Eight gang members were apprehended on Tuesday as part of "Operation Blue Laces," led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). The operation was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad Meacham.
The arrests took place in the Wheatley Place Neighborhood in South Dallas, targeting members of the 42 Oakland Crips street gang. These individuals appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Renee H. Toliver on Wednesday.
Those charged include Kendrick Jamal Young, also known as "Peanut," who faces charges related to drug distribution and firearm possession. Christopher Jamiel Love, known as "Black," is similarly charged with drug and firearm offenses. Alex Jerome Bowman, or "Big A," Victor Scott Wingham, aka "Johnny Joe," and Joshua Jimond Wheatley are charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
Travion Williams, referred to as "Traa Savage," and Jihadd Thies Gorree Thomas face charges related to carjacking and brandishing firearms during violent crimes. Jamarian Augustus Hewitt is charged with drug distribution and firearm offenses.
Prosecutors at a detention hearing stated that the defendants were involved in daily drug dealings on Casey Street in an area called the “Dead End.” Evidence presented included phone records showing communication about law enforcement raids and continued drug activities post-raids.
Many of those arrested have prior criminal records involving drugs and firearms. During the operation, agents seized 14 firearms, over a kilogram of methamphetamine pills, various other drugs, more than $47,000 in cash, six vehicles, Crips-themed jewelry, and a caiman alligator later transported to the Dallas Zoo.
Indictments are allegations only; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. If convicted, some could face life sentences in federal prison.
The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies including ATF, DEA’s Dallas Field Division, Dallas Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations’ Dallas Field Office among others. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service assisted with handling the seized alligator. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Calvert is prosecuting this case.