ATF, Firearms Industry Offers Up to $10k Reward for Recent String of Federal Firearms Licensee Burglaries

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms industry, announced a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for any of three burglaries at federal firearms licensees in Lakewood, Tumwater and Olympia, Wash, between May 15 and 26.

ATF is offering a reward of up to $5,000, which will be matched by the NSSF for a total possible reward of up to $10,000, for information on any of the three burglaries.

The first burglary occurred Monday, May 15, about 1:33 a.m., at the AAA Loan & Gun Shop at 12831 Pacific Hwy SW in Lakewood, which borders Tacoma to the south. A witness reported seeing four suspects loading firearms into a vehicle, possibly a white Honda Accord or Hyundai, and then fleeing the scene. A second vehicle, a green Honda Accord that had been stolen in Lakewood, was used to break through a wall in the front of the business. Fourteen firearms were taken from the shop.

The following morning, Tuesday, May 16, at about 3:40 a.m., three suspects burglarized Tumwater Pawnbrokers at 6021 Capitol Blvd. SE, in Tumwater, which borders Olympia to the south. Tumwater is about 20 miles southwest of Lakewood. The suspects rammed the front door of the pawnshop with a dark-colored Honda CRV, took four rifles from a wall display and then smashed a glass display, taking some jewelry before fleeing in the CRV northbound on Capitol Blvd.

The third burglary occurred at I5 Guns & Ammo at 7914 Martin Way East, about 2:40 a.m. Friday, May 26. Four suspects rammed a stolen vehicle into the front of the store and stole 15 firearms. They then fled the scene in another vehicle, possibly a Honda. One of the suspects is believed to have dreadlocks.

Anyone with information about those responsible and/or information leading to the recovery of the stolen firearms should contact ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS [ 1-888-ATF-TIPS] (888-283-8477 [ 888-283-8477] ), email ATFTips@atf.gov (link sends e-mail), or contact ATF through its website at www.atf.gov/contact/atftips. Tips may also be submitted to ATF using the ReportIt® app, available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store, or by visiting www.reportit.com (link is external). All calls and tips will be kept confidential.

This reward is part of a larger national cooperative initiative between the NSSF and ATF in which the NSSF matches ATF rewards in cases involving the theft of firearms from federally licensed retailers. ATF works closely with the members of the firearms industry to curb the criminal acquisition and misuse of firearms.

ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction over violations of federal firearms laws. More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.

25 Members and Associates of Bronx Drug-Distribution Organizations Charged with Narcotics, Robbery, and Firearms Offenses

Joon Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Darcel Clark, the Bronx County District Attorney, Ashan Benedict, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), Angel M. Melendez, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) New York, and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), today announced the unsealing of two Indictments charging 25 defendants with a variety of narcotics, firearms, and robbery-related offenses.

Of the 25 defendants, 21 are associated with a drug-distribution organization operating primarily in the Hunts Point neighborhood in the Bronx and are charged in United States v. Hector Palermo, et al. (the “Palermo Indictment”), which has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods.  Of those defendants, 14 were taken into federal custody today and were presented before Magistrate Judges Barbara C. Moses today.  One defendant, FREDERICK BURGOS, was presented in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.  MIGUEL RAMIREZ, FELIX CORDERO SR., KHAALIQ HARRIS, ANGEL BERMUDEZ, ELVIN MALDONADO, AND STEVEN VEGA remain at large.

The remaining four defendants are charged in United States v. Lattine Clark, et al. (the “Clark Indictment”), which has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick.  Of those defendants, three were taken into federal custody today and were presented before Magistrate Judges Barbara C. Moses today.  One defendant, TREVON NEDD, is currently detained in federal custody on unrelated charges and will be brought into federal custody on a writ.

Manhattan Acting U.S. Attorney Joon Kim said:  “One by one, our office, along with our law enforcement partners, is identifying and prosecuting the violent gangs and drug dealing crews operating in the Bronx.  These alleged gangs and drug crews – including the ones charged today – bring narcotics, guns, and violence to our neighborhoods.  The residents of the communities they harm deserve better.”

ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict said:  “Today's arrests are the culmination of a nearly two-year long investigation by ATF's Joint Firearms Task Force, NYPD, and HSI into alleged narcotics trafficking, armed robberies, and the illicit possession of firearms by criminal elements operating in the Hunts Point area of the Bronx.  Through the cooperative efforts of law enforcement, these individuals are off the streets and will face justice in federal court for their alleged crimes.  Today it is a better day to be a resident of Hunts Point, and all of us will continue our efforts to ensure it stays that way.  I would like to extend my gratitude to the ATF and HSI Special Agents, NYPD Detectives, and Assistant United States Attorneys for their hard work and dedication throughout this investigation.”

HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Angel M. Melendez, said:  “It’s a good day when more than two dozen alleged gun-wielding drug pushers are taken off the street.  These individuals are alleged to deal crack cocaine and heroin in their own backyards and commit robberies at gunpoint.  Today’s arrests are another great example of law enforcement working together in the interest of justice and making our communities safer.”

NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said:  “We will continue to pursue those who commit violence in our streets.  This morning’s arrest of 25 defendants in the Bronx is just the latest example.  I’m thankful to the help and cooperation from our many law enforcement partners in this takedown and many others.”

                                  

The Indictments arise from a joint investigation by the NYPD, ATF, and HSI into several drug trafficking organizations operating in the Hunts Point area of the Bronx, New York.  As alleged in the Palermo Indictment, the 21 defendants charged in that case are responsible for the distribution of large amounts of crack cocaine and heroin, and used, carried, and possessed firearms in connection with that drug trafficking.

As alleged in the Clark Indictment, LATTINE CLARK, MICHAEL PATTERSON, and TREVON NEDD participated in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine in the Hunts Point area, and RUBEN VIZCARRANDO participated in another conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine in Hunts Point.  As further alleged, CLARK was a participant in a shootout, during which he fired a gun, in the vicinity of Coster Street and Spofford Avenue, on October 16, 2016.  PATTERSON, NEDD, and VIZCARRANDO are all alleged to have participated in a Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy, and a gunpoint Hobbs Act robbery of suspected narcotics traffickers in the Marble Hill area on June 22, 2016, during which robbery PATTERSON and another unnamed co-conspirator fired their weapons. 

         

Count One of the Palermo Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court, charges HECTOR PALERMO, MIGUEL GUZMAN, MIGUEL RAMIREZ, FELIX CORDERO SR.,  MATTHEW PRESTOL, CHRIS ALICEA, KHAALIQ HARRIS, ADRIAN QUINONES, FREDERICK BURGOS, RAFAEL GONZALEZ, ANGEL BERMUDEZ, JUAN CARLOS RODRIGUEZ, JESUS ANDINO, ELVIN MALDONADO, JOSE AYALA, ESTEBAN MARTINEZ, CHRISTIAN RIVERA, STEVEN VEGA, DENISE ORTIZ, CARMEN ROMAN, and ASHLEY RODRIGUEZ with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine and heroin.

Count Two charges GUZMAN, RAMIREZ, CORDERO SR., PRESTOL, ALICEA, BURGOS, GONZALEZ, RODRIGUEZ, and VEGA, with using, possessing, and carrying firearms in furtherance of the drug conspiracy charged in Count One.

Count Three charges RAMIREZ with possessing ammunition, which had previously been shipped in interstate commerce, after a prior felony conviction.

Count One of the Clark Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court, charges LATTINE CLARK, TREVON NEDD, and MICHAEL PATTERSON with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine.

Count Two charges CLARK with using, possessing, and carrying firearms in furtherance of the drug conspiracy charged in Count One.

Count Three charges RUBEN VIZCARRONDO with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine.

Count Four charges NEDD, PATTERSON, and VIZCARRONDO with participating in a conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery between 2015 and May 2017.  Count Four charges that this conspiracy involved armed robberies of suspected narcotics traffickers and others involved in commercial activities that affected interstate commerce.

Count Five charges NEDD, PATTERSON, and VIZCARRONDO with committing a robbery of suspected narcotics traffickers on June 22, 2016, in the vicinity of Marble Hill, New York.

