conceal a loaded .44 caliber semiautomatic pistol. Eaton pled guilty to unlawfully possessing the SKS assault rifle and acknowledged that he also unlawfully possessed with Picket the .44 caliber semiautomatic pistol. Eaton originally was charged in state court and his case was transferred to federal court as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a cooperative effort between the United States Attorney's office and local law enforcement to reduce gun violence. Pickett has been charged in a separate federal indictment with unlawfully possessing the pistol, and his case remains pending (U.S. v. Anthony Pickett, 03 CR 990). Eaton will be sentenced on August 17, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. before the Honorable John W. Darrah in courtroom 1203 of the Dirksen Federal Building.
On July 4, 2003 Ezequiel Villanueva (DOB: 10/8/78 of 2628 South Kedzie Avenue in Chicago) pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm today in U.S. District Court. Villanueva was arrested by Chicago Police Officers of the 10th District after officers observed him carrying a bag and riding a mountain bike on 28th Street near Homan Avenue in Chicago. When Villanueva noticed the officers, he threw the bag to the ground and attempted to flea. The officers detained Villanueva and retrieved the bag. The bag contained two loaded .38 caliber revolvers and Villanueva was placed under arrest. Villanueva originally was charged in state court and his case was transferred to federal court as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a cooperative effort between the United States Attorney's office and local law enforcement to reduce gun violence. Villanueva will be sentenced on July 7, 2004 at 11:30 a.m. before the Honorable John F. Grady in courtroom 2201 of the Dirksen Federal Building.
On April 1, 2004 Lashon Browning (DOB: 9/25/74 of 2737 West Maypole Avenue in Chicago) was found guilty after a jury trial of being a felon in possession of a firearm in U.S. District Court. Browning was arrested by Chicago Police Officers of the 15th District on August 9, 2002 after officers observed him driving a vehicle with no license plates in the 4800 block of west Chicago Avenue in Chicago. When the officers stopped the vehicle, Browning attempted to stash a chrome semi-automatic pistol between the front bench seats. Browning also told the officers that he did not have a drivers license. At the time, Browning was placed into custody. After being Mirandized, Browning told the officers he had a "Magnum." The officers retrieved a loaded Lorcin semiautomatic pistol from the front seat area. Browning originally was charged in state court and his case was transferred to federal court as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a cooperative effort between the United States Attorney's office and local law enforcement to reduce gun violence. Browning will be sentenced on July 22, 2004 at 10:30 a.m. before the Honorable Wayne R. Andersen in courtroom 1403 of the Dirksen Federal Building.
On March 3, 2004, David Ruiz was charged in a federal indictment as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program with being a felon in possession of a firearm and with selling more than 5 grams of crack cocaine. Undercover work by the Chicago Police Department, 15th District Gun Team, and agents with the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives led to these charges. Ruiz was arrested on February 10, 2004, after an undercover Chicago Police officer and an undercover ATF special agent met with Ruiz to purchase 3 ½ ounces of crack cocaine. During the course of the arrest, law enforcement officers observed Ruiz attempting to conceal a .22 Beretta in the vehicle in which he as a passenger. Ruiz is 30 years old and lives at 2606 W. Potomac, in Chicago. If convicted of both charges, Ruiz faces a maximum of fifty years imprisonment if convicted of both charges.
The investigation
into Ruiz was a joint investigation involving officers from the 15th and
11th District gun teams, and agents with the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco
Firearms and Explosives. It is one of the first Project Safe Neighborhood
investigations to use undercover officers and agents to identify and investigate
a known gang member who was possessing a firearm to facilitate his drug
trafficking trade.
On January 22, 2004, Louis Rowe, age 31, of the 4500 block of West Jackson in Chicago, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program for his part in a ring of gun traffickers who purchased approximately 83 firearms in and around Grenada, Miss., from federally-licensed dealers, and then transported the weapons to Chicago for re-sale at a profit to Chicago street gang members. Approximately 28 of the guns were recovered on the streets of Chicago, of which almost all were recovered incident to crimes. Rowe's codefendants, Charles Yarbor and Jimmy Wren, were convicted at trial in 2002 and were sentenced to five years each for their part in the firearms trafficking. Rowe was a fugitive until April 2002 when he was arrested in Osh Kosh, Wisconsin while using in alias in connection with a crack cocaine deal. Rowe admitted in his plea agreement to bringing crack cocaine to Mississippi to purchase firearms which he then brought to Chicago and sold to gang members on the west side at ten times the value that he paid for the weapons. Rowe further admitted that he often obliterated the serial numbers on the weapons he obtained in Mississippi and that he knew he was providing the weapons to gang members in Chicago. Rowe also acknowledged that he sold a weapon to an individual who later used that weapon to commit a murder in Florida. Rowe was sentenced today to fifteen years in federal prison by Judge Charles Kocoras based in part on his extensive criminal history.
On December 10, 2003, Paulino Juarez (DOB: 11/25/79; residence: 2150 W. 50th Street, Chicago, IL ) was indited by a federal grand jury in a one-count Indictment for being a felon in possession of a handgun as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program. Juarez was arrested June 12, 2003, after Chicago police officers from the Ninth District were called to 4501 S. Wood in Chicago after receiving a report of gun shots fired in that area in the early morning hours. Juarez was observed with a loaded Stallard 9mm handgun. Juarez, a member of the Latin Saint street gang, qualifies under the federal sentencing guidelines as an Armed Career Criminal due to his criminal history which includes three qualifying convictions (aggravated battery; two aggravated batteries of a police officer; and aggravated discharge of a firearm) The minimum sentence under the charge is 15 years
On December 1, 2003, Lance Marshall (DOB: 01/18/1979; residence 1816 S. St. Louis, Chicago) was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program for being a felon in possession of a machine gun. Marshall was arrested February 3, 2003 at around 1:15 p.m by Chicago Police officers from District 10 after they responded to a 911 call reporting a man with a machinegun walking down the street, near 1300 S. Central Park, Chicago, Illinois. Officers and ATF agents responded and Marshall ran. During the foot chase, Marshall tossed the machinegun and it was recovered. Marshall was then taken into custody. The machinegun was a loaded, fully functional Steyr Model machinegun that had previously been stolen from a shipment of machineguns in Birmingham, Alabama.
On November 21, 2003, Kim Vongphakdy, (DOB 5/6/79; residence 470 Prospect Blvd., Elgin) pled guilty to being a felon who received a firearm transported in interstate commerce, in a prosecution brought as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program. Vongphakdy, a member of the Elgin-based "Lao Posse" street gang, asked an acquaintance to purchase to purchase a 9 mm handgun for Vongphakdy, who could not purchase one himself because of a prior felony conviction for unlawful use of a weapon. With the help of the acquaintance, a joint anti-gang task force between the FBI and the Elgin Police Department conducted a successful sting operation on Vongphakdy, who believed he was purchasing the gun from the acquaintance. Vongphakdy is expected to receive a sentence of 10-16 months pursuant to a plea agreement when he is sentenced on March 4, 2004, at 10:30 a.m. before Hon. Ronald A. Guzman in courtroom 1219 in the Dirksen Federal building.
On November 4, 2003, Demetrius Davis, (DOB: 4/1/71; residence: 1132 North LeClaire, Chicago) was sentenced to ten years in prison as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Davis was arrested in the early morning hours of June 5, 2002, on the westside of Chicago by the Chicago Police Department. He was later federally charged with possession of a firearm as a felon. The sentence was imposed by the Honorable James F. Holderman, who sentenced Davis to 120 months on the one count indictment, the maximum sentence allowed by law. Davis was convicted by a jury in early July 2003.
