Jose A. "Flaco" Ortiz sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison yesterday for conspiring to extort $265,000 on behalf of drug dealers

former Boston police officer was sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison yesterday for conspiring to extort $265,000 on behalf of Colombian drug dealers while in uniform, one of a series of recent corruption scandals in the Police Department.US District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel sentenced Jose A. "Flaco" Ortiz, 46, formerly of Salem, to 11 years and three months in prison followed by five years of supervised release in connection with extortion and cocaine-related charges."Of all our recent cases combating police corruption, this was among the most egregious," US Attorney Michael J. Sullivan said in a statement after sentencing. "To have a uniformed officer, carrying his badge and weapon, extort money on behalf of a Colombian drug ring cuts at the heart of our system of justice."
Ortiz pleaded guilty on April 29. He was the fifth Boston officer to plead guilty to federal charges since September. All the cases, including one involving three officers, involved drugs.His lawyer, Scott A. Lutes, of Providence, said his client is ashamed and still thinks like a police officer. A few nights ago, Lutes said, Ortiz helped save a fellow inmate who slit his wrists and throat at the Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls.The case against Ortiz stems from an investigation that began in late 2003 or early 2004, according to federal prosecutors. A man identified as Victim A told authorities that two drug dealers approached him and asked whether he knew anyone who might want to participate in drug trafficking.At the advice of the authorities, Victim A introduced the drug dealers to a man supposedly involved in the drug trade. Days later, the drug dealers told Victim A that the man had stolen from them. They blamed Victim A for the theft.
And then, in a startling twist in August 2006, Ortiz showed up in his uniform at Victim A's job in the Boston area, prosecutors said. He said he was there on behalf of drug dealers who would kill Victim A if he didn't pay $265,000.In May, the victim gave Ortiz $4,000 in cash and 4 kilograms of cocaine in a Revere parking lot, a deal Ortiz said would settle the debt. The FBI then arrested Ortiz.

Jose A. "Flaco" Ortiz sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison yesterday for conspiring to extort $265,000 on behalf of drug dealers

former Boston police officer was sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison yesterday for conspiring to extort $265,000 on behalf of Colombian drug dealers while in uniform, one of a series of recent corruption scandals in the Police Department.US District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel sentenced Jose A. "Flaco" Ortiz, 46, formerly of Salem, to 11 years and three months in prison followed by five years of supervised release in connection with extortion and cocaine-related charges."Of all our recent cases combating police corruption, this was among the most egregious," US Attorney Michael J. Sullivan said in a statement after sentencing. "To have a uniformed officer, carrying his badge and weapon, extort money on behalf of a Colombian drug ring cuts at the heart of our system of justice."
Ortiz pleaded guilty on April 29. He was the fifth Boston officer to plead guilty to federal charges since September. All the cases, including one involving three officers, involved drugs.His lawyer, Scott A. Lutes, of Providence, said his client is ashamed and still thinks like a police officer. A few nights ago, Lutes said, Ortiz helped save a fellow inmate who slit his wrists and throat at the Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls.The case against Ortiz stems from an investigation that began in late 2003 or early 2004, according to federal prosecutors. A man identified as Victim A told authorities that two drug dealers approached him and asked whether he knew anyone who might want to participate in drug trafficking.At the advice of the authorities, Victim A introduced the drug dealers to a man supposedly involved in the drug trade. Days later, the drug dealers told Victim A that the man had stolen from them. They blamed Victim A for the theft.
And then, in a startling twist in August 2006, Ortiz showed up in his uniform at Victim A's job in the Boston area, prosecutors said. He said he was there on behalf of drug dealers who would kill Victim A if he didn't pay $265,000.In May, the victim gave Ortiz $4,000 in cash and 4 kilograms of cocaine in a Revere parking lot, a deal Ortiz said would settle the debt. The FBI then arrested Ortiz.

John W. Powers charged with possession of heroin, possession with the intent to distribute,

John W. Powers, 40, of South Sixth Street, sell suspected drugs to two individuals.
Officers in the narcotics unit were reportedly patrolling in the area of Fourth Street and Landis Avenue when they allegedly witnessed Powers talking on a nearby pay phone. At that time, shortly after 10 p.m., an unknown subject walked up to Powers and subsequently purchased what officers believe were drugs, said Ulrich.
However, the subject got away on a New Jersey Transit bus that had stopped at the intersection before officers could move in for the arrest.
According to police, officers observed Powers enter a nearby vehicle and witness a second alleged drug purchase between him and another man, identified as 34-year-old Leard Jones, of Philadelphia. Detectives at the scene reportedly recovered 50 packages (or 250 bundles, or 2,500 individual doses) of heroin, a small amount of marijuana and $5,034 in cash.
Police charged Powers with possession of heroin, possession with the intent to distribute, possession with the intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school zone, possession with intent to distribute within 500 feet of a public park and possession with intent to distribute within 500 feet of a public housing project.
He sits in Cumberland County Jail on $150,000 bail.
This is the second time Powers will face such charges. According to police, he was charged with the same offenses on May 22, following a motor vehicle stop that allegedly yielded 150 bags of confiscated heroin, police said. The case is still pending in court.

John W. Powers charged with possession of heroin, possession with the intent to distribute,

John W. Powers, 40, of South Sixth Street, sell suspected drugs to two individuals.
Officers in the narcotics unit were reportedly patrolling in the area of Fourth Street and Landis Avenue when they allegedly witnessed Powers talking on a nearby pay phone. At that time, shortly after 10 p.m., an unknown subject walked up to Powers and subsequently purchased what officers believe were drugs, said Ulrich.
However, the subject got away on a New Jersey Transit bus that had stopped at the intersection before officers could move in for the arrest.
According to police, officers observed Powers enter a nearby vehicle and witness a second alleged drug purchase between him and another man, identified as 34-year-old Leard Jones, of Philadelphia. Detectives at the scene reportedly recovered 50 packages (or 250 bundles, or 2,500 individual doses) of heroin, a small amount of marijuana and $5,034 in cash.
Police charged Powers with possession of heroin, possession with the intent to distribute, possession with the intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school zone, possession with intent to distribute within 500 feet of a public park and possession with intent to distribute within 500 feet of a public housing project.
He sits in Cumberland County Jail on $150,000 bail.
This is the second time Powers will face such charges. According to police, he was charged with the same offenses on May 22, following a motor vehicle stop that allegedly yielded 150 bags of confiscated heroin, police said. The case is still pending in court.

Robert Kobash was charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of crack cocaine

Robert Kobash, 48, of East Garden Road, on July 21 was charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of crack cocaine, possession and distribution of a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a public school (Maurice Fels School on South Seventh Street), resisting arrest and obstruction of justice. A man allegedly seen buying drugs from Kobash, 32-year-old Victor Torres, of West Chestnut Avenue, was charged with possession of heroin and released on a summons. Kobash is lodged inside Cumberland County Jail on $200,000 bail. According to Ulrich, officers in the area of Seventh and Quince streets last Monday at 7:30 p.m. witnessed Kobash sell drugs from the passenger seat of a vehicle that had just parked near the intersection.

Robert Kobash was charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of crack cocaine

Robert Kobash, 48, of East Garden Road, on July 21 was charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of crack cocaine, possession and distribution of a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a public school (Maurice Fels School on South Seventh Street), resisting arrest and obstruction of justice. A man allegedly seen buying drugs from Kobash, 32-year-old Victor Torres, of West Chestnut Avenue, was charged with possession of heroin and released on a summons. Kobash is lodged inside Cumberland County Jail on $200,000 bail. According to Ulrich, officers in the area of Seventh and Quince streets last Monday at 7:30 p.m. witnessed Kobash sell drugs from the passenger seat of a vehicle that had just parked near the intersection.

Ricardo Garcia Heredia sentenced to 30 years in prison

A federal jury in Houston found Ricardo Garcia Heredia, 44, of McAllen, guilty in May of multiple counts of conspiracy and drug possession.The former owner of an Edinburg trucking business wasMonday for his role in a drug smuggling and money laundering ring.Prosecutors allege Garcia used his business - Edinburg-based Earth Transportation - as a front to recruit drivers for cocaine shipments that passed through the Rio Grande Valley

Ricardo Garcia Heredia sentenced to 30 years in prison

A federal jury in Houston found Ricardo Garcia Heredia, 44, of McAllen, guilty in May of multiple counts of conspiracy and drug possession.The former owner of an Edinburg trucking business wasMonday for his role in a drug smuggling and money laundering ring.Prosecutors allege Garcia used his business - Edinburg-based Earth Transportation - as a front to recruit drivers for cocaine shipments that passed through the Rio Grande Valley

Jeffrey Whitehead and Mark Russell were indicted by a federal grand jury July 16 for conspiring to distribute drugs.

Jeffrey Whitehead, 54, of Enfield and Mark Russell, 41, of Lincoln were indicted by a federal grand jury July 16 for conspiring to distribute drugs. Whitefield also was indicted for Social Security fraud. Both men are incarcerated out of state, according to court documents.Their arraignments in U.S. District Court have not been scheduled.A dozen men and women originally were indicted in November on drug conspiracy and other charges for their alleged involvement in distributing more than 11 pounds of cocaine in the Lincoln and Lee area from 2002 through 2005. A superseding indictment issued earlier this month added Whitehead and Russell.Whitehead is scheduled to be released in December after serving nearly two years in federal prison. He was indicted on drug charges in August 2006 after selling cocaine and heroine the previous summer to undercover officers. He was sentenced in January 2007 to 30 months in prison after pleading guilty to the charges. He is expected to be credited with time for good behavior and for the 3½ months he was held while awaiting sentencing.Information about the relationship between Mark Russell, incarcerated in North Carolina on unspecified charges, and brothers Richard "Rat" Russell, 48, and Donald "Donnie" Russell, 50, both of Lincoln, was not available Monday. The brothers were indicted last year and have pleaded not guilty to being part of the drug conspiracy.So far, 11 of the original dozen accused conspirators have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their arrests were delayed until May because the alleged ringleader, Michael Mayer, 54, of Jupiter, Fla., and Costa Rica, was living in Central America. Mayer is in the process of being extradited to Maine, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Jeffrey Polk, 36, formerly of Maine, is expected to be released on $100,000 secured bail later this week. One of the original 12 indicted last year, he was arrested more than two months ago while working on an oil rig in northeast Alaska above the Arctic Circle.Polk’s bail is expected to be posted by Willy Lucas, the owner a golf course in Old Town. He also is expected to provide a place for Polk, who will be subject to electronic monitoring, to live and a job.The other defendants, who have pleaded not guilty, in the case are:
Laurent "Larry" Provost, 60, of Woonsocket, R.I.
Daniel "Danny" Littlefield, 49, of Lee.
Troy Littlefield, 42, of Oakfield.
Robert Donath, 28, of Lincoln.
Peter Glidden, 31, of Smithfield.
Nancy Squeglia, 51, of East Millinocket.
Brent "Cowboy" Noyes, 57, of Lincoln.
Preston Chubbuck, 43, of Springfield.
Provost, Chubbuck, Richard Russell and Squeglia are being held without bail. The other defendants, except for Mayer, have been released on bail or are expected to be released.The Littlefield men are related, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, but are not siblings.