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Charts containing the names, ages, residences, charges, and maximum penalties for the defendants are set forth below.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD, ATF, and HSI, and expressed gratitude for the coordinated efforts of the NYPD’s Violent Crime Squad and 41st Precinct.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit.  Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah Krissoff and Jason A. Richman are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Three Members or Associates of Wildboys Gang in South Carolina Sentenced for Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering

One member and two associates of the Wildboys gang were sentenced today in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina, after each pleaded guilty to attempted murder in aid of racketeering for their roles in retaliation attacks against a rival gang.

The announcement was made by Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge C.J. Hyman of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Charlotte, North Carolina Field Division; Solicitor Duffie Stone of the 14th Judicial Circuit; Solicitor David Pascoe of the First Circuit; Sheriff R.A. Strickland of the Colleton County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Chief Wade Marvin of the Walterboro, South Carolina Police Department; Sheriff Al Cannon, Jr. of the Charleston County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Sheriff L. C. Knight of the Dorchester County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Chief Jon Rogers of the Summerville, South Carolina Police Department; Director Jerry B. Adger of the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; and Chief Mark Keel of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

U.S. District Court Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Brian Manigo, aka “B-Nasty,” of Green Pond, South Carolina, to 10 years in prison; Damien Robinson, aka “Sacked Up,” also of Green Pond, South Carolina, to 10 years in prison; and Kelvin Mitchell, aka “Kevy Boy,”of Ruffin, South Carolina, to 39 months in prison, after each pleaded guilty to attempted murder in aid of racketeering.

According to court documents, all three defendants were members or associates of the Wildboys gang, a violent street gang that originated in the Green Pond area of Walterboro, South Carolina. From 2009 to 2015, Wildboys gang members used Facebook and YouTube to communicate with each other; threaten rival gang members and the police; flaunt gang colors, tattoos, and hand signs; and post photographs and videos depicting firearms, large amounts of cash, and what purported to be controlled substances.  Gang members also engaged in violent criminal activities, including robberies of convenience stores, attempted murders of rival gang members, and narcotics trafficking. The Wildboys gang was also, for a time, aligned with another violent street gang called the “Cowboys” that originated out of the Brittlebank, or Eastside, area of Walterboro, South Carolina. In addition to sharing a common interest in posting threats and photographs depicting firearms, large amounts of cash, and what purported to be narcotics on Facebook and YouTube, the Wildboys and the Cowboys gangs shared common enemies. These shared interests resulted in shootings aimed at rival gang members, which left innocent by-standers seriously injured.

Manigo and Mitchell were sentenced for their roles in a May 14, 2011, retaliation shooting aimed at a rival gang member. While Mitchell drove the vehicle, Manigo retrieved an AK-47 rifle from the trunk of the car and fired multiple shots at the gang member who was standing in a crowd of individuals. An innocent by-stander sustained serious bodily injury as a result of the shooting.

Robinson was sentenced for his role in the April 7, 2015, retaliation drive-by shooting aimed at members of a rival gang. Robinson was the driver of the vehicle containing two other members of the Wildboys gang. As Robinson drove past the residence of the known rival gang members, the two passengers fired multiple shots at the home using an AR-15 and an SKS rifle. Robinson gave the AR-15, which belonged to him, to his fellow gang member to use during the shooting. The shooting resulted in serious bodily injury to an innocent victim inside the residence.

As part of the sentence, Manigo, Mitchell and Robinson were ordered to serve a term of three years of supervised release and to pay the costs of medical care for the victims.

A fourth member of the Wildboys, Joshua Manigault, who pleaded guilty to the April 7, 2015, shooting, has yet to be sentenced.

Devin Brown, who was also charged in the indictment, is scheduled for a jury trial to begin on June 26.  The charges against Brown contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case was investigated by the ATF in Charleston, South Carolina, in partnership with the Walterboro Police Department; Colleton County Sheriff’s Office; Charleston County Sheriff’s Office; Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office; Summerville Police Department; Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office; First Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office; South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Leshia Lee-Dixon of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Tameaka A. Legette, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney from the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Bluffton, South Carolina.