October 16, 2003, Anthony Pickett, a/k/a "Pick," (DOB: 7/25/66; residence: 727 N. Springfield, Chicago) was charged in a federal indictment as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program with being a felon unlawfully in possession of a firearm and with possession of heroin with the intent to distribute. Defendant was originally arrested on May 9, 2002 by officers of the 11th District after he was found in possession of approximately 60 tinfoil packets containing heroin; he had a loaded handgun in his waistband and a 135 pound pit bull on a leash. Pickett bonded out of state custody on those charges. On September 4, 2003, while out on bond, Pickett was arrested by officers of the 15th District after he was observed throwing a loaded handgun in the back seat of a vehicle. Pickett was charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute and with possessing the loaded weapon in relation to the May 9th incident and was charged with being a felon-in-possession of a loaded .44 caliber handgun for the September 4, 2003 incident. Defendant is currently in custody.
Arraignment is set
for October 29 at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Matthew Kennelly, courtroom 2103.
Sentence:
October 22, 2003, Curtis Fox, (DOB: 6/04/71; residence: 4031 West Crystal, Chicago) a black gangster disciple, charged as a felon in possession of a gun as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, was sentenced before Hon. James Zagel. Fox received 180 months, five years of supervised release and a $5,000 fine. Fox was sentenced as an armed career criminal and received the 15 year sentence mandated by the federal statute due to his criminal history.
Fox was originally arrested on October 23, 2002 at 1201 N. Pulaski after officers were called to a gas station because the defendant had brandished a gun at a patron at the gas station. Defendant was arrested a few blocks from the gas station carrying a .38 caliber revolver loaded with 5 live rounds.
The arresting Chicago
Police Department officers from the 25th District were Scott Korhonen,
Kenneth Varchetto, Len Pierri and Terry Lodwich.
Upcoming Sentencing:
On October 29, 2003, George Spivey, who was arrested by officers in the 11th District will be sentenced as being a felon in possession of a firearm as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program. The sentencing will take place at 10:30 a.m. in Hon. Ronald Guzman's courtroom 1219 in the Dirksen Federal Building.
On October 1, 2003, Marcus Lee, (1427 S. Kedzie, Chicago, IL, DOB: 9/10/71), a member of the Black Gangster Disciples, was convicted after a 3-day jury trial in federal court of being a felon in possession as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program. Lee's conviction stemmed from his arrest on January 4, 2003, by a Chicago Police Department Gang Team from the 6th District. Officers from the Gang Team observed Lee purchasing drugs at the corner of 79th and Cottage Grove at approximately 11:30 p.m. that evening. When the officers stopped the defendant, he was in possession of marijuana and a loaded .38 caliber High Point semi-automatic pistol containing four live rounds and one round in the chamber. Lee was also wearing a bullet proof vest at the time of his arrest.
Sentencing is set
for December 11, 2004, at 1:00 p.m. in front of Judge Castillo courtroom
2319.
September 16, 2003, Bryant Harris was charged in a federal indictment as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program with being a felon unlawfully in possession of a firearm. Harris's arrest in the 11th District by the Chicago Police led to this charge. Harris was arrested on May 22, 2003, after Chicago Police officers saw him engaged in what appeared to be drug dealing at 3810 West Ohio. He is 37 years old and lives at 803 South California, #306, in Chicago. The gun was recovered later that day from his apartment. He faces a maximum of ten years imprisonment if convicted.
Arraignment is set for October 1 at 10 a.m. before Judge John Darrah, courtroom 1203.
The prosecution is being handled jointly by the U.S. Attorney's Office and the City of Chicago Law Department through Assistant Corporation Counsel Robin Crabb who has been designated a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney.
On September 22, 2003, Fabian Lafuente, (114 S. Wilcox Ave., Elgin, IL, DOB: 10/22/75), leader of the Elgin Insane Deuces, was convicted after a 3-day jury trial in federal court of attempted possession with intent to deliver 5 kilos of cocaine; possession with intent to deliver cocaine, and possession of an obliterated .25 caliber Beretta handgun. Lafuentes' conviction was a result of the United States Attorney's Office on-going cooperative efforts with the local police department in Elgin to prosecute gang members who are using weapons in the distribution of narcotics.
Sentencing is set for January 14, 2004, at 9:45 a.m. in front of Judge Leinenweber, courtroom 1941. He is facing in excess of twenty years.
SENTENCING - 6/13/03
On June 10, 2002, Judge David H. Coar sentenced defendant Demetris Thompson,
born 11/26/77, to 94 months imprisonment. Thompson had entered a plea
a guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon before the Honorable David
H. Coar on December 12, 2002. Thompson has prior felony convictions for
unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a defaced
firearm. Thompson was on parole from the Illinois Department of Corrections
when he committed this offense and resided at 1632 North Humboldt in Chicago.
..
Thompson admitted that on May 16, 2002, he purchased 9 firearms from an
individual cooperating with agents from the ATF. Thompson was arrested
immediately after the transaction. The purchase of the firearms occurred
at 3240 West Roosevelt within the 11th District. Thompson told the cooperating
individual that he wanted to buy the handguns to pass out to his "team."
One of the weapons that Thompson purchased was an IntraTec-9 semi-automatic
assault weapon.
At sentencing, the government argued, and Judge Coar agreed, that Thompson should receive an enhanced sentence under the federal sentencing guidelines for knowing that the firearms would be used in the commission of other felonies. In applying the enhancement, Judge Coar made reference to the defendant's prior gang affiliation and drug dealings. The judge also stated that the type of weapons that Thompson purchased had not legitimate use except to commit other crimes.
GUILTY PLEA - 6/13/03
On June 10, 2003, Curtis Fox pled guilty to possession of a firearm by
a felon before the Honorable James B. Zagel. Defendant has a prior conviction
for residential burglary and numerous convictions for delivery of controlled
substances.
Fox was arrested by Chicago Police Officers Scott Korhonen, Len Pierri and Ken Varchetto of the 25th police district. On October 23, 2002, Fox approached two individuals at gun point at a gas station near Pulaski and Division. Police responded and saw Fox walking down Division. As the police approached and identified themselves, they saw a gun sticking out of Fox's front pant's pocket. Fox attempted to flee police and when he was ultimately caught, resisted arrest. Police recovered the gun, a Charter Arms .38 caliber steel revolver. The gun was loaded.
Fox was indicted in federal court as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal, state, and local initiative to reduce gun violence. Under the federal statutes Curtis was charged with, he is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
Guilty Verdict
- 5/30/03
Elvert Berry, born April 25, 1963 was convicted by a federal jury today,
May 29, 2003, of possession of a firearm by a felon. Berry has at least
7 prior convictions, including convictions for burglary and drug distribution.
The trial lasted slightly over a day and the jury deliberated for under
30 minutes.
Berry was arrested by Sgt. Donald Daniels, Sgt Bob Renter and Officer
Keith Olson of the 14th District Tac Unit on June 29, 2002. Berry stole
the gun he was arrested with from an off-duty police officer during a
scuffle in a Walgreen's parking lot early that morning. Police officers
chased Berry and saw him throw the gun and ammunition just before his
arrest.