Jeffrey Whitehead and Mark Russell were indicted by a federal grand jury July 16 for conspiring to distribute drugs.

Jeffrey Whitehead, 54, of Enfield and Mark Russell, 41, of Lincoln were indicted by a federal grand jury July 16 for conspiring to distribute drugs. Whitefield also was indicted for Social Security fraud. Both men are incarcerated out of state, according to court documents.Their arraignments in U.S. District Court have not been scheduled.A dozen men and women originally were indicted in November on drug conspiracy and other charges for their alleged involvement in distributing more than 11 pounds of cocaine in the Lincoln and Lee area from 2002 through 2005. A superseding indictment issued earlier this month added Whitehead and Russell.Whitehead is scheduled to be released in December after serving nearly two years in federal prison. He was indicted on drug charges in August 2006 after selling cocaine and heroine the previous summer to undercover officers. He was sentenced in January 2007 to 30 months in prison after pleading guilty to the charges. He is expected to be credited with time for good behavior and for the 3½ months he was held while awaiting sentencing.Information about the relationship between Mark Russell, incarcerated in North Carolina on unspecified charges, and brothers Richard "Rat" Russell, 48, and Donald "Donnie" Russell, 50, both of Lincoln, was not available Monday. The brothers were indicted last year and have pleaded not guilty to being part of the drug conspiracy.So far, 11 of the original dozen accused conspirators have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their arrests were delayed until May because the alleged ringleader, Michael Mayer, 54, of Jupiter, Fla., and Costa Rica, was living in Central America. Mayer is in the process of being extradited to Maine, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Jeffrey Polk, 36, formerly of Maine, is expected to be released on $100,000 secured bail later this week. One of the original 12 indicted last year, he was arrested more than two months ago while working on an oil rig in northeast Alaska above the Arctic Circle.Polk’s bail is expected to be posted by Willy Lucas, the owner a golf course in Old Town. He also is expected to provide a place for Polk, who will be subject to electronic monitoring, to live and a job.The other defendants, who have pleaded not guilty, in the case are:
Laurent "Larry" Provost, 60, of Woonsocket, R.I.
Daniel "Danny" Littlefield, 49, of Lee.
Troy Littlefield, 42, of Oakfield.
Robert Donath, 28, of Lincoln.
Peter Glidden, 31, of Smithfield.
Nancy Squeglia, 51, of East Millinocket.
Brent "Cowboy" Noyes, 57, of Lincoln.
Preston Chubbuck, 43, of Springfield.
Provost, Chubbuck, Richard Russell and Squeglia are being held without bail. The other defendants, except for Mayer, have been released on bail or are expected to be released.The Littlefield men are related, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, but are not siblings.

David Quick, from Essex, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply class A drugs after a retrial at the Old Bailey and sentenced

David Quick, from Essex, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply class A drugs after a retrial at the Old Bailey and sentenced on July 25.Police arrested Quick in a Dartford layby on the A282 when he pulled over to make a handover with the rest of the group.Officers searched the lorry and found 42kg of cocaine.Quick, who denied the charge, told detectives he had no idea about the drugs but the court heard how he took the truck onto a ferry in France having met with 37-year-old Michael Linker to pick up the stash.But when Quick arrived to meet 34-year-old Alister Morin on April 4 last year, police moved in as Linker tried to retrieve the cocaine from the truck.Morin was arrested in Bow Arrow Lane, Dartford, after being tracked driving to the transfer point.Quick had originally stood trial with Morin from Essex, in April.
Morin was convicted for conspiracy to supply class A drugs and imprisoned for 15 years but Quick faced a retrial.Linker from Bristol, and ring-leader, James Scarciglia, aged 30, from Harrow, had both admitted the same charge and were jailed for 14 years and 15 years respectively.Another gang member - Jason Young, aged 37, of Bath Road, Dartford, was sentenced to eight years after pleading guilty to the same charge for acting as a courier.

David Quick, from Essex, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply class A drugs after a retrial at the Old Bailey and sentenced

David Quick, from Essex, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply class A drugs after a retrial at the Old Bailey and sentenced on July 25.Police arrested Quick in a Dartford layby on the A282 when he pulled over to make a handover with the rest of the group.Officers searched the lorry and found 42kg of cocaine.Quick, who denied the charge, told detectives he had no idea about the drugs but the court heard how he took the truck onto a ferry in France having met with 37-year-old Michael Linker to pick up the stash.But when Quick arrived to meet 34-year-old Alister Morin on April 4 last year, police moved in as Linker tried to retrieve the cocaine from the truck.Morin was arrested in Bow Arrow Lane, Dartford, after being tracked driving to the transfer point.Quick had originally stood trial with Morin from Essex, in April.
Morin was convicted for conspiracy to supply class A drugs and imprisoned for 15 years but Quick faced a retrial.Linker from Bristol, and ring-leader, James Scarciglia, aged 30, from Harrow, had both admitted the same charge and were jailed for 14 years and 15 years respectively.Another gang member - Jason Young, aged 37, of Bath Road, Dartford, was sentenced to eight years after pleading guilty to the same charge for acting as a courier.

Francis Salerno, faces charges of possession of a controlled substance

Francis Salerno, faces charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest. He was arraigned before District Judge Muchael J. Burns and sent to Bucks County prison on $25,000 bail.
Police said they found 13 bags of suspected heroin stamped with the logo “Triple Crown” in green writing, two syringes, a cut-in-half drinking straw and blood-stained cotton swabs.

Francis Salerno, faces charges of possession of a controlled substance

Francis Salerno, faces charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest. He was arraigned before District Judge Muchael J. Burns and sent to Bucks County prison on $25,000 bail.
Police said they found 13 bags of suspected heroin stamped with the logo “Triple Crown” in green writing, two syringes, a cut-in-half drinking straw and blood-stained cotton swabs.

James Munro was the only Canadian Border Services Agency employee arrested

James Munro, a 26-year-old border guard who worked at Quebec's Lacolle border crossing.Munro was the only Canadian Border Services Agency employee arrested in an investigation that centred on an attempt by people based in Montreal and New Brunswick to smuggle 500 kilograms of Colombian cocaine into Canada.Munro appeared in court Friday in St. Jean sur Richelieu, Que., for a bail hearing. He will learn on Tuesday if he is to be released while he faces eight criminal charges.Two Quebecers who allegedly took part in the conspiracy were arrested in Florida on Tuesday and charged with bringing 25,000 MDMA, or ecstasy, pills into the U.S. as part of a deal made with an undercover FBI agent.The two men -- alleged ringleader Sylvain Levert, 41, of Chambly, and Serge (Frenchy) Desilets, 54, of Maniwaki -- were charged in U.S. District Court in Florida. Affidavits filed in their cases suggest the pair counted on the co-operation of more than one customs agent to smuggle drugs in and out of Canada.The two are suspected of conspiring to smuggle drugs -- including marijuana and ecstasy -- into the United States in exchange for cocaine smuggled into Canada.In one of several references in the affidavit to Desilets or Levert claiming to control border agents, Desilets allegedly told the agent last summer "he could get people into and out of Canada without their having to pass through customs."The "border official" in question is not named in the court document.During Thursday's news conference, RCMP Staff Sgt. Andre Potvin would only say it is possible other border agents would be investigated. On Friday, RCMP Cpl. Elaine Lavergne repeated Potvin's comment, but noted no charges have been filed against other CBSA personnel.

James Munro was the only Canadian Border Services Agency employee arrested

James Munro, a 26-year-old border guard who worked at Quebec's Lacolle border crossing.Munro was the only Canadian Border Services Agency employee arrested in an investigation that centred on an attempt by people based in Montreal and New Brunswick to smuggle 500 kilograms of Colombian cocaine into Canada.Munro appeared in court Friday in St. Jean sur Richelieu, Que., for a bail hearing. He will learn on Tuesday if he is to be released while he faces eight criminal charges.Two Quebecers who allegedly took part in the conspiracy were arrested in Florida on Tuesday and charged with bringing 25,000 MDMA, or ecstasy, pills into the U.S. as part of a deal made with an undercover FBI agent.The two men -- alleged ringleader Sylvain Levert, 41, of Chambly, and Serge (Frenchy) Desilets, 54, of Maniwaki -- were charged in U.S. District Court in Florida. Affidavits filed in their cases suggest the pair counted on the co-operation of more than one customs agent to smuggle drugs in and out of Canada.The two are suspected of conspiring to smuggle drugs -- including marijuana and ecstasy -- into the United States in exchange for cocaine smuggled into Canada.In one of several references in the affidavit to Desilets or Levert claiming to control border agents, Desilets allegedly told the agent last summer "he could get people into and out of Canada without their having to pass through customs."The "border official" in question is not named in the court document.During Thursday's news conference, RCMP Staff Sgt. Andre Potvin would only say it is possible other border agents would be investigated. On Friday, RCMP Cpl. Elaine Lavergne repeated Potvin's comment, but noted no charges have been filed against other CBSA personnel.

Rodrigo Fiuza has been jailed to 15 years for attempting to smuggle 10 kilos of cocaine into the UK.

