Residents of California, including Deanthony Blocker, James Blocker, Jovan Collins, Lorenzo Taylor, Nemirah Davidson, and Patrick Garland, have been indicted on charges related to the interstate transportation of stolen property. The charges were filed on January 30, 2025.
The indictment accuses the group of conspiring to transport thousands of cartons of cigarettes that were stolen from warehousing facilities in Georgia, North Carolina, and Louisiana. According to the indictment details, they allegedly used bolt cutters and crowbars to bypass security fences at these locations.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans stated that if convicted on Count 1—conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen goods—the defendants face penalties including up to five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. For Count 2—interstate transportation of stolen goods—the potential penalties include up to ten years imprisonment and a similar fine amount.
U.S. Attorney Evans emphasized that an indictment is only a formal accusation and does not constitute proof of guilt; guilt must be established beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
The investigation was conducted with contributions from multiple law enforcement agencies: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office; Knightdale Police Department; Atlanta Police Department; Rockmart Police Department; Texas Department of Public Safety; and Fort Stockton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell is leading the prosecution effort.