Berry was indicted in federal court as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal, state, and local initiative to reduce gun violence. Under the federal statutes Coleman was charged with, he is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
Guilty Plea - 5/30/03
Yesterday, May 28, 2003, Jamil Gordon, born 9/15/75, pled guilty in federal
court to possessing 5 loaded firearms in connection with a drug crime
and distributing crack cocaine. Gordon has a prior felony conviction for
delivery of a controlled substance.
During March, April
and May, 2002, agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) purchased
several ounces of crack cocaine from Gordon. On May 23, 2002, DEA agents
executed a search warrant at the house in which Gordon was residing. When
the police entered the house the defendant was concealing two loaded handguns
and had three more loaded handguns in his bedroom. The guns were a Ruger
9 mm semi automatic pistol, a .22 caliber IMP handgun, a .22 caliber Baretta
semi automatic pistol, a .22 caliber North American Arms revolver, and
a .22 caliber North American Arms revolver. In addition, defendant had
approximately 32 grams of crack cocaine and some PCP in his jacket when
DEA entered the house.
Gordon was indicted in federal court. Under the federal statutes Gordon
pled guilty to, he is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years
in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
PSN Convictions - 5/20/03
United States v.
Valleho
This week, Jose Vallejo, DOB: May 19, 1976, was sentenced to 262 months
(over 21 years) imprisonment by Federal District Court Judge Coar. Vallejo
was convicted after a trial in December 2002 of two counts of possessing
loaded firearms. In connection with one possession, he assaulted two men
with the gun and fired the gun into the air. In connection with the other
possession, Vallejo pointed a loaded gun at a couple walking down the
street with their two young children. Vallejo is an armed career criminal
with five prior armed robbery convictions.
Valejo was arrested by Chicago Police Officers of the 25th District and
the arrest occurred at 2215 N. Narragansett. Vallejo was indicted by a
federal grand jury on May 1, 2002, as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods,
a federal, state, and local initiative to reduce gun violence. Under the
federal statutes Brandon was charged with, he was facing a mandatory minimum
sentence of 15 years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal
system.
United States v. Pearson
This week, Carnell Pearson, 25, was sentenced to over 90 months in federal
prison. Pearson was charged with drug distribution and possession of a
firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Pearson pled guilty and
admitted to possessing with intent to distribute over 200 grams of crack
cocaine in Maywood and Bellwood. Pearson pled guilty in federal court.
An undercover agent from the Drug Enforcement Administration purchased
crack cocaine from Pearson on two occasions in April and May 2001. On
May 17, 2001, DEA agents executed a search warrant at Pearson's apartment
in Bellwood and recovered more crack cocaine and a fully loaded, stolen
.380 caliber semi-automatic handgun.
Pearson was indicted
by a federal grand jury as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal,
state, and local initiative to reduce gun violence. Under the federal
statute Brandon was charged with, he was facing a mandatory minimum sentence
of 5 years in federal prison on the gun charge.
There is no parole
in the federal system.
PSN Conviction
- 5/8/03
Lester Green pled guilty today, May 8, 2003, to one count of dealing in
firearms without a license and one count of possessing nine firearms as
a convicted felon. Green, DOB 7/11/77, resided in the 11th Police District
at 340 S. Western, Chicago, and was arrested in the 11th Police District
at 3240 W. Roosevelt.
The plea agreement tentatively calls for a sentence of 12 years' imprisonment. U.S. District Judge David H. Coar will decide Green's sentence. The case was charged as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal/state/local initiative to reduce gun violence.
From November 2001 through February 2002, Green, a convicted felon, had another individual ("Individual A") buy guns for him in Memphis, Tennessee and then bring them to Chicago. In Chicago, Green arranged for the guns to be sold to associates of his. On one occasion, Green bought at least eight guns from Individual A at $400 a piece and sold them in Chicago. On another occasion, Green had Individual A purchase about six guns in Memphis and bring them to Chicago, where Green arranged for the guns to be sold to another individual near 700 S. Western Ave. On another occasion, Green arranged for the sale of at least four 9-mm pistols to an individual at the Cabrini Green housing project for approximately $500.
On May 15, 2002, Green told Individual A that he personally wanted to buy a .50-caliber gun, and that he had two other individuals who wanted to buy about eight handguns. The next day, Green and Individual A met at a parking lot at 3300 W. Roosevelt Rd. Green was accompanied by his co-defendant Dimetrus Thompson. Thompson agreed to buy all nine of the guns that Individual A had brought from Memphis, including one TEC-9.
Green asked if he could buy the TEC-9, but Individual A said that Thompson was going to buy it. Green then told King, "I need you over there to aid me . . . . I am at war with them [people]. I just need one big thang," referring to a large caliber pistol. Green also told Individual A, "I need to go whack a few [people] - that's why I called. I am like . . . just bring me one, man, and let's go ahead and go to war." After this statement, Green and Thompson picked up the nine guns from Individual A's trunk, and they were arrested.
Green has prior felony convictions for aggravated criminal sexual assault involving bodily harm to the victim (7 years imprisonment) and delivery of a controlled substance (222 days prison). Sentencing is scheduled for July 14, 2003 at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Coar in courtroom 1419.
Co-defendant Thompson
previously pled guilty in this case to one count of possessing firearms
as a convicted felon. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 20 at 9:30
a.m. in Judge Coar's courtroom. Individual A has been charged in federal
court in Memphis, and the charges are pending.
PSN Sentencing
- 4/23/03
A onetime Chicago street gang member and an ex-firearms dealer in
Mississippi, who were tried last November and convicted of conspiracy
to illegally purchase guns in Mississippi and transport them to Chicago
where they were re-sold to other street gang members, were each sentenced
to five years in prison and fined ¤3,000 on April 23, 2003. Charles
Yarbor, of Chicago, and Jimmy D. Wren, of Nettleton, Miss., each received
the maximum sentence possible from Chief Judge Charles Kocoras in U.S.
District Court. Wren was ordered to surrender to prison on July 22, and
Yarbor was taken into custody to begin serving his sentence. Both men
were placed on three years supervised release following their prison terms.
After a week-long trial last November, Yarbor, 24, and Wren, 57, were
each found guilty of one count of conspiracy to violate federal firearms
laws. The case is part of Project Safe neighborhoods, a comprehensive
city, state and federal anti-gun initiative.
According to the evidence and court records, between 1995 and 1997, Yarbor, and two-other co-defendants, Louis Rowe and Julius Sangster, with the help of four unindicted women who they recruited to act as straw purchasers of firearms on their behalf, purchased approximately 83 firearms in and around Grenada, Miss., from federally-licensed dealers, including about 50 of them from Wren, and then transported the weapons to Chicago for re-sale at a profit to fellow street gang members. Approximately 28 of the guns were recovered on the streets of Chicago, of which almost all were recovered incident to crimes. The evidence showed that Yarbor was a member of the Gangster Disciples and Sangster was a member of the Mafia Insane Vice Lords street gangs.
In addition to using
straw purchasers, Yarbor and Sangster also occasionally purchased firearms
in their own names or using alias names. Wren, who did business as J.W.'s
Second Amendment Sporting Goods Store in Nettleton, knew that Sangster
and Yarbor and the straw purchasers were providing false information on
the ATF forms when he sold them the firearms. Evidence also showed that
the Sangster and Yarbor would obtain crack cocaine in Chicago and transport
it to Mississippi where they sold it for four times more than they could
obtain in Chicago, buy guns from Wren and other dealers and then sell
the weapons, which included Norinco SKS assault rifles and 9mm pistols,
for approximately 10 times their value, primarily to Chicago gang members
on the west side and in the 11th police district. A large group of CAPS
volunteers who live in the 11th district were in court for the sentencing.