Rodrigo Fiuza has been jailed to 15 years for attempting to smuggle 10 kilos of cocaine into the UK.Police said that Rodrigo Fiuza, a Brazilian national of Mile End Road, was arrested on 25 February 2008 following an intelligence-led operation.He was charged in relation to a Class A controlled drug and being knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of a prohibition on the importation of goods.Fiuza was found guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 15 July.He has also been recommended for deportation on completion of his sentence.The estimated street value of the Class A drug found within small statues in a steel drum in a shipment of airfrieght from Brazil in February, was £1,199,560.A search of Fiuza's garage and house revealed a further steel drum containing electronic scales, a large number of mobile phones and a pseudo reference required by HM Revenue and Customs for non-VAT registered traders to import goods from abroad.Further investigations revealed that there had been at least four previous importations by the same organization between February 2005 and October 2007.Detective Inspector Gary Townsend said: "This operation is a great example of how law enforcement agencies in the UK are working together to tackle the trafficking of Class A drugs impacting London's communities.
"This should act as a deterrent to anyone who believes they can get away with importing drugs in this way."

Rodrigo Fiuza has been jailed to 15 years for attempting to smuggle 10 kilos of cocaine into the UK.

Rodrigo Fiuza has been jailed to 15 years for attempting to smuggle 10 kilos of cocaine into the UK.Police said that Rodrigo Fiuza, a Brazilian national of Mile End Road, was arrested on 25 February 2008 following an intelligence-led operation.He was charged in relation to a Class A controlled drug and being knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of a prohibition on the importation of goods.Fiuza was found guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 15 July.He has also been recommended for deportation on completion of his sentence.The estimated street value of the Class A drug found within small statues in a steel drum in a shipment of airfrieght from Brazil in February, was £1,199,560.A search of Fiuza's garage and house revealed a further steel drum containing electronic scales, a large number of mobile phones and a pseudo reference required by HM Revenue and Customs for non-VAT registered traders to import goods from abroad.Further investigations revealed that there had been at least four previous importations by the same organization between February 2005 and October 2007.Detective Inspector Gary Townsend said: "This operation is a great example of how law enforcement agencies in the UK are working together to tackle the trafficking of Class A drugs impacting London's communities.
"This should act as a deterrent to anyone who believes they can get away with importing drugs in this way."

Gangster Anand Patil is believed to be from the Hemant Pujari gang shot dead.

An alleged gangster was killed in a shootout in north-west Mumbai last night. Gangster Anand Patil is believed to be from the Hemant Pujari gang. Crime Branch officials say Patil fired at the officials when he was asked to surrender and was killed in the ensuing shootout. The police said today that Anand Patil, allegedly a member of the Pujari gang, had gone to the Laxmi Industrial Estate in suburban Andheri to meet an accomplice, they said. Acting on information, officials from the Crime Branch of the city police were present there and when Patil arrived they asked him to surrender. The police went on to add, “Patil allegedly fired at the officials who in retailiation opened fire at him and in the ensuing shootout the alleged gangster was killed.”

Gangster Anand Patil is believed to be from the Hemant Pujari gang shot dead.

An alleged gangster was killed in a shootout in north-west Mumbai last night. Gangster Anand Patil is believed to be from the Hemant Pujari gang. Crime Branch officials say Patil fired at the officials when he was asked to surrender and was killed in the ensuing shootout. The police said today that Anand Patil, allegedly a member of the Pujari gang, had gone to the Laxmi Industrial Estate in suburban Andheri to meet an accomplice, they said. Acting on information, officials from the Crime Branch of the city police were present there and when Patil arrived they asked him to surrender. The police went on to add, “Patil allegedly fired at the officials who in retailiation opened fire at him and in the ensuing shootout the alleged gangster was killed.”

Eugene Braswell charged with running a drug network, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to distribute.

Northern State Prison guard suspected of running a cocaine trafficking ring in Newark and East Orange was arrested yesterday following an 11-month investigation that began after he fatally shot another man, the state attorney general announced.
No charges have been filed against Eugene Braswell in connection with the August death of Wali Williams, a convicted drug dealer who shot at Braswell while he was sitting on his porch and was killed when the off-duty officer retrieved his gun and returned fire. But the subsequent investigation by the State Police and state Division of Criminal Justice uncovered a massive drug operation being orchestrated by Braswell out of his Grand Avenue home in Newark. Braswell, 29, is charged with running the drug network, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to distribute, distribution, money laundering and conspiracy. There is no evidence that Braswell, who could face 20 years, was trafficking in drugs at the Newark prison, prosecutors said. Braswell's attorney, Paul Bergrin, called his client an outstanding law enforcement officer who is dedicated to public service. "I don't believe the charges have any merit, either legally or factually, and I am totally confident that he will be vindicated and owned an apology for his illegal and unlawful arrest," Bergrin said. "He did absolutely nothing wrong."
State detectives have spent the last 11 months watching and listening in on telephone conversations as Braswell and others in his crew arranged to purchase cocaine in Texas and Florida and drive it back to New Jersey in vehicles that contained trap doors to conceal plastic-wrapped kilograms of cocaine, court documents show.
Braswell had a close call in January when he was stopped by a sheriff's officer in Florida on a motor vehicle violation and a drug dog smelled the presence of narcotics, according to the documents; a search found no drugs, although police did find $25,000 in cash. After developing the case, detectives moved in this month as members of the crew flew to Houston to purchase 20 kilos of cocaine, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed with the court by Detective Sgt. Geoffrey Forker of the State Police's official corruption unit. On July 10, one of Braswell's crew, Delrese Hardy, flew to Houston to arrange the sale with an unknown man, Forker noted. The following day, Hardy purchased the drugs from the man and loaded them into a Dodge van that was driven back to New Jersey by two other crew members, Walter Braden and Shuerod Walton. Unknown to them, two state Division of Criminal Justice detectives were watching the whole thing from a nearby position, and state authorities tracked their cross-country trip using the global positioning system in Braden's phone, Forker said. When the van got into New Jersey, the State Police arrested the men and seized the cocaine. #Braden and Walton, charged with possession with intent to distribute, were ordered held on $500,000 bail. That led to a flurry of calls between Braswell and Hardy about the arrest, including one in which Hardy said he nearly vomited after learning that the drugs had been seized, the affidavit said.
Based on that and other evidence, the state yesterday arrested Braswell; Hardy, 34, of East Orange; Joseph "Wink" Jones, 37, of Newark; and Antwan "Boog" Jones, 36, of Sewaren. Joseph Jones is Braswell's brother-in-law and lives above him at the Grand Avenue home.
All three have convictions for possessing and selling drugs and carrying illegal weapons, the affidavit said. Joseph Jones also was convicted in 1995 for conspiracy to commit homicide.
Authorities also found $16,000 and drug packaging material from Braswell's home and a .357 Magnum in one of his cars, the state said. They also seized both his vehicles, a 2002 Cadillac Escalade and a 2003 Chevrolet van.

Eugene Braswell charged with running a drug network, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to distribute.

Northern State Prison guard suspected of running a cocaine trafficking ring in Newark and East Orange was arrested yesterday following an 11-month investigation that began after he fatally shot another man, the state attorney general announced.
No charges have been filed against Eugene Braswell in connection with the August death of Wali Williams, a convicted drug dealer who shot at Braswell while he was sitting on his porch and was killed when the off-duty officer retrieved his gun and returned fire. But the subsequent investigation by the State Police and state Division of Criminal Justice uncovered a massive drug operation being orchestrated by Braswell out of his Grand Avenue home in Newark. Braswell, 29, is charged with running the drug network, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to distribute, distribution, money laundering and conspiracy. There is no evidence that Braswell, who could face 20 years, was trafficking in drugs at the Newark prison, prosecutors said. Braswell's attorney, Paul Bergrin, called his client an outstanding law enforcement officer who is dedicated to public service. "I don't believe the charges have any merit, either legally or factually, and I am totally confident that he will be vindicated and owned an apology for his illegal and unlawful arrest," Bergrin said. "He did absolutely nothing wrong."
State detectives have spent the last 11 months watching and listening in on telephone conversations as Braswell and others in his crew arranged to purchase cocaine in Texas and Florida and drive it back to New Jersey in vehicles that contained trap doors to conceal plastic-wrapped kilograms of cocaine, court documents show.
Braswell had a close call in January when he was stopped by a sheriff's officer in Florida on a motor vehicle violation and a drug dog smelled the presence of narcotics, according to the documents; a search found no drugs, although police did find $25,000 in cash. After developing the case, detectives moved in this month as members of the crew flew to Houston to purchase 20 kilos of cocaine, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed with the court by Detective Sgt. Geoffrey Forker of the State Police's official corruption unit. On July 10, one of Braswell's crew, Delrese Hardy, flew to Houston to arrange the sale with an unknown man, Forker noted. The following day, Hardy purchased the drugs from the man and loaded them into a Dodge van that was driven back to New Jersey by two other crew members, Walter Braden and Shuerod Walton. Unknown to them, two state Division of Criminal Justice detectives were watching the whole thing from a nearby position, and state authorities tracked their cross-country trip using the global positioning system in Braden's phone, Forker said. When the van got into New Jersey, the State Police arrested the men and seized the cocaine. #Braden and Walton, charged with possession with intent to distribute, were ordered held on $500,000 bail. That led to a flurry of calls between Braswell and Hardy about the arrest, including one in which Hardy said he nearly vomited after learning that the drugs had been seized, the affidavit said.
Based on that and other evidence, the state yesterday arrested Braswell; Hardy, 34, of East Orange; Joseph "Wink" Jones, 37, of Newark; and Antwan "Boog" Jones, 36, of Sewaren. Joseph Jones is Braswell's brother-in-law and lives above him at the Grand Avenue home.
All three have convictions for possessing and selling drugs and carrying illegal weapons, the affidavit said. Joseph Jones also was convicted in 1995 for conspiracy to commit homicide.
Authorities also found $16,000 and drug packaging material from Braswell's home and a .357 Magnum in one of his cars, the state said. They also seized both his vehicles, a 2002 Cadillac Escalade and a 2003 Chevrolet van.

Anthony Grady charged with second- degree drug possession

Anthony Grady, 27, was under investigation by the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office for drug activity when he was approached Wednesday by officers at Game Stop on Route 206, police said. When the officers identified themselves, Grady fled through the aisles, knocking over a wall display and ducking behind a counter to reach the front door, authorities said. Officers were able to detain Grady, who resisted arrest by flailing his arms and legs, striking and injuring the officers, police said. Once Grady was restrained, police found three bags of co caine in his back pocket, authorities said. A search of Grady's home on Route 206 yielded 28 bags of co caine and $400 in cash, according to authorities.
He was charged with second- degree drug possession with in tent to distribute and third-de gree aggravated assault, authorities said. Because his residence is next to Hillsborough Elemen tary School, Grady also was charged with selling drugs within 1,000 feet of a school, a third-de gree offense, police said.
The cocaine seized from Grady and his home is estimated to have a street value of more than $3,000, according to police. Grady was taken to Somerset County Jail, where he was held in lieu of $100,000 cash bail.

