34 defendents arrested in Sullivan County on gun and drug charges

Posted 9/30/09

Local state and federal authorities on July 28 announced the unsealing of nine indictments charging a total of 34 defendants with committing various narcotics and firearms offenses in Sullivan …

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34 defendents arrested in Sullivan County on gun and drug charges

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Local state and federal authorities on July 28 announced the unsealing of nine indictments charging a total of 34 defendants with committing various narcotics and firearms offenses in Sullivan County, New York.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “With the coordinated narcotics and firearms charges brought today, we seek to neutralize at least four different drug rings that allegedly have been selling massive amounts of heroin and crack cocaine for years. The devastating impact that this type of drug dealing can have on the small, rural communities like those in Sullivan County cannot be overstated. Heroin is back, with a vengeance, but so are we. The law enforcement effort today is the product of remarkable cooperation among federal, state and local agencies and I thank all of our partners.”

The indictments

United States v. Errol Davis, et al., 15 Cr. 468

Between 2013 and 2015, DAMON MITCHELL SR., a/k/a “Trip,” 40, LUIS GONZALEZ, 31, JULIO MARTINEZ, 36, KYRA MATAN, 33, PERNELL MOORE, a/k/a “Dog,” 48, HARMEEN NIX, a/k/a “Hollow,” 34, RAMON NUNEZ, a/k/a “Wellington,” 35, RONALD RIVERA, a/k/a “RJ,” 26, TYRELL SIMON, a/k/a “Shmeez,” 26, and GEORGE VEGA JR., a/k/a “Pito,” 29, conspired to sell one kilogram or more of heroin. MITCHELL, NIX, and NUNEZ served as sources of heroin supply to the conspiracy. The conspiracy was centered in Monticello, and members of the conspiracy distributed heroin in and around Sullivan County. MARTINEZ, MATAN, MOORE, RIVERA, SIMON, and VEGA distributed heroin in furtherance of the conspiracy. GONZALEZ helped NUNEZ transport and supply heroin to the conspiracy.

Between 2013 and 2015, RIVERA and SIMON each used and carried a firearm during and in relation to, and possessed a firearm in furtherance of, the narcotics conspiracy charged in the Indictment.

In the summer of 2014, MOORE possessed a firearm after having been convicted of a felony.

United States v. Darcy Copeland, et al., 15 Cr. 465

Between 2011 and 2015, DARCY COPELAND, a/k/a “Moey,” 33, JENILYN BOYCE, a/k/a “JL,” 31, PRISCILLA FRANKLIN, 33, and JERRELL CLARK, a/k/a “Rell,” 30, conspired to sell one kilogram or more of heroin. The conspiracy was based in Monticello and led by COPELAND. COPELAND distributed heroin to other drug dealers for resale, and on multiple occasions received firearms as payment for heroin. Since July 2014, COPELAND has been incarcerated on a state charge and has continued to maintain the drug distribution conspiracy while incarcerated. BOYCE distributed heroin for COPELAND and has helped him maintain his drug distribution operation while he is incarcerated. FRANKLIN and CLARK have also distributed heroin for COPELAND.

Between 2011 and 2015, COPELAND used and carried firearms during and in relation to, and possessed firearms in furtherance of, the narcotics conspiracy charged in the Indictment.

United States v. Frederick Gang, et al., 15 Cr. 471

Between 2007 and 2015, FREDERICK GANG, 55, APRIL WATSON, a/k/a “Nee Nee,” 30, and TYRONE HAGANS, a/k/a “Dirty T,” 38, conspired to sell 280 grams or more of crack cocaine. The conspiracy was based in Monticello and led by GANG. GANG supplied crack to other drug dealers for resale. WATSON maintained crack for GANG at her residence on Wood Avenue in Monticello and distributed crack in furtherance of the conspiracy. HAGANS distributed crack in furtherance of the conspiracy.

Between 2012 and 2013, WATSON used and carried firearms during and in relation to, and possessed firearms in furtherance of, the narcotics conspiracy charged in the Indictment.

United States v. Raheim Bolden, 15 Cr. 466

Between 2013 and 2015, RAHEIM BOLDEN, a/k/a “Red,” 32, conspired to sell 280 grams or more of crack cocaine.

United States v. Michael Hughes Jr., 15 Cr. 467

On January 10, 2015, MICHAEL HUGHES JR., 20, sold heroin. On February 6, 2015, HUGHES sold heroin and used and carried a firearm during and in relation to, and possessed a firearm in furtherance of, the sale of heroin.

United States v. Charles Gonzales, 15 Cr. 469

On May 5, 2015, CHARLES GONZALES, 39, possessed a firearm after having had three previous convictions for a violent felony or a serious drug offense.