Rowe, approximately 30, formerly of the 4500 block of West Jackson, was
a fugitive until just this month when he was arrested in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
He is expected to be returned soon to Chicago to face prosecution. Sangster,
31, was sentenced on April 22 to four years in prison after pleading guilty
and testifying for the government at Wren and Yarbor's trial.
PSN Indictments
4/1/03
Today, April 1, 2003, Frederick Word, born 11/17/1972, residing at 4321
N. LaSalle, was indicted by a federal grand jury for possessing a loaded
Lorcin semi-automatic pistol, after having been convicted of a felony.
Word has two prior felony convictions for drug offenses.
Word was arrested in the 6th police district on March 26, 2003, by members of the Chicago Police Saturation Team. During a search of Word's car officers found a trap which contained approximately suspected cocaine; approximately $20,000 in cash and the loaded firearm.
Word was indicted
in federal court as part of
Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal, state, and local initiative to
reduce gun violence. Under the federal statute Word was charged with,
he is facing a maximum sentence of 10 years. There is no parole in the
federal system.
Assistant United States Attorney Kenyanna Scott and ATF Special Agent Ray Dowling will present the case in federal court.
PSN Indictments
2/14/03
Yesterday, February 13, 2003, Jamil Gordon, born 9/15/75, was charged
by a federal grand jury in a superseding indictment with several firearms
and drug charges. Gordon has a prior felony conviction for delivery of
a controlled substance. With regard to the firearms charges, Gordon is
charged with two counts of possessing a firearm after having been convicted
of a felony crime and one count of carrying a gun in relation to a drug
trafficking offense.
During March, April
and May, 2002, agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) purchased
several ounces of crack cocaine from Gordon. On May 23, 2002, DEA agents
executed a search warrant at the house in which Gordon was residing. When
the police entered the house the defendant was concealing two loaded handguns
and had three more loaded handguns in his bedroom. The guns were a Ruger
9 mm semi automatic pistol, a .22 caliber IMP handgun, a .22 caliber Baretta
semi automatic pistol, a .22 caliber North American Arms revolver, and
a .22 caliber North American Arms revolver. In addition, defendant had
approximately 32 grams of crack cocaine and some PCP in his jacket when
DEA entered the house.
Gordon was indicted in federal court. Under the federal statutes Gordon
was charged with, he is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years
in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system. AUSAs Christina
Egan and Diane Saltoun (312) 353-4127, and DEA Group Supervisor Scott
Masumoto are prosecuting the case.
PSN Indictments 2/6/03
Indictment
Today, February 5, 2003, Curtis Fox, born 6/4/71, was indicted by a federal
grand jury as a felon in possession of a firearm. Fox has at least three
prior violent felony and drug convictions.
Curtis was arrested on October 23, 2002 by Chicago Police Officers of the 25th police district. At approximately 8 pm on that date, police officers were alerted to an attempted car-jacking. Officers observed Fox in the area with a firearm in his pocket. Upon observing the police Fox reached for his gun. After a struggle, police officers arrested Fox. A Charter Arms, Model Undercover .38 caliber handgun was recovered by the police.
Fox was indicted in federal court as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods,
a federal, state, and local initiative to reduce gun violence. Under the
federal statutes Fox was charged with, he is facing a mandatory minimum
sentence of 15 years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal
system.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael Gurland and ATF Special Agent Lee Casa will present the case in federal court.
Conviction
Last week, Roger Thomas, born January 13, 1967, was sentenced to to 7
years and 4 month in federal prison in federal prison for being a felon
in possession of a firearm.
Thomas is Black Gangster from the from the 11th Police District in Chicago. On July 28, 2002, at approximately 8 pm, officers from the Chicago Police Department saw Thomas in a high gang/narcotics area get a gun out from under a bush in the alley and walk toward another male with the gun in his hand. Thomas ran when he saw the police. Police chased Thomas who tossed the gun during the foot chase. The police officers caught Thomas and recovered a fully loaded Berreta .380 semi-automatic handgun.
At the time of his arrest, Thomas had at least four prior convictions for delivery of controlled substances offenses.
Thomas was indicted
in federal court as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal, state,
and local initiative to reduce gun violence. The 11th Police District
is an area that receives special scrutiny under the project because of
the high incidence of gun violence U.S. District Court Judge Suzanne Conlon.
Thomas will serve his sentence at one of the federal prisons across the
United States. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Chapman and ATF
Special Agent Jeff Marshall presented the case in federal court.
Recent PSN Indictments
- 10 year PSN Sentence
1/28
On Tuesday, January 28, 2003, defendant Santana Rocquemore, 28 years old,
was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession
of a firearm. Rocquemore is a Vice Lord from the 11th Police District
in Chicago. He resided in the Rockwell Gardens public housing project,
2450 West Monroe, in Chicago. On May 16, 2002, at about 9:00 p.m., officers
from the Chicago Police Department saw Rocquemore in the area of 4400
West Madison. Officers saw Rocquemore place a handgun in his pocket. When
the officers approached Rocquemore and told him they were the police,
Rocquemore fled into a nearby home. The officers chased Rocquemore. When
they caught up with him, Rocquemore fought with the officers, punching
one several times. Eventually, the officers subdued and arrested Rocquemore.
In his pocket was a fully-loaded 25 caliber semi-automatic pistol and
5 rocks of crack cocaine. At the time of his arrest, Rocquemore had prior
convictions for robbery, delivery of a controlled substance, and possession
of a controlled substance. Rocquemore was indicted in federal court as
part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal, state, and local initiative
to reduce gun violence. The 11th Police District is an area that receives
special scrutiny under the project because of the high incidence of gun
violence there. U.S. District Court Judge Rueben Castillo sentenced Rocquemore
to the statutory maximum term: 10 years imprisonment. Rocquemore will
serve his sentence at one of the federal prisons across the United States.
In the federal system, there is no parole and Rocquemore must serve at
least 8 1/2 of his 10 year sentence. Assistant United States Attorney
Joseph Alesia (312-353-6630) and ATF Special Agent Ed Piacenza presented
the case in federal court.
Recent PSN Indictments
1/24
On Friday, January 24, 2003, defendant Freddie G. Young was sentenced
to 30 months imprisonment in federal prison for purchasing eight guns
for relatives and acquaintances. Young is 49 years old and resided at
538 N. St. Louis, Chicago, 60624, and 1013 S. Harlem, Forest Park, 60130.
As part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal, state, and local program
to combat gun violence, Young was indicted by a federal grand jury for
violation of 18 United States Code, Section 922(a)(6), which makes it
a crime to lie during the purchase of a firearm to hide the true owner
of the firearm, commonly known as a "straw" purchase. Between
January 1998 and January 2002, defendant Young (then residing in Forest
Park) acted as the straw purchaser for eight firearms. Young pled guilty
in federal court and admitted making the straw purchase of all of the
firearms. Two of the guns were recovered with obliterated serial numbers;
four of the guns were recovered in connection with criminal offenses.
Young purchased the guns for relatives (brother, nephew, sister) and acquaintances.
Some of defendant's relatives had criminal histories. Defendant contested,
but received a four-level enhancement for having reason to believe the
firearms would be used in connection with other felonies. Young will serve
his 30-month sentence in one of the federal prisons across the United
States, with no possibility of parole and no "day for a day"
good time (federal inmates serve at least 85% of their prison terms).