Anthony Grady charged with second- degree drug possession

Anthony Grady, 27, was under investigation by the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office for drug activity when he was approached Wednesday by officers at Game Stop on Route 206, police said. When the officers identified themselves, Grady fled through the aisles, knocking over a wall display and ducking behind a counter to reach the front door, authorities said. Officers were able to detain Grady, who resisted arrest by flailing his arms and legs, striking and injuring the officers, police said. Once Grady was restrained, police found three bags of co caine in his back pocket, authorities said. A search of Grady's home on Route 206 yielded 28 bags of co caine and $400 in cash, according to authorities.
He was charged with second- degree drug possession with in tent to distribute and third-de gree aggravated assault, authorities said. Because his residence is next to Hillsborough Elemen tary School, Grady also was charged with selling drugs within 1,000 feet of a school, a third-de gree offense, police said.
The cocaine seized from Grady and his home is estimated to have a street value of more than $3,000, according to police. Grady was taken to Somerset County Jail, where he was held in lieu of $100,000 cash bail.

Cuong D. Nguyen,Dung Minh Tran, Christopher Leventis charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute more than 100 kilograms of mar

Six local men were arrested yesterday morning on drug conspiracy charges following a raid at a McCandless home.The arrests are part of an ongoing investigation that led to the arrests of two men in Florida and six more people in Canada.According to the U.S. attorney's office, the local men who were arrested following an FBI raid on Balmoral Drive have been charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana.
Those named in the complaint are: Cuong D. Nguyen, 32, of Elliott; Dung Minh Tran, 33, of McCandless; Christopher George Leventis, 34, of Greenfield; Giacinto Rocco Derenzo, 29, of Cranberry; Magdi Milad Louis, 35, of Ross; and Hau Duy Bach, 19, of McCandless.
The criminal complaint is still under seal, and no details related to the case were available. Because they are charged by criminal complaint, a federal grand jury must hand up an indictment within 30 days or the charges will be dismissed.

Cuong D. Nguyen,Dung Minh Tran, Christopher Leventis charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute more than 100 kilograms of mar

Six local men were arrested yesterday morning on drug conspiracy charges following a raid at a McCandless home.The arrests are part of an ongoing investigation that led to the arrests of two men in Florida and six more people in Canada.According to the U.S. attorney's office, the local men who were arrested following an FBI raid on Balmoral Drive have been charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana.
Those named in the complaint are: Cuong D. Nguyen, 32, of Elliott; Dung Minh Tran, 33, of McCandless; Christopher George Leventis, 34, of Greenfield; Giacinto Rocco Derenzo, 29, of Cranberry; Magdi Milad Louis, 35, of Ross; and Hau Duy Bach, 19, of McCandless.
The criminal complaint is still under seal, and no details related to the case were available. Because they are charged by criminal complaint, a federal grand jury must hand up an indictment within 30 days or the charges will be dismissed.

Susan Curtis admitted charges , possession of amphetamine with intent to supply, possession of cannabis

Police raided Susan Curtis’s Whitley home and discovered Class A and C drugs worth nearly £12,000.Among the haul were amphetamines including speed, cannabis and cannabis resin. She also had drugs paraphernalia including weighing scales, a spoon in a bowl containing white power – amphetamines – and plastic carrier bags used to contain drugs.Reading Magistrates Court heard Curtis, who had never been in trouble with the police before, turned to drug dealing as a way of keeping up-to-date with her mortgage payments so she did not lose her Northumberland Avenue home.
At court on Tuesday, Curtis, who has a disabled son, admitted three charges – possession of amphetamine with intent to supply, possession of cannabis with intent to supply and possession of cannabis resin with intent to supply.Prosecuting, Lorna Tagoe said police carried out a drugs warrant at her home at 1.25pm on Wednesday, April 30.Curtis, along with her daughter and another man, were in the house. Miss Tagoe said: “During the search a large number of items were recovered including a large polythene bag of herbal matter.”
There were also bags containing cannabis, 25 bags of cannabis resin and bags filled with speed, as well as drugs paraphernalia.
All three people in the house were arrested and taken to Reading police station, but only Curtis was charged after her daughter and the man explained they were just visiting. Miss Tagoe said: “She [Curtis] made some admissions during interview.
She said she believed the white power was speed and that she had bought it for £1,000.“She said she would cash the drugs in and sell them.”She had £1,025 of cannabis which she said she would sell for £20 a bag, 309g of cannabis worth £2,230, 569g of amphetamines worth up to £5,690, 126g of cannabis resin worth £395 and 54.6g of powder worth up to £2,540.The cash in her house belonged to her son and was nothing to do with the drugs, the court heard.David Crayford, defending, said Curtis owned her home.“She was very concerned about her son’s future,” he said, before adding worries about how to fulfil her mortgage payments lay heavy on her heart.
“She does not use drugs but knows people who do. She needed a way to get extra funds to keep the house for her son.”Mr Crayford added: “She is 59 and has no previous convictions.“She is not a drug user. This is a somewhat unusual sort of situation.
“I do not think there is any sort of suggestion her home was a drug den.”
The case was adjourned for sentencing at Reading Crown Court, although no date was set. Pre-sentence reports are to be carried out in the meantime.

Susan Curtis admitted charges , possession of amphetamine with intent to supply, possession of cannabis

Police raided Susan Curtis’s Whitley home and discovered Class A and C drugs worth nearly £12,000.Among the haul were amphetamines including speed, cannabis and cannabis resin. She also had drugs paraphernalia including weighing scales, a spoon in a bowl containing white power – amphetamines – and plastic carrier bags used to contain drugs.Reading Magistrates Court heard Curtis, who had never been in trouble with the police before, turned to drug dealing as a way of keeping up-to-date with her mortgage payments so she did not lose her Northumberland Avenue home.
At court on Tuesday, Curtis, who has a disabled son, admitted three charges – possession of amphetamine with intent to supply, possession of cannabis with intent to supply and possession of cannabis resin with intent to supply.Prosecuting, Lorna Tagoe said police carried out a drugs warrant at her home at 1.25pm on Wednesday, April 30.Curtis, along with her daughter and another man, were in the house. Miss Tagoe said: “During the search a large number of items were recovered including a large polythene bag of herbal matter.”
There were also bags containing cannabis, 25 bags of cannabis resin and bags filled with speed, as well as drugs paraphernalia.
All three people in the house were arrested and taken to Reading police station, but only Curtis was charged after her daughter and the man explained they were just visiting. Miss Tagoe said: “She [Curtis] made some admissions during interview.
She said she believed the white power was speed and that she had bought it for £1,000.“She said she would cash the drugs in and sell them.”She had £1,025 of cannabis which she said she would sell for £20 a bag, 309g of cannabis worth £2,230, 569g of amphetamines worth up to £5,690, 126g of cannabis resin worth £395 and 54.6g of powder worth up to £2,540.The cash in her house belonged to her son and was nothing to do with the drugs, the court heard.David Crayford, defending, said Curtis owned her home.“She was very concerned about her son’s future,” he said, before adding worries about how to fulfil her mortgage payments lay heavy on her heart.
“She does not use drugs but knows people who do. She needed a way to get extra funds to keep the house for her son.”Mr Crayford added: “She is 59 and has no previous convictions.“She is not a drug user. This is a somewhat unusual sort of situation.
“I do not think there is any sort of suggestion her home was a drug den.”
The case was adjourned for sentencing at Reading Crown Court, although no date was set. Pre-sentence reports are to be carried out in the meantime.

Anthony Hilenski, faces up to 10 years in prison on the worst of the charges.

Anthony Hilenski, 44, faces up to 10 years in prison on the worst of the charges Authorities said an unidentified woman called Woodbridge police dispatchers on Feb. 22 to report an accident on Liberty and Warner streets involving a man supposedly having a seizure.The dispatcher overheard the woman tell the man to "act normalbecause the police are coming," authorities said.When police arrived, the car was gone. The officers found a broken curb and guide wire for a utility pole. A witness told them a small, light-colored car with a loud muffler was had been involved in the one-car crash.Police spotted Hilenski in the area driving a tan Nissan sedan, authorities said.He was sweating profusely despite temperatures in the 30s and was unable to keep his balance, according to police.He admitted getting into the minor accident with his two young children in the rear of the car, authorities said.He also told police that he had taken phenobarbitol, a sedative, and later admitted to being under the influence of cocaine, authorities said.He eventually acknowledged there were two bags of cocaine in the middle console of the car, authorities said.He was arrested, charged with the two offenses, and released on $30,000 bail. The children were turned over to Hilenski's mother.
He was indicted on the charges in June but failed to show for a hearing July 9.
Hilenski is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs about 170 pounds. He has a mole on his right cheek and also has tattoos.His last listed addresses were on the 80 block of Craske Street in Woodbridge, and the 90 block of Warner Street and the 10 block of Mary Avenue in Fords.
Authorities are urging anyone coming into contact with Hilenski not to try to apprehend him.The Prosecutor's Office is offering rewards of up to $500 for information leading to the capture of fugitives wanted on charges in the county.

Anthony Hilenski, faces up to 10 years in prison on the worst of the charges.

Anthony Hilenski, 44, faces up to 10 years in prison on the worst of the charges Authorities said an unidentified woman called Woodbridge police dispatchers on Feb. 22 to report an accident on Liberty and Warner streets involving a man supposedly having a seizure.The dispatcher overheard the woman tell the man to "act normalbecause the police are coming," authorities said.When police arrived, the car was gone. The officers found a broken curb and guide wire for a utility pole. A witness told them a small, light-colored car with a loud muffler was had been involved in the one-car crash.Police spotted Hilenski in the area driving a tan Nissan sedan, authorities said.He was sweating profusely despite temperatures in the 30s and was unable to keep his balance, according to police.He admitted getting into the minor accident with his two young children in the rear of the car, authorities said.He also told police that he had taken phenobarbitol, a sedative, and later admitted to being under the influence of cocaine, authorities said.He eventually acknowledged there were two bags of cocaine in the middle console of the car, authorities said.He was arrested, charged with the two offenses, and released on $30,000 bail. The children were turned over to Hilenski's mother.
He was indicted on the charges in June but failed to show for a hearing July 9.
Hilenski is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs about 170 pounds. He has a mole on his right cheek and also has tattoos.His last listed addresses were on the 80 block of Craske Street in Woodbridge, and the 90 block of Warner Street and the 10 block of Mary Avenue in Fords.
Authorities are urging anyone coming into contact with Hilenski not to try to apprehend him.The Prosecutor's Office is offering rewards of up to $500 for information leading to the capture of fugitives wanted on charges in the county.

