Fugitive Defendant Arrested in Major Federal Investigation of National Drug Trafficking by Vallejo-Based Rappers

SACRAMENTO, CA—The United States Marshals Service arrested Michael Lott in Las Vegas yesterday on drug trafficking charges brought in April 2012, U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced. Lott, a rapper who performs under the name “Miami the Most,” will be brought to Sacramento after an initial appearance in the Las Vegas federal court.

Federal authorities had been looking for Lott since April 19, 2012, when a criminal complaint was unsealed in federal court revealing a major federal investigation into drug trafficking throughout the United States by Vallejo-based rappers and associates of an entertainment label known as “Thizz Entertainment.” As a result of the collaborative law enforcement effort in April 2012, agents arrested a total of 25 individuals in Vallejo, Stockton, Fairfield, Oakland, Los Angeles, New York, and Oklahoma City. During the investigation, agents seized approximately 45,000 MDMA pills, approximately four pounds of crack cocaine, a half-pound of heroin, and $200,000 in suspected drug proceeds. Agents also seized 230 acres of property valued at approximately $1 million as part of the investigation.

According to court documents, the DEA-led investigation uncovered a network of drug distributors working in the “Crest” neighborhood of Vallejo along with individuals transporting large quantities of drugs outside of California to realize a larger profit. Bruce Thurmon, who performs under the rap name “Little Bruce,” and Beshiba Cook are the two remaining fugitives being sought by federal law enforcement.

This case is the product of an investigation by the DEA Sacramento District Office, the Vallejo Police Department, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department, and the Sacramento FBI Safe Streets Task Force. This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force that was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multi-level attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. The principal mission of OCDETF is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Assistant United States Attorney Jason Hitt is prosecuting the cases.

The allegations in the indictment are only accusations, and all persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.