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
(ATF Special Agent Eric Miller) and presented in federal court by Assistant
United States Attorney Manish Shah (312-353-0517).
Recent PSN Indictments
12/18
After approximately one hour of deliberation, a federal jury convicted Jose Vallejo this afternoon of two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Before his arrest, Vallejo lived at 3241 North Springfield in Chicago. Vallejo was arrested on August 31, 2001, after he threatened two victims at Diversey and New Castle in Chicago with a weapon. After his arrest, two loaded .9mm semi-automatic handguns were found in the dash of his car. Vallejo was then linked to an assault and battery on August 24, 2001, where he threatened one victim with a gun, hit another victim on the head with his gun and fired one of the .9mm handguns at the intersection of Schubert and Moody in Chicago.
Vallejo has five armed robbery convictions, stemming from a crime spree in November 1994, when he held up victims on the street at gun point and demanded money.
Vallejo's federal indictment and conviction is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal, state and local initiative designed to reduce gun violence. Vallejo faces a sentencing guideline range of 262-327 months imprisonment in federal prison. In the federal system, there is no "day for a day" good time credit and parole has been abolished, so all defendants serve at least 85% of their sentences. Sentencing is set for April 9, 2003, at 9:30 a.m. before United States District Judge David Coar. The case was presented in federal court by Assistant United States Attorney Carrie Hamilton (312-353-4558), Special Assistant United States Attorney Tom Mahoney, and ATF Special Agent Eddie Piacenza.
...
On December 18, 2002, defendant Lezerick Luckett was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John Darrah to 8 years imprisonment on two gun counts. Luckett, an admitted member of the Mafia Insane Vice Lords, had pled guilty to violating 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), being a felon in possession of a 9 MM semi-automatic pistol on January 14, 2002. He also pled guilty to violating 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), by possessing a separate 9 MM semi-automatic pistol on February 6, 2002, in when a search of his apartment found the gun along with packets of heroin and crack. Under a plea agreement, Luckett had agreed to a one-level upward departure in his criminal history category to reflect the fact that he was on bond for his first gun offense when he committed his second. For more information about this Project Safe Neighborhoods conviction, contact Assistant United States Attorney Barry Miller, 312-886-1325.
...
On Wednesday, December
18, 2002, U.S. District Judge Elaine Bucklo sentenced defendant Wesley
Bowman to 17 1/2 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession
of a handgun. Bowman formerly resided at 7131 South Honore in Chicago,
and is 30 years old. Bowman's conviction was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods,
a federal, state, and local program seeking to reduce gun violence.
On November 23, 2001, two Chicago Police Officers on a routine car patrol
spotted defendant Bowman driving by himself in a car near 72nd Street
and Honore in South Chicago. The defendant's car did not have any headlights
or tail lights on even though it was after sun-down. The two officers
followed the defendant as he drove into an alley nearby and then stopped
him in the alley approximately behind the defendant's house. In response
to the officers' questions, the defendant admitted that he did not have
a driver's license or proof of insurance.
The officers then arrested the defendant based on his lack of a driver's
license or proof of insurance and his driving without any lights. The
officers handcuffed the defendant outside of his car and searched him
incident to arrest. In the course of that search, the officers found a
.380 caliber, Davis Industries, Model P-380 semi-automatic handgun, serial
number AP090058 in the defendant's right jacket pocket. The .380 handgun
was loaded, with five bullets in the magazine. Three of the bullets had
the abbreviation "WIN" on them, while two of the bullets had
the mark "W-W." The bullets with the "WIN" abbreviation
were also made by Winchester.
The officers also found three zip-lock baggies, each of which appeared
to contain a small amount of marijuana, in the defendant's right front
pants pocket. Subsequent chemical analysis by Illinois State Police forensic
scientists confirmed that the three baggies contained a total of 2.1 grams
of marijuana.
Bowman's 17 1/2 years sentence was driven in part by an extensive history
of prior convictions. In federal prison, there is no "day for a day"
good time and parole has been abolished; Bowman will serve at lesat 85%
of his prison term in one of the federal prisons across the nation. For
inquiries about this case, contact Assistant United States Attorney Chris
Niewoehner, 312-353-6117.
Two Recent PSN Indictments
12/7
On Tuesday, December 3, 2002, Marcell Williams, 5758 South Hermitage, was indicted in federal court for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment also alleges that Williams is an Armed Career Criminal, indicating that he has at least three prior convictions for serious drug crimes or crimes of violence. If convicted under the Armed Career Criminal Statute, Williams faces a minimum of 15 years in federal prison. The case is assigned to United States District Judge John Darrah, 02 CR 1160. This case arose from an October 1, 2002 arrest of Williams. Two Chicago Police Department tactical officers, Brian Ladd and David Lopez, responded to a call that shots had been fired in the vicinity of 57th and Hermitage. The officers approached approximately ten individuals standing on the street. As the officers announced their office, Williams was the only individual who started to flee. After a short pursuit, Willams was detained. During his flight, Williams was observed dropping a hand gun to the ground. The gun that was recovered was a loaded Taurus .38 caliber pistol that had been previously reported stolen. Williams' date of birth is July 28, 1975. Assistant United States Attorney Dan May and ATF Special Agent Tony Heiserman are presenting Williams' case in federal court.
On Thursday, December
5, 2002, Lashon Browning was indicted by a federal grand jury for being
a felon in possession of a handgun. The case is assigned to U.S. District
Judge Wayne Andersen, 02 CR 1168. This case arose from the August 9, 2002
arrest of Browning. Two CPD Special Operations officers, Kim Mattson and
Eric Oliver, were on patrol at 9:40 am traveling on Chicago Avenue near
Cicero when they observed Browning driving a motor vehicle without any
license plates. After the vehicle was stopped, the officers approached
the vehicle and observed a silver shing object in Browning's hand. He
placed the object between the front seats of the vehicle. After Browning
was was unable to produce a driver' s license, he was placed under arrest.
Recovered from the vehicle was a Lorcin model 380 semi-automatic pistol
with the manufacture's serial number obliterated. Browning lives at 2739
West Mayploe. His date of birth is September 25, 1974. Browning was parole
at the time of the arrest. He also was arrested in the 15th Police District,
which receives special scrutiny as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods.
Assistant United States Attorney Dan May and ATF Special Agent Anita Singleton
are presenting Browning's case in federal court.
Recent Project Safe
Neighborhoods Indictment
12/7
A three-count indictment
with a forfeiture allegation was returned December 5, 2002, against George
L. Spivey, age 27, of 605 N. Latrobe, Chicago. The defendant is charged
with 1) being a felony in possession of a firearm, namely a Raven Arms
.25-caliber semi-automatic pistol; 2) conspiring to possess with intent
to distribute approximately 1.6 grams of heroin; and 3) possessing a firearm
in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime charged, which took place
at or near 3758 W. Huron, Chicago. Under Title 18, United States Code,
Section 924(e), the defendant faces a potential sentence of not less than
fifteen years (Count One) plus a consecutive five year sentence under
Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(C)(1)(A)(i) (Count Three). Presenting
the case in federal court is Assistant United States Attorney David Buvinger
and ATF Special Agent Jim Ferguson. The defendant was arrested in the
11th Police District in Chicago, which receives heightened scrutiny as
part of Project Safe Neighborhoods.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Guilty Plea
12/6
Federal gun defendant Carmen Cox pleaded guilty this morning to an indictment charging him with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. On February 14, 2002, Cox was arrested with a Lorcin 9 mm pistol in the waistband of his trousers after he fled the scene of an accident involving a police car and the car in which Cox was a passenger. After a brief footchase, Cox was discovered in possession of the pistol. The crime occurred in the 11th Police District, which receives heightened scrutiny under Project Safe Neighborhoods. Cox had previously been convicted of aggravated battery to a police officer or fireman in July 2001 and sentenced to boot camp. He had also been sentenced to bootcamp in July 2001 for the offense of aggravated battery with a firearm. Cox is facing a guidelines sentence of 57 to 71 months' imprisonment. Cox was born on June 30, 1983. Cox currently resides at the Metropolitan Correctional Center; he formerly lived at 2919 W. Monroe in Chicago. Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Fullerton (312-353-5266) and ATF Special Agent Susan Bray presented the case on behalf of the United States. United States District Judge Wayne Andersen will sentence Cox.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Indictment
12/3
In late November,
a federal grand jury indicted Elvert Berry, 948 North Waller, Chicago,
Illinois, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment
alleges that Berry is an Armed Career Criminal, meaning that he has at
least three prior convictions for serious drug crimes or crimes of violence.