Arrested a doctorate degree holder, Mr. Asianya Okey Francis, from Anambra State, with 100 wraps of cocaine concealed in his stomach.

Arrested a doctorate degree holder, Mr. Asianya Okey Francis, from Anambra State, with 100 wraps of cocaine concealed in his stomach. The suspect was apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, during the screening of passengers of a Virgin Nigeria flight to London.A statement by Ofoyeju Mitchell, NDLEA Head of Public Affairs, this morning, disclosed that Asianya left Nigeria for the United States in search of greener pastures in 1978.
He had his first and second degrees in Architectural construction at Texas Southern University in 1982 and 1983. He later proceeded to study Business Philosophy at Carolina Christian University, Mapo Shad, United States, where he obtained his doctorate degree in 1995.In his confessional statement, Asianya, a father of three, said that he indulged in the criminal act in a desperate bid to save his 15-year-old daughter that has a hole in the heart.“My 15-year-old daughter has a hole in the heart and I have spent so much. I owe my child any sacrifice but I did not know it was a big mistake. In my consciousness I felt it will be good for the child. Though I weighed the options, now I know better that I was rash in my decision,” he lamented.The suspect, who is from Nnenwi Local Government Area of Anambra State, further disclosed that he was promised 4,000 pounds sterling to embark on the journey.
Reacting to the arrest, the anti-narcotics agency’s chairman, Alhaji Ahmadu Giade, described the involvement of Asianya in drugs as sad and disheartening.
“It is sad and disheartening for the suspect to be involved in drug trafficking. This arrest and others have shown that there is no escape route for drug traffickers. Nothing will provide a safe canopy for the ignoble trade, not even academic qualifications,” Giade stated.Also arrested are a Ghanian businessman, Wanye Christopher, 38, and six others.
The names of other suspects are Zadil Al-Husen, 41; Steve Obehi Mato, 44; Emenike Kelechi Calistus, 34; Abagala Chikelu Daniel, 48; Kalu Benjamin, 32 and Charles Aidoyen, 33. The arrests took place between 14th and 20th July, 2008.
The Ghanaian, Wanye Christopher, was arrested on Friday 18, 2008, at about 11 a.m., during screening of passengers on Qatar Airways, on his way to Thailand.
The Accountancy graduate at Kumasi Polytechnic is based in Accra where he runs a boutique. Wanye confessed to have swallowed 49 wraps of cocaine weighing 967 grammes which he bought for 18,000 dollars. NDLEA said the suspects will soon be charged to court.At the time of filing this report, P.M.News was still trying to confirm if Mr. Asianya Okey Francis actually attended the Carolina Christian University, Mapo Shad, United States of America, as he claimed, and whether he actually bagged a doctorate degree.

Arrested a doctorate degree holder, Mr. Asianya Okey Francis, from Anambra State, with 100 wraps of cocaine concealed in his stomach.

Arrested a doctorate degree holder, Mr. Asianya Okey Francis, from Anambra State, with 100 wraps of cocaine concealed in his stomach. The suspect was apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, during the screening of passengers of a Virgin Nigeria flight to London.A statement by Ofoyeju Mitchell, NDLEA Head of Public Affairs, this morning, disclosed that Asianya left Nigeria for the United States in search of greener pastures in 1978.
He had his first and second degrees in Architectural construction at Texas Southern University in 1982 and 1983. He later proceeded to study Business Philosophy at Carolina Christian University, Mapo Shad, United States, where he obtained his doctorate degree in 1995.In his confessional statement, Asianya, a father of three, said that he indulged in the criminal act in a desperate bid to save his 15-year-old daughter that has a hole in the heart.“My 15-year-old daughter has a hole in the heart and I have spent so much. I owe my child any sacrifice but I did not know it was a big mistake. In my consciousness I felt it will be good for the child. Though I weighed the options, now I know better that I was rash in my decision,” he lamented.The suspect, who is from Nnenwi Local Government Area of Anambra State, further disclosed that he was promised 4,000 pounds sterling to embark on the journey.
Reacting to the arrest, the anti-narcotics agency’s chairman, Alhaji Ahmadu Giade, described the involvement of Asianya in drugs as sad and disheartening.
“It is sad and disheartening for the suspect to be involved in drug trafficking. This arrest and others have shown that there is no escape route for drug traffickers. Nothing will provide a safe canopy for the ignoble trade, not even academic qualifications,” Giade stated.Also arrested are a Ghanian businessman, Wanye Christopher, 38, and six others.
The names of other suspects are Zadil Al-Husen, 41; Steve Obehi Mato, 44; Emenike Kelechi Calistus, 34; Abagala Chikelu Daniel, 48; Kalu Benjamin, 32 and Charles Aidoyen, 33. The arrests took place between 14th and 20th July, 2008.
The Ghanaian, Wanye Christopher, was arrested on Friday 18, 2008, at about 11 a.m., during screening of passengers on Qatar Airways, on his way to Thailand.
The Accountancy graduate at Kumasi Polytechnic is based in Accra where he runs a boutique. Wanye confessed to have swallowed 49 wraps of cocaine weighing 967 grammes which he bought for 18,000 dollars. NDLEA said the suspects will soon be charged to court.At the time of filing this report, P.M.News was still trying to confirm if Mr. Asianya Okey Francis actually attended the Carolina Christian University, Mapo Shad, United States of America, as he claimed, and whether he actually bagged a doctorate degree.

David Crowley was incarcerated on a parole violation when police received an anonymous tip that he has drugs

David Crowley, 22, was incarcerated on a parole violation when police received an anonymous tip that he has drugs. Upon searching his cell, police say they found 19 tie off bags of crack/cocaine hidden in a pair of socks. Police say the drugs totaled 9 grams in weight.

Crystal Peguero, 17, of Schenectady, was arrested on unrelated drug charges when police say they found 2 tie off bags of crack/cocaine hidden inside of her bra.
Each suspect is set to be arraigned in Colonie Town Court.

David Crowley was incarcerated on a parole violation when police received an anonymous tip that he has drugs

David Crowley, 22, was incarcerated on a parole violation when police received an anonymous tip that he has drugs. Upon searching his cell, police say they found 19 tie off bags of crack/cocaine hidden in a pair of socks. Police say the drugs totaled 9 grams in weight.

Crystal Peguero, 17, of Schenectady, was arrested on unrelated drug charges when police say they found 2 tie off bags of crack/cocaine hidden inside of her bra.
Each suspect is set to be arraigned in Colonie Town Court.

Robert Dupree White is accused of selling cocaine to an undercover informant

Robert Dupree White, 33, is accused of selling cocaine to an undercover informant working for the Muncie-Delaware County Drug Task Force, and the informant's wife.
Defense attorney Jake Dunnuck on Monday told Delaware Circuit Court 2 jurors that his client did not deal or possess cocaine on Nov. 29, 2006, as prosecutors allege."The evidence will not bear out what is being said here," Dunnuck said.
Chief Deputy Prosecutor Jeffrey Arnold told jurors they would both see and hear the drug deal, which allegedly occurred at 3600 S. Mock Ave. Informant Mike Davis was wearing a wire, Arnold said, and DTF officers videotaped the transaction.
"There will be no question," the chief deputy prosecutor said.Dunnuck said the DTF's use of confidential informants would come under scrutiny during the trial, along with the investigation that targeted White.
In his opening statements, Arnold maintained Davis was not working off any charges and helped the DTF at the insistence of his wife, who was troubled by the informant's cocaine habit.In 1995, White won round one of his courtroom battle with prosecutors, in part because then-defense attorney Jack Quirk thwarted then-Deputy Prosecutor Mark McKinney's bid to introduce key evidence. A prosecution witness also failed to show up for that trial.In 1996, the DTF arrested White again on three dealing-in-cocaine charges, and he was found convicted by a Delaware Superior Court 1 jury the following year. Judge Robert Barnet Jr. then sentenced White to two 20-year prison terms and one six-year sentence, all to run concurrently.
White was on parole in that case when he was arrested on the pending charges.
White is the cousin of Dallas White, convicted in 1997 of murdering Pizza Junction manager Sandra Bellomy. Dallas White, now 30, is serving a 55-year sentence, and is set to be released in 2024, according to state Department of Correction records.

Robert Dupree White is accused of selling cocaine to an undercover informant

Robert Dupree White, 33, is accused of selling cocaine to an undercover informant working for the Muncie-Delaware County Drug Task Force, and the informant's wife.
Defense attorney Jake Dunnuck on Monday told Delaware Circuit Court 2 jurors that his client did not deal or possess cocaine on Nov. 29, 2006, as prosecutors allege."The evidence will not bear out what is being said here," Dunnuck said.
Chief Deputy Prosecutor Jeffrey Arnold told jurors they would both see and hear the drug deal, which allegedly occurred at 3600 S. Mock Ave. Informant Mike Davis was wearing a wire, Arnold said, and DTF officers videotaped the transaction.
"There will be no question," the chief deputy prosecutor said.Dunnuck said the DTF's use of confidential informants would come under scrutiny during the trial, along with the investigation that targeted White.
In his opening statements, Arnold maintained Davis was not working off any charges and helped the DTF at the insistence of his wife, who was troubled by the informant's cocaine habit.In 1995, White won round one of his courtroom battle with prosecutors, in part because then-defense attorney Jack Quirk thwarted then-Deputy Prosecutor Mark McKinney's bid to introduce key evidence. A prosecution witness also failed to show up for that trial.In 1996, the DTF arrested White again on three dealing-in-cocaine charges, and he was found convicted by a Delaware Superior Court 1 jury the following year. Judge Robert Barnet Jr. then sentenced White to two 20-year prison terms and one six-year sentence, all to run concurrently.
White was on parole in that case when he was arrested on the pending charges.
White is the cousin of Dallas White, convicted in 1997 of murdering Pizza Junction manager Sandra Bellomy. Dallas White, now 30, is serving a 55-year sentence, and is set to be released in 2024, according to state Department of Correction records.