United States v. Lamont McNeal and Gualberto Roman, Jr., 15 Cr. 470

On November 17, 2014, LAMONT MCNEAL, a/k/a “Ferl,” 42, possessed a firearm after having been convicted of a felony, and GUALBERTO ROMAN, JR., a/k/a “Bizzy Bert,” 31, possessed a firearm that had the manufacturer’s serial number obliterated.

United States v. Deon Morgan, 15 Cr. 464

On April 29, 2015, DEON MORGAN, 29, possessed a firearm after having been convicted of a felony.

The law enforcement press release:

Thirty-Four Defendants Charged In White Plains Federal Court With Committing Narcotics And Firearms Offenses In Sullivan County

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, James R. Farrell, the Sullivan County District Attorney, Diego Rodriguez, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Raymond Parmer Jr., the Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations New York, Joseph A. D’Amico, the Superintendent of the New York State Police (“NYSP”), Michael A. Schiff, the Sullivan County Sheriff, Robert Mir, the Chief of the Village of Monticello Police Department, and Scott Kinne, the Chief of the Village of Liberty Police today announced the unsealing of nine Indictments charging a total of 34 defendants with committing various narcotics and firearms offenses in Sullivan County, New York.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “With the coordinated narcotics and firearms charges brought today, we seek to neutralize at least four different drug rings that allegedly have been selling massive amounts of heroin and crack cocaine for years. The devastating impact that this type of drug dealing can have on the small, rural communities like those in Sullivan County cannot be overstated. Heroin is back, with a vengeance, but so are we. The law enforcement effort today is the product of remarkable cooperation among federal, state and local agencies and I thank all of our partners.”

Sullivan County District Attorney James R. Farrell said: “Sullivan County, like the rest of our country, is not immune from the scourge of heroin and other dangerous narcotics and the threats they pose to our rural community. These drugs destroy lives, rip apart families and fuel a cycle of violence in our communities that threatens our safety and security. Today, in close collaboration and partnership with our federal law enforcement counterparts, we have disrupted, dismantled, and put out of business significant heroin and crack cocaine trafficking operations in Sullivan County. Over the last year, this joint investigation, involving local, state, county and federal assets, has concentrated on local dealers and local suppliers of heroin and crack cocaine. The successful partnership that has been forged will continue moving forward, unabated. Individuals who engage in these dangerous criminal activities, and import and distribute dangerous narcotics like crack cocaine and heroin, should take notice: all of our law enforcement resources are committed to protecting our community, targeting those who put our safety in danger and holding those people accountable and responsible for their criminal acts. ”

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Diego Rodriguez said: “Today’s charges describe alleged conspiracies to distribute crack and heroin in and around Monticello and other locations in Sullivan County. Infecting our neighborhoods with drugs peddled by criminals who arm their sales force with guns is a violent and dangerous combination. We’re here today to let the good people of Sullivan County know their streets are safer, their families are safer, and we’re one step closer to eliminating the drugs and violence that threaten the future and stability of their community.”

Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Raymond Parmer Jr. said: “Today’s arrests help make the neighborhoods of Sullivan County a much safer place for its residents by taking violent drug dealers and other criminals off its streets. HSI will continue working with our law enforcement partners using every tool at our disposal to dismantle ruthless criminal organizations such as these.”

NYSP Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico said: “The hard work and partnership between federal, state, county and local law enforcement are responsible for putting a stop to these drug operations. Thirty-four dangerous people are off the streets today, responsible for selling and distributing crack cocaine and heroin for money and firearms in and around Sullivan County. The State Police will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to make sure our neighborhoods are safe and the individuals who engage is this illegal activity are held accountable.”

Sullivan County Sheriff Michael A. Schiff said: “Today’s arrests are a clear indication of our resolve to address the drug epidemic that has besieged our community. Even though Sullivan County is the smallest population in the Southern District of New York, I would like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for committing significant resources to our situation. We will continue to partner with federal, state and local agencies and use every tool at our disposal. All of the law enforcement agencies involved in this case should be commended for the outstanding job they have done.”

Village of Monticello Police Chief Robert Mir said: “I’m very appreciative and proud of the hard work of the law enforcement professionals that dedicated themselves to this operation. We have formed excellent working relationships with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office, New York State Police, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office and the Liberty Police Department. The success of this mission would not have been possible had it not been for our collective resources. The arrests of these 34 individuals will make a significant dent in the criminal underworld of Sullivan County. The actions of those charged have been driving the violence and drug epidemic that have brought blight on our communities. Thanks to this concerted and continuing effort, we are creating a much safer place to live.”

Village of Liberty Police Chief Scott Kinne said: “This type of partnership and sharing of investigative resources is a necessity in modern day law enforcement, and the arrests of these individuals attests to this. I would like to thank all of the agencies that participated in this operation to help investigate, arrest, and prosecute these individuals who fueled crime and violence in our communities.”

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