If convicted, Berry faces a minimum mandatory 15 year sentence. There
is no parole in the federal system, and no "day for a day" good
time--resulting in inmates serving at least 85% of their sentence. Berry
was arrested at 111 South Halsted on June 29, 2002, at approximately 3:03
a.m., and the indictment charges him with unlawfully possessing a 38 caliber
handgun. The crime was committed in the 15th Police District, which receives
special attention as part of Project Safe Neighborhood's strategy for
reducing gun violence. Berry was on parole at the time of the crime. The
case is set for arraignment in federal court on December 4, at 9:30 a.m.,
before United States District Judge Charles Norgle. The case is being
presented in federal court by Assistant United States Attorneys Jim Fieweger
and Ted Chung, and ATF Special Agent Lee Casa.
Recent Project Safe
Neighborhoods Indictment
12/3
In late November, a federal grand jury indicted Elvert Berry, 948 North
Waller, Chicago, Illinois, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The indictment alleges that Berry is an Armed Career Criminal, meaning
that he has at least three prior convictions for serious drug crimes or
crimes of violence. If convicted, Berry faces a minimum mandatory 15 year
sentence. There is no parole in the federal system, and no "day for
a day" good time--resulting in inmates serving at least 85% of their
sentence. Berry was arrested at 111 South Halsted on June 29, 2002, at
approximately 3:03 a.m., and the indictment charges him with unlawfully
possessing a 38 caliber handgun. The crime was committed in the 15th Police
District, which receives special attention as part of Project Safe Neighborhood's
strategy for reducing gun violence. Berry was on parole at the time of
the crime. The case is set for arraignment in federal court on December
4, at 9:30 a.m., before United States District Judge Charles Norgle. The
case is being presented in federal court by Assistant United States Attorneys
Jim Fieweger and Ted Chung, and ATF Special Agent Lee Casa.
Recent Project Safe
Neighborhoods Indictment
12/3
Federal gun defendant Carmen Cox pleaded guilty this morning to an indictment
charging him with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. On February
14, 2002, Cox was arrested with a Lorcin 9 mm pistol in the waistband
of his trousers after he fled the scene of an accident involving a police
car and the car in which Cox was a passenger. After a brief footchase,
Cox was discovered in possession of the pistol. The crime occurred in
the 11th Police District, which receives heightened scrutiny under Project
Safe Neighborhoods. Cox had previously been convicted of aggravated battery
to a police officer or fireman in July 2001 and sentenced to boot camp.
He had also been sentenced to bootcamp in July 2001 for the offense of
aggravated battery with a firearm. Cox is facing a guidelines sentence
of 57 to 71 months' imprisonment. Cox was born on June 30, 1983. Cox currently
resides at the Metropolitan Correctional Center; he formerly lived at
2919 W. Monroe in Chicago. Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Fullerton
(312-353-5266) and ATF Special Agent Susan Bray presented the case on
behalf of the United States. United States District Judge Wayne Andersen
will sentence Cox.
Recent Project Safe
Neighborhoods Indictment
11/27
On November 21, 2002, a criminal complaint was filed in federal court
against Ishmael Muff't Mustaafa, charging him with being a felon in possession
of a firearm. According to the criminal complaint, Mustaafa had a 1991
conviction in Cook County for felony unlawful use of a weapon. In December
of 2000, Mustaafa was charged in federal court in the Central District
of Illinois with possessing with intent to distribute over 50 grams of
crack and a .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun. After being released on
bond, Mustaafa failed to report and a warrant issued for his arrest. On
June 20, 2001, United States Marshals located Mustaafa in Chicago at an
apartment at 1520 East 62nd Street. Upon entering the apartment, the Marshals
found Mustaafa on the balcony, having just thrown or dropped something.
On the ground below the balcony the Marshals recovered a Titan .25 caliber
semi-automatic handgun containing 7 rounds and, within a foot of the handgun,
a clear plastic bag containing 85.5 grams of crack cocaine. Mustaafa was
transported back to the Central District of Illinois and convicted in
federal court there of his original crack and handgun case. The filing
of the criminal complaint in U.S. District Court in Chicago begins criminal
proceedings for the Titan .25 caliber semi-automatic handgun Mustaafa
was arrested with here. Mustaafa faces a ten year maximum sentence for
unlawful possession of the firearm. Carrying a firearm in furtherance
of a drug trafficking crime carries a minimum mandatory five year consecutive
sentence. Possessing over 50 grams of crack cocaine carries a minimum
mandatory ten year sentence and a maximum life sentence. Presenting the
case in federal court are Assistant United States Attorney Jim Fieweger
(312-353-7846) and Deputy United States Marshal Steven David.
Recent Project Safe
Neighborhoods Indictment
11/20
Last week a federal grand jury indicted Maurice Smith, case number 02
CR 1096, charging him with illegally possessing a High Point Model C 9
millimeter semi-automatic firearm with an obliterated serial number. The
indictment charges that Smith is an Armed Career Criminal, which subjects
him to a minimum mandatory 15 year sentence if convicted. The federal
Armed Career Criminal statute applies to gun defendants who have three
or more prior convictions for crimes of violence or serious drug crimes.
If convicted, Smith would serve at least 85% of sentence; there is no
parole in the federal prison system. Smith was born May 12, 1965, and
last resided at 6 North Hamlin in Chicago. Smith was arrested in the 11th
Police District on July 23, 2002, near 604 N. Monticello after officers
recovered the loaded firearm from him following a traffic stop. The 11th
Police District is one of the areas receiving special attention as part
of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Smith is a multiple convicted felon who
was on parole at the time of the offense. The defendant is scheduled for
arraignment on December 4, 2002, before United States District Judge Amy
St. Eve. The case is being presented in federal court by Assistant United
States Attorney Zaldwaynaka Scott and ATF Special Agent Ray Dowling.
Recent Project Safe
Neighborhoods Conviction and Indictment
11/19/02
On November 19, 2002, defendant Mark Cunningham, case number 02 CR 270,
was sentenced in federal court to 80 months' imprisonment for being a
felon in possession of a firearm. Cunningham resides at 4047 West Wilcox
in Chicago. At the time of sentencing, the United States focused on significant
aggravating factors, including the large number of guns that Cunningham
sold to other individuals and the fact that those individuals were known
gang members. United States District Judge Matthew Kennelly stated that
this was "without question" the most serious case he had seen
while on the bench, because the guns had been sold to gang members and
subsequently used in crimes, including a homicide.
