Huge Drug Bust at Gowanus Houses

See below for the press release with all the details.

NEWS RELEASE

NINE MEMBERS OF GOWANUS CRACK COCAINE AND HEROIN DISTRIBUTION ORGANIZATION INDICTED

(MANHATTAN, NY)–JOHN P. GILBRIDE, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York Field Division (“DEA”), LORETTA E. LYNCH, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and RAYMOND W. KELLY, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”) announced narcotics trafficking charges against nine members of a Brooklyn-based crack cocaine and heroin distribution organization. Each of the defendants is associated with a criminal organization that has dominated the drug trade in the Gowanus Houses in the Boerum Hill section of Brooklyn.

According to the indictment and a detention memorandum filed by the government, a four-year joint investigation by the DEA and the NYPD revealed a violent drug dealing crew operating in the Gowanus Houses. All of the defendants are charged with conspiring to distribute crack cocaine and heroin as part of that crew. One defendant is also charged with using and carrying a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking activity, as well as being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. During the course of the investigation, the NYPD made over 65 undercover purchases of narcotics from members of the organization. In addition, in conjunction with the arrests, search warrants were executed at various residences in the Gowanus Houses and have resulted in the seizure of firearms, ammunition, cash, and quantities of crack cocaine and heroin. Previously, the NYPD recovered a bullet-proof vest from the defendant Ronald Herron, as well as firearms from three other associates of the crew. Yesterday, Herron and two other individuals associated with the crew were arrested outside a nightclub in Manhattan after they were travelling together in a vehicle with a loaded firearm.

Today’s charges and arrests have disrupted an alleged prolific drug trafficking crew that operated for years and victimized an entire housing development in Brooklyn, stated United States Attorney Lynch. We are committed to ensuring that all residents of our district, including the men, women, and children who live, work, and play in our public housing, are free from the violence and decay associated with narcotics trafficking. As a result of the close cooperation of federal and local law enforcement, the defendants will now be held to account for their charged crimes. Ms. Lynch added that the government’s investigation is continuing.

If convicted of the drug distribution conspiracy charge, each of the defendants faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. If convicted of the firearms charges, Herron faces a mandatory sentence of at least five years and a maximum of life in prison.

The Defendants:

RONALD HERRON, also known as Ra, Ra Diggs, Ra Digga and Raheem

Age: 28

JOSEPH GARCIA, also known as Jo Jo

Age: 26

MUSA MARSHALL, also known as Slim,

Age: 25

CRYSTAL LEWIS, also known as Ebb,

Age: 27

VERDREEA OLMSTEAD, also known as Auntie,

Age: 48

JOSEPH RANDOLPH, also known as Rizzle,

Age: 24

JASON VALENTIN, also known as J,

Age: 22

TYHE WALKER, also known as G.I.B. and Guy in the Bushes, and

Age: 29

TYRONE WILSON, also known as Biscuit and Young Bricky,

Age: 27