Anthony Taylor and Timothy Visneau Each was charged with trafficking cocaine in excess of 200 grams.

Anthony Taylor, 28, of 587 Beacon Circle, and Timothy Visneau, 27 of 76 Keith St., and 126 Union St., apartment 715, Westfield. Each was charged with trafficking cocaine in excess of 200 grams. Springfield Police Sgt. John M. Delaney, aide to Commissioner William J. Fitchet, said police had 76 Keith St. under surveillance after developing information that it was a source of drug activity. Taylor and Visneau were both considered suspects, he said. Officers observed Visneau pacing on the sidewalk in front of 76 Keith St. shortly after 7:30 p.m., Delaney said.
After a few moments, officers observed a Toyota SUV turn onto Keith Street, drive past the house, make a U-turn and then stop in front. The driver, Taylor, got out and began talking with Visneau for a few moments. Officers moved in when Visneau and Taylor unloaded a blue ice cooler from the rear of the vehicle, Delaney said. Taylor tried to flee and was tackled by officers. Inside the cooler, police found two bricks of pure cocaine, weighing 2,110 grams, or 4.6 pounds. Visneau was found in possession of $22,000 in cash wrapped in a Dunkin' Donuts bag, Delaney said.
Delaney said the arrests are a part of Fitchet's targeting of illegal drugs, prostitution and gang activity in the lower Belmont Avenue area. Delaney said police suspect the cocaine would have been converted into crack cocaine and sold on the streets of Springfield. Each pleaded innocent at their arraignments in Springfield District Court. Taylor was ordered held on $100,000 cash bail, while Visneau was ordered held on $15,000 bail. Each is due back in court on Aug. 20 for a bind-over hearing to determine if their cases should be moved to Superior Court.
Delaney said police doubt Taylor gave his real name at the time of arrest. He had identification on him that gave his name as Andre Taylor, he said. Police are also checking with U.S. Immigration to determine if he is in the country legally.

Anthony Taylor and Timothy Visneau Each was charged with trafficking cocaine in excess of 200 grams.

Anthony Taylor, 28, of 587 Beacon Circle, and Timothy Visneau, 27 of 76 Keith St., and 126 Union St., apartment 715, Westfield. Each was charged with trafficking cocaine in excess of 200 grams. Springfield Police Sgt. John M. Delaney, aide to Commissioner William J. Fitchet, said police had 76 Keith St. under surveillance after developing information that it was a source of drug activity. Taylor and Visneau were both considered suspects, he said. Officers observed Visneau pacing on the sidewalk in front of 76 Keith St. shortly after 7:30 p.m., Delaney said.
After a few moments, officers observed a Toyota SUV turn onto Keith Street, drive past the house, make a U-turn and then stop in front. The driver, Taylor, got out and began talking with Visneau for a few moments. Officers moved in when Visneau and Taylor unloaded a blue ice cooler from the rear of the vehicle, Delaney said. Taylor tried to flee and was tackled by officers. Inside the cooler, police found two bricks of pure cocaine, weighing 2,110 grams, or 4.6 pounds. Visneau was found in possession of $22,000 in cash wrapped in a Dunkin' Donuts bag, Delaney said.
Delaney said the arrests are a part of Fitchet's targeting of illegal drugs, prostitution and gang activity in the lower Belmont Avenue area. Delaney said police suspect the cocaine would have been converted into crack cocaine and sold on the streets of Springfield. Each pleaded innocent at their arraignments in Springfield District Court. Taylor was ordered held on $100,000 cash bail, while Visneau was ordered held on $15,000 bail. Each is due back in court on Aug. 20 for a bind-over hearing to determine if their cases should be moved to Superior Court.
Delaney said police doubt Taylor gave his real name at the time of arrest. He had identification on him that gave his name as Andre Taylor, he said. Police are also checking with U.S. Immigration to determine if he is in the country legally.

A Pole and a citizen of Guinea in West Africa have been detained at Warsaw’s International Airport, attempting to smuggle cocaine into the country

A Pole and a citizen of Guinea in West Africa have been detained at Warsaw’s International Airport, attempting to smuggle cocaine into the country in their stomachs.The Pole had swallowed 53 capsules, each containing about 10 grams of the drug, and African as many as 140 capsules. The market value of the smuggled narcotics is about half a million zlotys, an equivalent of 150, 000 euros.
The Police and customs officers were tipped off that the traffickers would be arriving to Warsaw. As nothing was found in their luggage, the two men were subjected to X-ray tests. They began their journey in Guinea, flying to Warsaw via Paris and Brussels. Drug smuggling carries a prison sentence of up to 15 years.

A Pole and a citizen of Guinea in West Africa have been detained at Warsaw’s International Airport, attempting to smuggle cocaine into the country

A Pole and a citizen of Guinea in West Africa have been detained at Warsaw’s International Airport, attempting to smuggle cocaine into the country in their stomachs.The Pole had swallowed 53 capsules, each containing about 10 grams of the drug, and African as many as 140 capsules. The market value of the smuggled narcotics is about half a million zlotys, an equivalent of 150, 000 euros.
The Police and customs officers were tipped off that the traffickers would be arriving to Warsaw. As nothing was found in their luggage, the two men were subjected to X-ray tests. They began their journey in Guinea, flying to Warsaw via Paris and Brussels. Drug smuggling carries a prison sentence of up to 15 years.

Martin Wanden,Perry Wharrie,Joe Daly each denied three charges including possessing cocaine for sale or supply at Dunlough Bay on July 2nd 2007.

The three were convicted of possessing cocaine for sale or supply. They were arrested after their boat capsized. During the 42-day trial, the court heard "some idiot" had put diesel into the engine instead of petrol. Perry Wharrie, 48, of Pryles Lane, Essex, Joe Daly, 41, of Carisbrook Avenue, Bexley, and Martin Wanden, 45, of no fixed address, also known as Anthony Claud Linden, had denied the charges. On 2 July last year, a stranger ran into a farmhouse near Mizen Head in west Cork looking for help for a companion with whom he had been fishing, he claimed, when their boat overturned in rough seas. The farmer called the emergency services who saved the man's life but they also recovered 61 suspicious packages floating in the water around the upturned rigid inflatable boat. Perry Wharrie (48) of Pyrles Lane, Loughton, Essex and Joe Daly (41) of Carrisbrooke Avenue, Bexley, Kent each denied three charges including possessing cocaine for sale or supply at Dunlough Bay on July 2nd 2007.The jury deliberated for six hours.The huge haul of cocaine which weighs over 1,500 kilos was recovered from Dunlough Bay at the end of the Mizen Peninsula by gardai and customs officers assisted by local coastguard units, an Irish Coastguard helicopter and both Castletownbere and Baltimore lifeboats.The jury of nine men and two women saw CCTV footage from a number of premises in west Cork, as well as at Pembroke Docks on the night a boat later found in Dunlough Bay was brought to Ireland.The jury began their deliberations at Cork Circuit Criminal Court this morning by viewing CCTV footage from the Harbour View Hotel in Schull on the night of July 1st 2007 - the night before the drug smuggling operation went awry.

Martin Wanden,Perry Wharrie,Joe Daly each denied three charges including possessing cocaine for sale or supply at Dunlough Bay on July 2nd 2007.

The three were convicted of possessing cocaine for sale or supply. They were arrested after their boat capsized. During the 42-day trial, the court heard "some idiot" had put diesel into the engine instead of petrol. Perry Wharrie, 48, of Pryles Lane, Essex, Joe Daly, 41, of Carisbrook Avenue, Bexley, and Martin Wanden, 45, of no fixed address, also known as Anthony Claud Linden, had denied the charges. On 2 July last year, a stranger ran into a farmhouse near Mizen Head in west Cork looking for help for a companion with whom he had been fishing, he claimed, when their boat overturned in rough seas. The farmer called the emergency services who saved the man's life but they also recovered 61 suspicious packages floating in the water around the upturned rigid inflatable boat. Perry Wharrie (48) of Pyrles Lane, Loughton, Essex and Joe Daly (41) of Carrisbrooke Avenue, Bexley, Kent each denied three charges including possessing cocaine for sale or supply at Dunlough Bay on July 2nd 2007.The jury deliberated for six hours.The huge haul of cocaine which weighs over 1,500 kilos was recovered from Dunlough Bay at the end of the Mizen Peninsula by gardai and customs officers assisted by local coastguard units, an Irish Coastguard helicopter and both Castletownbere and Baltimore lifeboats.The jury of nine men and two women saw CCTV footage from a number of premises in west Cork, as well as at Pembroke Docks on the night a boat later found in Dunlough Bay was brought to Ireland.The jury began their deliberations at Cork Circuit Criminal Court this morning by viewing CCTV footage from the Harbour View Hotel in Schull on the night of July 1st 2007 - the night before the drug smuggling operation went awry.

US $10m for the capture of Gibrilla Kamara ( GK ), one of the main suspects

Police in Freetown yesterday confirmed the apprehension of a key suspect (name withheld) in connection with the unscheduled landing of an aircraft loaded with cocaine at the Freetown International. The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGSL), Oliver Sumasa, interviewed by a local radio station , disclosed that the police arrested a key suspect while another major one is at large. The AISLP , presently heading investigations team into the unscheduled landing of an aircraft loaded with cocaine at Sierra Leone's Freetown International Airport, also announced that Police have placed at stake US $10m for the capture of Gibrilla Kamara ( GK ), one of the main suspects .Mr. Sumasa made the statement during a radio interview with the We Yone radio talk-show "APC on Target" programme.
The Police boss revealed that traffickers have identified Sierra Leone and other West African countries including Senegal as a transit point for drugs into other parts of the continent and into the world and traffickers are coming because cocaine is not known in this part of the continent. He explained that SLP, in collaboration with Scotland Yard detectives, have been able to lay hands on 'revealing' documents .He also said that while on investigation Police have also discovered documents at some places the police officer stopped short of naming. Mr. Sumasa said that those evidence have been taken to the United Kingdom by Scotland Yard detectives to trace their origin through laboratory test and he affirmed that the Police have been mandated to destroy the 73.5kg of cocaine.
He implored the public to cooperate with the Police with vital information to help them in their investigation into the drugs case, noting that "we need support and information from people regarding the whereabouts of prime suspects and on the whole matter."AIGSL Sumasa reiterated that these particular cocaine and arms and ammunitions traffickers are a special group that have earmarked/identified Sierra Leone, Senegal and other Africans countries as a soft zones for drug trafficking and traffickers in the continent and other parts of Europe and America. He said that security measures have been put in place at the Freetown International Airport with the robust manning of the port by both the SLP and the Reublic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces' Military Police Wing .