Also, on October 15 of this year, defendant Tommy Holmes was charged in a four-count indictment with conspiring to receive firearms interstate and receiving firearms interstate, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(a)(3) (case number 02 CR 996). A federal warrant issued for Holmes' arrest, who was eventually located in Michigan City, Indiana, and then arraigned before United States District Judge John Darrah on Nov. 6. Holmes resides at 5054 West Huron Street in Chicago.
Both cases were presented in federal court by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Griffin and ATF Special Agent Jim Ferguson.
CHICAGO GANG MEMBER
AND MISSISSIPPI GUN DEALER CONVICTED OF ILLEGAL TRAFFICKING IN FIREARMS
TO CHICAGO STREET GANGS
11/14
CHICAGO -- A Federal Court jury today convicted a onetime Chicago street
gang member and an ex-firearms dealer in Mississippi in a conspiracy to
illegally purchase guns in Mississippi and transport them to Chicago where
they were re-sold to other street gang members. The defendants, Charles
Yarbor, of Chicago, and Jimmy D. Wren, of Nettleton, Miss., were found
guilty after a jury deliberated for just about an hour, following a trial
that started Nov. 5, announced Patrick J. Fitzgerald, United States Attorney
for the Northern District of Illinois, and Larry Ford, Special Agent-in-Charge
of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms in Chicago. Yarbor, 24,
and Wren, 57, were each found guilty of one count of conspiracy to violate
federal firearms laws, which was the only count they faced in an indictment
that was returned earlier this year. Approximately 26 of the guns purchased
in Mississippi were recovered in Chicago, many at crime scenes. Over 20
of those guns were recovered in Chicago's 11th Police District--a part
of the Northern District of Illinois receiving special law enforcement
attention by Project Safe Neighborhoods, a comprehensive city, state and
federal anti-gun initiative. Presenting the case in federal court were
Assistant United States Attorneys T. Markus Funk and Joseph Alesia, and
ATF Special Agent Tina Sherrow.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
11/13 Indictment
As part of Project Safe Neighborhods, defendant Brian Keller was indicted
today by a federal grand jury on one count of being a felon in possession
of a firearm. The indictment charges that on July 4, 2002, Keller unlawfully
possessed a Ruger .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun. Keller alleged possessed
the handgun at 2873 East 76th Street (Rainbow Beach), in Chicago, Illinois.
Keller was born February 24, 1976, and was on parole at the time of his
arrest. He was arrested by officers of the Chicago Police Department.
Keller resides at 7316 South Coles in Chicago. If convicted, Keller faces
up to ten years' imprisonment. Assistant United States Attorney Brian
Havey (312-886-2065) and ATF Special Agent Frank Jury are presenting the
case in federal court.
...
United States v. Gregory V. Barrett, 02 CR 50074 (NDIL) - On Oct. 22, 2002, a federal grand jury in Rockford indicted Gregory V. Barrett, 29, last known address 2230 13th Ave., Rockford, on charges of being a felon-in-possession of a firearm and violation of the Armed Career Criminal statute, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(e)(1). On Aug. 22, 2002, Barrett was arrested by Rockford Police near a commercial business in the 1500 block of Broadway in Rockford. Barrett allegedly was in possession of a Winchester .22 long Model 74 rifle, and a Remington 30-06 Model 700 rifle at the time of his arrest. If convicted, Barrett faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison. AUSA Michael F. Iasparro and ATF Special Agent Dan Ivancich presented the case on behalf of the United States.
United States v. Valentino Montgomery, 02 CR 50075 (NDIL) - On Oct. 22, 2002, a federal grand jury in Rockford indicted Valentino Montgomery 25, last known address 715 Michigan, Rockford, on one count of being a felon-in-possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). On Sept. 1, 2002, a Rockford Police detective observed a man with a gun while patrolling the On the Waterfront festival in downtown Rockford. The detective confronted the man and a struggle ensued, with the officer successfully removing the gun from the man's waistband before the suspect fled on foot. Further investigation identified the suspect as Montgomery and he was arrested on a state warrant on Sept. 8 in Rockford. Montgomery was charged with being in illegal possession of a Hi-Point model C 9mm handgun. If convicted, Montgomery faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. AUSA Michael F. Iasparro and ATF Special Agent Steve Smith presented the case on behalf of the United States.
United States v. Cedric Collins, 02 CR 981 (NDIL) - On Oct. 9, 2002, a federal grand jury in Chicago indicted Cedric Collins, 34, last known address 4426 West Maypole, Chicago, on one count of being a felon-in-possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 922(g)(1); one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin in violation of Title 21 United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); and one count of using and carrying a firearm while committing a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). On May 18, 2002, Collins was arrested by Chicago Police following a chase through and around an apartment building in the 4400 block of W. West End. Collins allegedly tossed a Browning .25 caliber semi-automatic handgun and a plastic bag containing dime bags of heroin during the chase. If convicted, Collins faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison on the felon-in-possession count and a mandatory minimum of five consecutive years on the use and carry count, in addition to whatever sentence is imposed on the drug count. AUSA Patrick Pope presented the case on behalf of the United States.
Note: In all three of the above cases, the charges are not evidence; the defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the Court will determine the appropriate sentence to be imposed under the United States Sentencing Guidelines.
...
Recent
Project Safe Neighborhoods Indictment
10/17
Dejuan Thornton was convicted on federal firearms and narcotics charges
today by a federal jury after approximately 90 minutes of deliberation.
Thornton was convicted of all three counts of a federal indictment returned
in May 2002, as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Thornton (DOB 11/11/67),
most recently of 4834 W. St. Paul, Chicago, is a self-admitted member
of the Traveling Vice Lord's Street gang. Sentencing is set for January
22, 2003, before United States District Judge John Darrah. Thornton's
likely sentencing range under the federal sentencing guidelines is 322-387
months' imprisonment. Parole has been abolished in the federal system,
and there is no "day for a day" good time.
When he was indicted in May, Thornton was one of more than 20 defendants indicted federally against whom charges were announced at a press conference on the City's West Side by U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, ATF Special Agent in Charge Larry Ford, Cook County State's Attorney Richard Devine, Mayor Richard Daley, Chicago Police Superintendent Terry Hillard, and other federal, state, and local officials. Thornton was convicted of being a felon-in-possession of a firearm, possession of heroin with intent to distribute in a public housing facility, and using and carrying a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime. Thornton commited his crimes in the 11th Police District, one of two Chicago Police Districts that have been given special emphasis under Project Safe Neighborhoods.
Thornton's conviction
stems from an incident on February 24, 2002, in which Thornton attempted
to rob a resident of 2450 W. Monroe, a building in the Rockwell Gardens
housing project. Thornton approached the robbery victim and his girlfriend,
attempted to rob them at gunpoint, and shot the robbery victim in the
leg. The next day the police received a 911 call alerting them that Thornton
was in apartment 403 at 2450 W. Monroe. A team of six Chicago Police Department
tactical officers from the 11th District responded to that apartment and
knocked on the door. Thornton answered the door with a .380 caliber semiautomatic
pistol in his waistband. The police officers pursued Thornton into the
apartment, where he was seen to throw down the gun. The gun was loaded
with 8 rounds of ammo. On Thornton's person at the time of his arrest
were 43 tinfoil packets of heroin--$10 bags of heroin--and $658 in currency.
