Money seized during the operation.
News
Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2003
For further information, contact:
DEA Public Affairs: 213-621-6714
Multi
Agency Gang Task Force
Makes Arrest in Las Vegas
Money seized during the operation. |
Today, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in cooperation with United States Attorney’s Office, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department , Henderson Police Department, North Las Vegas Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals Service, State of Nevada Division of Investigation, Boulder City Police Department, City of Las Vegas Deputy City Marshal’s Office, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Clark County District Attorney’s Office, announced the arrests of twelve violent gang members.
Daniel G. Bogden, United States Attorney for the District of Nevada announces that on December 9, 2003, arrest warrants for 13 individuals and search warrants for 6 locations in Las Vegas were issued by United States Magistrate Judges. As of today, 12 of the 13 had been arrested, and officers recovered cocaine, marijuana and numerous firearms during the searches. The names of the individuals arrested, the charges filed against them, and the locations where the search warrants were served are listed in Attachment A. For officer and public safety reasons, the arrest and search warrants were sealed until the arrests were completed.
U.S. Attorney Bogden states, “The prosecution of drug offenses is a priority in the District of Nevada. The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) are two important initiatives involving cooperative efforts by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and the investigation and prosecution of persons who manufacture, possess, and distribute controlled substances in Nevada. This case was successfully put together by the Southern Nevada HIDTA Gang Task Force initiative. Due to the gang involvement, regional nexus and complexity of the organization, the case was designated for prosecution by our Organized Crime Drug Task Force.”
Timothy J. Landrum, Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge of the Las Vegas District Office of the DEA states, “The HIDTA Gang Task Force and an additional coalition of agencies is an example of the true partnership that exists among federal, state, and local law enforcement in Nevada. We will continue to use all resources available to target and bring to justice those involved in illegal drug trafficking and gang activity.”
Clark County Sheriff Bill Young of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department states, “Today’s arrest means we have now removed dangerous gang members from the streets. They were dealing in high-level narcotic trafficking that was detrimental to the Las Vegas community. I applaud the work of this multi-agency task force and its ability to make such a lasting impact by the arrest of these individuals.”
The Southern Nevada HIDTA became operational in 2001. It is comprised of some of the aforementioned agencies and combines resources to combat drug-related crime. The lead investigative agencies on Operation Armed and Dangerous are the DEA and LVMPD. Operation Armed and Dangerous highlights the success of one of seven Southern Nevada HIDTA initiatives, the Clark County Gang Task Force. The other six Southern Nevada HIDTA initiatives are: the Major Drug Trafficking Organization Task Force; the Methamphetamine Task Force; the Club Drug Task Force; the Drug Interdiction Task Force; the Money Laundering and Asset Removal Task Force; and the Nevada Fugitive Investigative Strike Team (NV FIST).
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Nevada.
The public is reminded that a Criminal Complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Names of Defendants Arrested & Charges Filed:
Roxana Arteaga, age
20, 5650 Ruby Creek, Las Vegas, Nevada
Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine Base), Conspiracy to Distribute
a Controlled Substance (Cocaine Base)
Davion Brooks, age
31, 6217 Waterleaf, Las Vegas, Nevada
Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine Base), Conspiracy to Distribute
a Controlled Substance (Cocaine Base)
Arphaxad Carroll,
age 33, Carlton Sea, North Las Vegas, Nevada
Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine Base)
Kohath Carroll, age
30, 3926 Champagne Wood, North Las Vegas, Nevada
Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine Base), Possession with
the Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Graylon Dillon, age
31, 3917 Blue Wave Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada
Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance (Cocaine
Base)
Damon James, age 24, 5250 E. Stewart Avenue, Building 11, Apt. 2081, Las Vegas, Nevada. Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine Base), Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Darnell Jernigan,
age 32, 2617 Donna Street, Apt. C, Las Vegas, Nevada
Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance (Cocaine
Base)
Johnny Jones, age
25, 9890 Ridgehaven Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada
Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance (Cocaine
Base)
David Keith, age
29, 1236 Jefferson Street, Las Vegas, Nevada
Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine Base), Conspiracy to Distribute
a Controlled Substance (Cocaine Base)
Jose Antonio Morales,
age 24, 5650 Ruby Creek, Las Vegas, Nevada
Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine Base), Conspiracy to Distribute
a Controlled Substance (Cocaine Base)
Lavonne Norwood, Money Laundering
Eliso Villa, age
27, 16310 S. Caress Avenue, Compton, California
Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine Base & Cocaine Powder),
Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (Cocaine Base)
Henry Villa-Chavez,
age 25, 6930 S. Paradise Road, Apt. 2001, Las Vegas, Nevada
Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine Base), Conspiracy to Distribute
a Controlled Substance (Cocaine Base)
Search Warrant Locations:
6217 Waterleaf, Las Vegas, Nevada
6040 Carlton Sea, North Las Vegas, Nevada
3926 Champagne Wood, North Las Vegas, Nevada
4350 Terrace Hill, #206, Las Vegas, Nevada
2239 Cambridge Elms, Las Vegas, Nevada
3111 S. Valley View, Las Vegas, Nevada
Seizure Warrants were also issued for approximately four bank accounts and thirteen vehicles.