US $10m for the capture of Gibrilla Kamara ( GK ), one of the main suspects

Police in Freetown yesterday confirmed the apprehension of a key suspect (name withheld) in connection with the unscheduled landing of an aircraft loaded with cocaine at the Freetown International. The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGSL), Oliver Sumasa, interviewed by a local radio station , disclosed that the police arrested a key suspect while another major one is at large. The AISLP , presently heading investigations team into the unscheduled landing of an aircraft loaded with cocaine at Sierra Leone's Freetown International Airport, also announced that Police have placed at stake US $10m for the capture of Gibrilla Kamara ( GK ), one of the main suspects .Mr. Sumasa made the statement during a radio interview with the We Yone radio talk-show "APC on Target" programme.
The Police boss revealed that traffickers have identified Sierra Leone and other West African countries including Senegal as a transit point for drugs into other parts of the continent and into the world and traffickers are coming because cocaine is not known in this part of the continent. He explained that SLP, in collaboration with Scotland Yard detectives, have been able to lay hands on 'revealing' documents .He also said that while on investigation Police have also discovered documents at some places the police officer stopped short of naming. Mr. Sumasa said that those evidence have been taken to the United Kingdom by Scotland Yard detectives to trace their origin through laboratory test and he affirmed that the Police have been mandated to destroy the 73.5kg of cocaine.
He implored the public to cooperate with the Police with vital information to help them in their investigation into the drugs case, noting that "we need support and information from people regarding the whereabouts of prime suspects and on the whole matter."AIGSL Sumasa reiterated that these particular cocaine and arms and ammunitions traffickers are a special group that have earmarked/identified Sierra Leone, Senegal and other Africans countries as a soft zones for drug trafficking and traffickers in the continent and other parts of Europe and America. He said that security measures have been put in place at the Freetown International Airport with the robust manning of the port by both the SLP and the Reublic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces' Military Police Wing .

Paul Birkenshaw jailed for three-and-half years for three charges of supplying heroin

Paul Birkenshaw, 28, of Sycamore Avenue, Peacock, Wakefield, jailed for three-and-half years for three charges of supplying heroin, Paul Kay, 27, jailed for three years for three charges of supplying heroin, Craig Hampshire, 31, of Wrenthorpe Lane, Wrenthorpe, jailed for two years for three charges of supplying class A drugs and Gareth Lee Price, 28, jailed for three years for supplying heroin.
Police spent months gathering evidence before making their move.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Beldon who led the investigation said: "This operation was set up to remove Class A drug dealers from the streets of the Wakefield District and put them behind bars where they belong."I hope this sends a clear message to dealers that we will use a variety of tactics to disrupt their activity, and make them face the consequences of their actions.
"We also realise that the disruption to the markets means that drug users have also had their supply cut, and we have been supported by workers from the Drug Interventions Programme to offer support to those affected."Drug misuse cuts across all communities and breeds crime, violence and anti-social behaviour. We will not tolerate this sort of illegal activity and we would ask for the public's continued support in helping us put a stop to it."People should feel reassured that where we receive information, we will act on it. This operation has demonstrated we will put in the time and resources to get positive results."
Detective Sergeant Paul Dignan from DIP said: "The operation provided us with an opportunity to engage with drug users and steer them towards treatment while there was a shortage of drugs following the arrest of the dealers.
"We engaged with a total of 106 people, 67 of whom were already in treatment at the time, the remaining 37 were offered help too. Work continues with drug users to encourage them into treatment and to break the cycle between drugs and crime."
Crime Manager of Wakefield District Division, Detective Chief Inspector Dean Henson said: "These results are excellent and testament to work carried out by a number of police officers and partners.Neighbourhood Policing Teams in Wakefield supported by the Neighbourhood Drug Team and detectives will continue to pursue criminals involved in drug dealing, we will act on all community information relating to drugs and we will make life very uncomfortable for anyone involved in the business of illicit drug supply and associated criminality.He added: "I would urge members of the public who suspect that anyone is involved in crime to contact their local NPT or ring Crimestoppers anonymously where we are supporting Dob in a Dealer and Bag a Burglar campaigns."

Paul Birkenshaw jailed for three-and-half years for three charges of supplying heroin

Paul Birkenshaw, 28, of Sycamore Avenue, Peacock, Wakefield, jailed for three-and-half years for three charges of supplying heroin, Paul Kay, 27, jailed for three years for three charges of supplying heroin, Craig Hampshire, 31, of Wrenthorpe Lane, Wrenthorpe, jailed for two years for three charges of supplying class A drugs and Gareth Lee Price, 28, jailed for three years for supplying heroin.
Police spent months gathering evidence before making their move.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Beldon who led the investigation said: "This operation was set up to remove Class A drug dealers from the streets of the Wakefield District and put them behind bars where they belong."I hope this sends a clear message to dealers that we will use a variety of tactics to disrupt their activity, and make them face the consequences of their actions.
"We also realise that the disruption to the markets means that drug users have also had their supply cut, and we have been supported by workers from the Drug Interventions Programme to offer support to those affected."Drug misuse cuts across all communities and breeds crime, violence and anti-social behaviour. We will not tolerate this sort of illegal activity and we would ask for the public's continued support in helping us put a stop to it."People should feel reassured that where we receive information, we will act on it. This operation has demonstrated we will put in the time and resources to get positive results."
Detective Sergeant Paul Dignan from DIP said: "The operation provided us with an opportunity to engage with drug users and steer them towards treatment while there was a shortage of drugs following the arrest of the dealers.
"We engaged with a total of 106 people, 67 of whom were already in treatment at the time, the remaining 37 were offered help too. Work continues with drug users to encourage them into treatment and to break the cycle between drugs and crime."
Crime Manager of Wakefield District Division, Detective Chief Inspector Dean Henson said: "These results are excellent and testament to work carried out by a number of police officers and partners.Neighbourhood Policing Teams in Wakefield supported by the Neighbourhood Drug Team and detectives will continue to pursue criminals involved in drug dealing, we will act on all community information relating to drugs and we will make life very uncomfortable for anyone involved in the business of illicit drug supply and associated criminality.He added: "I would urge members of the public who suspect that anyone is involved in crime to contact their local NPT or ring Crimestoppers anonymously where we are supporting Dob in a Dealer and Bag a Burglar campaigns."

Shawn Sadler, aka Tagulifu Barber or Carlos T. Watts sentenced to 20 years and 10 years of supervised release.

Shawn Sadler, aka Tagulifu Barber or Carlos T. Watts, 37, of Ladson, was sentenced to 20 years and 10 years of supervised release. Sandy Sandiford, 37, of New York, was sentenced to 5 years, 10 months in prison, and five years supervised release.
Sadler and Sandiford were arrested in July 2002 sitting in a car outside a Northeast Richland County home after a deputy found $120,000 in cash in the trunk. Officers obtained a search warrant and found more than seven kilograms of cocaine inside the home and a car with electronically controlled hidden compartments for drug smuggling in the garage. Service records found inside indicated Sadler had driven the car.Other members of the conspiracy have been sentenced.

Shawn Sadler, aka Tagulifu Barber or Carlos T. Watts sentenced to 20 years and 10 years of supervised release.

Shawn Sadler, aka Tagulifu Barber or Carlos T. Watts, 37, of Ladson, was sentenced to 20 years and 10 years of supervised release. Sandy Sandiford, 37, of New York, was sentenced to 5 years, 10 months in prison, and five years supervised release.
Sadler and Sandiford were arrested in July 2002 sitting in a car outside a Northeast Richland County home after a deputy found $120,000 in cash in the trunk. Officers obtained a search warrant and found more than seven kilograms of cocaine inside the home and a car with electronically controlled hidden compartments for drug smuggling in the garage. Service records found inside indicated Sadler had driven the car.Other members of the conspiracy have been sentenced.

James Douglas Willson retired Des Plaines pilot convicted of international drug trafficking in Morocco

Imprisoned since early May,James Douglas Willson was convicted after a Cessna 337 he reportedly was flying was seized by Moroccan police on a rural road, according to a statement from the Moroccan news agency.retired Des Plaines pilot convicted of international drug trafficking in Morocco isn't getting adequate medical care and may not survive his 7-year prison sentence, a family member says.
James Douglas Willson, 67, suffers from diabetes and kidney failure and has lost 35 pounds, said his daughter, Marilyn Brief."My dad's body is shutting down," Brief said. "He's dying."Willson piloted the twin-engine plane and landed it in Morocco to load drugs, according to the statement, which said two Moroccans also received prison sentences. Brief and Mouafik Anis, Willson's Moroccan attorney, said that Willson was a passenger on the plane, which took off in Spain but was forced to make an emergency landing in Morocco.A friend of Willson's recently delivered the plane to Spain and asked him to take a training flight with the pilot to make sure he could use the equipment, Brief said.After the emergency landing, Willson was arrested, although no drugs were found on him or in the plane, Anis said during a telephone interview from Morocco."How can we charge someone with trafficking drugs when we did not find any drugs?" Anis said. "You must find drugs."Willson was sentenced June 16. The case is in the appeals process, Anis said.Willson is at a disadvantage in the Moroccan court system, according to Anis, who said he isn't always given advance notice of court dates. It is up to him, he said, to provide translations for his client.The U.S. Embassy in Morocco referred all questions to U.S. State Department officials in Washington, D.C.Steve Royster, a State Department spokesman, said he could not say whether the embassy was involved in ensuring a translator was present at Willson's court proceedings. But he said at least one hearing was postponed because a translator was not available.Royster said the consular office in Morocco made sure Willson's U.S. health records were sent to the prison doctor."Whenever an American is detained overseas, we have a role to make sure he's getting access to the legal system and conditions that are humane," he said.Representatives have visited Willson twice and spoken to him on the phone several times.The consular staff also speaks to Willson's attorney almost daily and the prison doctor regularly, he said.
The consular staff reported that Willson is about to be transferred to a larger prison with a better medical facility. Embassy officials also worked with Willson's attorney to make sure the family could visit him in prison in June.
"We're continuing to monitor the case," Royster said.
U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) said he has talked with Brief and helped her get in touch with government officials to assist her father.
"I just can't imagine what [she] is going through," he said.
Willson is housed in a facility without a roof or air conditioning, Brief said.
During his career, Willson flew planes for Ryan's Aviation and Atlas Air cargo carrier out of O'Hare International Airport, she said.
The Chicago native also worked as a pilot for Midway Airlines, a commercial airline that was based at Midway Airport.
My dad has only been an upright citizen—an ordinary, working man," Brief said. "It's like they think my father is disposable, and he's not!"

