Wilmington Heroin Traffickers Indicted

WILMINGTON, Del. - Charles M. Oberly, III, United States Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Willie Brothers Jr., and Raheem Ridley, both of Wilmington, were indicted on March 11, 2016, for conspiracy to distribute over 100 grams of heroin.  Brothers faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, and 4 years of supervised release following a prison sentence.  Ridley’s charges expose him to a maximum sentence of life in prison, a fine of $8,000,000, and 8 years of supervised release for heroin trafficking.  Ridley was also indicted for the illegal possession of a handgun, for which he faces an additional maximum penalty of ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years of supervised release.

According to statements made at Brothers’ initial appearance earlier today, Brothers and Ridley conspired to package together heroin that they purchased in bulk.  Before placing the heroin in bags, they would add Fentanyl to the heroin.  Fentanyl is an opioid that been linked to the sharp increase in heroin-related overdose deaths in the region, and across the country.

 U.S. Attorney Oberly commented, “I am pleased to see the successful cooperation and effort between member agencies of our local HIDTA.  The joint efforts of law enforcement agencies are making and will continue to make a difference in the City of Wilmington and its surrounding area.”

“The cooperation among law enforcement won’t stop with these indictments,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins. “If you want to traffic heroin, do so at your own risk; we will be coming after you next. I want this indictment to send a clear message to drug traffickers that we are united in this fight and our resolve is unwavering.”

Cecil County Maryland Sheriff Scott Adams commented, "I second the sentiments of U.S. Attorney Oberly.  The partnerships we have formed with HIDTA have stopped large quantities of heroin from reaching the streets of Cecil County. I applaud the work of all my law enforcement partners."

This indictment is the result of significant cooperation between High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (“HIDTA”) program law enforcement agencies.  The investigation is led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Delaware Safe Streets Task Force and the Cecil County Drug Taskforce, with significant assistance from the Wilmington Police Department, Delaware State Attorney General’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”).  The FBI Safe Streets Task Force is a coalition of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. This case continues to be investigated and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe.

The charges in the Indictment are only allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.