With Thornton in the apartment was a juvenile, some marijuana, and a loaded
six-shot revolver. Thornton has previous convictions for aggravated battery
and possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver.
Assistant United States Attorneys Stuart Fullerton and Carrie Hamilton,
and ATF Special Agent Dave Balkema, presented the case on behalf of the
United States.
...
Recent Project Safe
Neighborhoods Indictment
10/15
On Tuesday, October 15, 2002, United States District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer
sentenced defendant Maurice Alexander Murphy to 8 years' imprisonment
for unlawful possession of a firearm. On December 23, 2001, Chicago Police
Officers arrested Murphy in an apartment at 330 South Maplewood in Chicago,
after he was found in possession of a loaded Colt Model MKIV series 70
.45 caliber pistol. Murphy hid the pistol in his coat pocket. At the time,
Murphy was a convicted felony and thus prohibited from lawfully possessing
a firearm. Indeed, Murphy had an extensive criminal history: he was convicted
on thirteen separate occasions for crimes ranging from possession of a
weapon to armed robbery; he was arrested some 38 times for crimes ranging
from aggravated assault to murder; at the time of his arrest he was on
parole for a January 16, 2001, retail theft conviction. Murphy resided
at 1504 West 82nd Street, Chicago, IL 60620. He was born September 6,
1964. Because there is no parole or "day for a day" good time
in federal prison, Murphy will serve at least 85% of his sentence in prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stuart Fullerton
and Markus Funk, and ATF Special Agent Rene Jacquez.
United States v. Larry J. Purifoy, 02 CR 50004 (NDIL) - On Oct. 11, 2002, Larry J. Purifoy, 46, last known address 417 Howard Ave., Rockford, was sentenced to 8 years in prison without parole following his conviction for illegally possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony. U.S. District Judge Philip G. Reinhard also ordered Purifoy to serve 3 years of supervised release and to pay fines and assessments totaling $400. On July 17, 2002, Purifoy pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm after previously being convicted of a felony. Purifoy admitted that on Oct. 17, 2001, he possessed a .380 caliber pistol. On that date, officers from the Metro Narcotics Unit of the Rockford Police Department and the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department executed a search warrant at Purifoy's apartment, located at 417 Howard Avenue in Rockford. Purifoy admitted that when the officers entered his apartment, he pointed the .380 pistol at one of the officers. When Purifoy pointed the .380 at the officer, that officer and two others raised their duty weapons, pointed them at Purifoy, and ordered him to drop his weapon. Purifoy further admitted that he continued to point the gun at the officers for about 10 to 15 seconds while the officers repeatedly instructed him to drop the gun. Eventually Purifoy dropped the gun and the officers seized it. When the officers inspected Purifoy's gun, they saw that it was loaded with six live rounds, one of which was in the firing chamber. The case was investigated by the Rockford Office of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and the Metro Narcotics Unit of the Rockford Police Department and the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department. The case was prosecuted in federal court in Rockford by AUSA Scott A. Verseman.
United States v. Jose Caldera, 02 CR 50017 (NDIL) - On Oct. 11, 2002,
Jose Caldera, 24, formerly of 411 Island Ave., Rockford, was sentenced
to 12 years in prison without parole following his conviction for illegally
possessing four firearms and cocaine. Caldera pleaded guilty in July to
possessing more than 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, unlawful possession of
four firearms by a convicted felon and possession of four firearms in
furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. District Judge Philip G.
Reinhard ordered Caldera to serve 84 months in prison on the drug count
and felon-in-possession count, followed by a mandatory consecutive term
of 60 months for possessing firearms while committing the drug offense.
Caldera was also ordered to forfeit approximately $41,000 in cash seized
from during a search of his residence, as well as the four firearms that
he unlawfully possessed. Caldera was arrested on March 22, 2002, when
the guns, cocaine and cash were seized during the search of Caldera's
residence. He also admitted distributing a total of three kilograms of
cocaine on other occasions prior to his arrest. The case was investigated
by the Rockford Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the
Metro Narcotics Unit of the Rockford Police Department and the Winnebago
County Sheriff's Department. The case was prosecuted in federal court
in Rockford by AUSA Daniel L. Olson.
Recent Project Safe
Neighborhoods Indictment
10/09
On Wednesday, October 9, 2002, Richard Goodwin was indicted by a federal
grand jury as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods for being a felon in
possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges violations of 18 USC 922(g)
and 924(e), the latter being an enhancement for defendant being an Armed
Career Criminal, which carries a minimum mandatory 15 year term of imprisonment
and a maximum term of life. The case was assigned to United States District
Judge Matthew Kennelly. The case is being prosecuted by ATF Special Agent
Susan Bray and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn McNiven. Defendant Goodwin's
arraignment is expected to be scheduled for this week. Goodwin's date
of birth is October 27, 1965. His residence is 414 East Pershing Road
in Chicago.
Recent Project Safe
Neighborhoods Indictment
10/02
Defendant Lezerick Luckett pled guilty today to one count of possession
of a gun by a felon (18 USC 922g) and one count of possession of a weapon
in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (18 USC 924c). The case resulted
in part from a search warrant by Chicago Police Officers, in which a Tec
9 was recovered, along with cocaine. The plea agreement provides for a
recommended sentencing range of 90-97 months, which includes the 60-month
add-on for having a gun in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Sentencing
is set for December 18 at 10:00 a.m. Luckett was born June 6, 1979. According
to CPD records, he is a member of the "Dog Pound"/Mafia Insane
Vice Lords in the 11th District. The search warrant was executed at Luckett's
home, 4442 West West End, in Chicago. The ATF Special Agent is Ray Dowling.
The case is 02 CR 424, pending before U.S. District Judge John Darrah.
Recent Project Safe
Neighborhoods Indictment
10/02
United States v. Tyrone Williams (02 CR 87)
Williams was charged in a two-count indictment for being a convicted felon
in possession of a firearm, and for possession of crack cocaine. On September
4, 2002, after a two-day jury trial before United States District Judge
Ruben Castillo, a jury found Williams guilty on both counts of the indictment.
Williams, an Armed Career Criminal, is facing a mandatory minimum prison
sentence of at least fifteen years, with a sentencing range of 210 to
262 months. The sentencing date is set for December 4, 2002.
Recent Project Safe
Neighborhoods Indictment
10/02
On September 24, 2002, Floyd Lee Suggs was sentenced to a prison term
of 188 months, and fined $1,000 following his conviction by a jury in
federal district court for the offense of being a felon in possession
of a firearm under the Armed Career Criminal statute, Title 18 United
States Code, Section 922(g) and 924(e). On May 26, 2000, Suggs was arrested
in the vicinity of Lavergne and Jackson on Chicago's west side by two
Chicago Department patrol officers after Suggs fled in response to an
attempted traffic stop. Following a five minute vehicular chase, the officers
apprehended Suggs', at which time the officers found a Norinco Model SKS
Rifle and a Stevens Arms 12-gauge shotgun in the back seat of Suggs' car.
The Norinco, a Chinese-made military assault rifle, was outfitted with
a bayonet and was armed with a banana clip containing 30 live rounds.
Ammunition for both weapons was found elsewhere in Suggs' vehicle. At
the time, Suggs, a self-professed member of the Renegade Vice Lords, had
prior state court convictions for, among other offenses, drug possession,
robbery, armed robbery and aggravated battery. AUSAs Joseph Ferguson and
Deb Steiner, along with ATF Special Agent Susan Bray, presented the case
on behalf of the United States.
###