James Douglas Willson retired Des Plaines pilot convicted of international drug trafficking in Morocco

Imprisoned since early May,James Douglas Willson was convicted after a Cessna 337 he reportedly was flying was seized by Moroccan police on a rural road, according to a statement from the Moroccan news agency.retired Des Plaines pilot convicted of international drug trafficking in Morocco isn't getting adequate medical care and may not survive his 7-year prison sentence, a family member says.
James Douglas Willson, 67, suffers from diabetes and kidney failure and has lost 35 pounds, said his daughter, Marilyn Brief."My dad's body is shutting down," Brief said. "He's dying."Willson piloted the twin-engine plane and landed it in Morocco to load drugs, according to the statement, which said two Moroccans also received prison sentences. Brief and Mouafik Anis, Willson's Moroccan attorney, said that Willson was a passenger on the plane, which took off in Spain but was forced to make an emergency landing in Morocco.A friend of Willson's recently delivered the plane to Spain and asked him to take a training flight with the pilot to make sure he could use the equipment, Brief said.After the emergency landing, Willson was arrested, although no drugs were found on him or in the plane, Anis said during a telephone interview from Morocco."How can we charge someone with trafficking drugs when we did not find any drugs?" Anis said. "You must find drugs."Willson was sentenced June 16. The case is in the appeals process, Anis said.Willson is at a disadvantage in the Moroccan court system, according to Anis, who said he isn't always given advance notice of court dates. It is up to him, he said, to provide translations for his client.The U.S. Embassy in Morocco referred all questions to U.S. State Department officials in Washington, D.C.Steve Royster, a State Department spokesman, said he could not say whether the embassy was involved in ensuring a translator was present at Willson's court proceedings. But he said at least one hearing was postponed because a translator was not available.Royster said the consular office in Morocco made sure Willson's U.S. health records were sent to the prison doctor."Whenever an American is detained overseas, we have a role to make sure he's getting access to the legal system and conditions that are humane," he said.Representatives have visited Willson twice and spoken to him on the phone several times.The consular staff also speaks to Willson's attorney almost daily and the prison doctor regularly, he said.
The consular staff reported that Willson is about to be transferred to a larger prison with a better medical facility. Embassy officials also worked with Willson's attorney to make sure the family could visit him in prison in June.
"We're continuing to monitor the case," Royster said.
U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) said he has talked with Brief and helped her get in touch with government officials to assist her father.
"I just can't imagine what [she] is going through," he said.
Willson is housed in a facility without a roof or air conditioning, Brief said.
During his career, Willson flew planes for Ryan's Aviation and Atlas Air cargo carrier out of O'Hare International Airport, she said.
The Chicago native also worked as a pilot for Midway Airlines, a commercial airline that was based at Midway Airport.
My dad has only been an upright citizen—an ordinary, working man," Brief said. "It's like they think my father is disposable, and he's not!"

Stanton Clay, from North Shields, was arrested coming through the Tyne Tunnel in May last year carrying two kilos of cocaine

Northumbria Police set out to infiltrate and dismantle a major cocaine syndicate which had connections from Tyneside to Merseyside.This £100,000 haul of high-grade cocaine was seized as part of their racket before it was distributed on the region’s streets.Five members of the gang were sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court following Operation Skopie – a probe into drug dealing and money laundering.
The investigation was launched after Stanton Clay, from North Shields, was arrested coming through the Tyne Tunnel in May last year carrying two kilos of cocaine worth between £80,000 and £100,000.Clay was subsequently convicted of conspiring to supply class A drugs and jailed for four years on April 11.Police officers uncovered evidence which linked Clay to criminals involved in trafficking class A drugs from Merseyside to North Tyneside.
Gang leader Anthony Goicoechea was using his sandwich bar, Cafe 34, as a cover.
During raids at Rennington Close, Cullercoats, and a nearby rented garage, officers recovered 1.3 kilos of cocaine worth more than £75,000. They also discovered scales, self-sealing bags, a debtors list and mobile phones.Detective Chief Inspector Tim Walker, of the force’s Crime Operations section of the Crime Department, said: “These individuals represented organised crime. They were involved in the distribution of hard drugs throughout the North Tyneside area. The sentencing today sends out a very clear message that people who harm our communities will be pursued by the police and dealt with by the courts.”The gang’s crime base for manufacturing the narcotics was smashed, including a cocaine-press, which was uncovered in a house.
Now the men from North Tyneside, and one from Liverpool, have been jailed after admitting their parts in the supply or money laundering from the profits of drugs.
Operation Skopie led to raids in December. Links were also made to an address in Bootle, Liverpool, where officers found the cocaine press as part of a sophisticated set-up to process the illicit haul.The men had been charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and were due to go to trial, but all pleaded guilty to other drugs-related charges at Newcastle Crown Court.
Howard Harrison, 26, of Ayres Terrace, North Shields, admitted conspiracy to supply class A drugs at an earlier hearing. He was locked up for three and a half years.
Steven Taylor, 25, of Rennington Close, Cullercoats, also pleaded guilty to supplying earlier on in the court process. He was sentenced to four and a half years.
Stephen Smith, 20, of Sunley Avenue, Cullercoats, admitted two counts of supplying cocaine. He was given a 12-month jail term suspended for two years, plus 100 hours of unpaid work.
Anthony Giocoechea, 27, of Newington Drive, North Shields, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years after he admitted money laundering and his brother, Darren Giocoechea, 22, of Knotts Flats, Tynemouth, admitted five counts of supplying and money laundering and was jailed for two years.
Robert Speakman, 40, of Liverpool, pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to supplying 2kg of cocaine after being caught on May 22 last year. He was given 300 hours of community service and a three-year supervision order.
Stanton Clay, in his 50s, from North Shields, was also arrested on that date in possession of 2kg of cocaine with intent to supply, and was given four years’ imprisonment.A total of nine suspects were initially arrested and taken in for questioning.
Northumbria Police last month revealed a tough purge on drugs criminals during one week in May led to 93 arrests and more than £200,000 of drugs recovered. During a range of strikes for National Tackling Drugs Week, the force seized 1,062 cannabis plants, confiscated 14 weapons and shut down 10 cannabis farms.

Stanton Clay, from North Shields, was arrested coming through the Tyne Tunnel in May last year carrying two kilos of cocaine

Northumbria Police set out to infiltrate and dismantle a major cocaine syndicate which had connections from Tyneside to Merseyside.This £100,000 haul of high-grade cocaine was seized as part of their racket before it was distributed on the region’s streets.Five members of the gang were sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court following Operation Skopie – a probe into drug dealing and money laundering.
The investigation was launched after Stanton Clay, from North Shields, was arrested coming through the Tyne Tunnel in May last year carrying two kilos of cocaine worth between £80,000 and £100,000.Clay was subsequently convicted of conspiring to supply class A drugs and jailed for four years on April 11.Police officers uncovered evidence which linked Clay to criminals involved in trafficking class A drugs from Merseyside to North Tyneside.
Gang leader Anthony Goicoechea was using his sandwich bar, Cafe 34, as a cover.
During raids at Rennington Close, Cullercoats, and a nearby rented garage, officers recovered 1.3 kilos of cocaine worth more than £75,000. They also discovered scales, self-sealing bags, a debtors list and mobile phones.Detective Chief Inspector Tim Walker, of the force’s Crime Operations section of the Crime Department, said: “These individuals represented organised crime. They were involved in the distribution of hard drugs throughout the North Tyneside area. The sentencing today sends out a very clear message that people who harm our communities will be pursued by the police and dealt with by the courts.”The gang’s crime base for manufacturing the narcotics was smashed, including a cocaine-press, which was uncovered in a house.
Now the men from North Tyneside, and one from Liverpool, have been jailed after admitting their parts in the supply or money laundering from the profits of drugs.
Operation Skopie led to raids in December. Links were also made to an address in Bootle, Liverpool, where officers found the cocaine press as part of a sophisticated set-up to process the illicit haul.The men had been charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and were due to go to trial, but all pleaded guilty to other drugs-related charges at Newcastle Crown Court.
Howard Harrison, 26, of Ayres Terrace, North Shields, admitted conspiracy to supply class A drugs at an earlier hearing. He was locked up for three and a half years.
Steven Taylor, 25, of Rennington Close, Cullercoats, also pleaded guilty to supplying earlier on in the court process. He was sentenced to four and a half years.
Stephen Smith, 20, of Sunley Avenue, Cullercoats, admitted two counts of supplying cocaine. He was given a 12-month jail term suspended for two years, plus 100 hours of unpaid work.
Anthony Giocoechea, 27, of Newington Drive, North Shields, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years after he admitted money laundering and his brother, Darren Giocoechea, 22, of Knotts Flats, Tynemouth, admitted five counts of supplying and money laundering and was jailed for two years.
Robert Speakman, 40, of Liverpool, pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to supplying 2kg of cocaine after being caught on May 22 last year. He was given 300 hours of community service and a three-year supervision order.
Stanton Clay, in his 50s, from North Shields, was also arrested on that date in possession of 2kg of cocaine with intent to supply, and was given four years’ imprisonment.A total of nine suspects were initially arrested and taken in for questioning.
Northumbria Police last month revealed a tough purge on drugs criminals during one week in May led to 93 arrests and more than £200,000 of drugs recovered. During a range of strikes for National Tackling Drugs Week, the force seized 1,062 cannabis plants, confiscated 14 weapons and shut down 10 cannabis farms.