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Press Release

Twelve (12) Defendants charged in federal court with conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine, using firearms, and money laundering

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Wisconsin

United States Attorney Gregory Haanstad announced today that the following twelve (12) defendants have been charged in federal court with offenses related to a conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine, using a firearm in relation to drug trafficking, and money laundering:

 

Torrence Harris, Sr., age 37

Terrance Hamlin, age 51

Jerry Gray, age 33

Clarence J. Bogan, Jr., age 37  

Fontae Kelly, age 34   

Michael Davis, age 33

Royel Page, age 27

Joseph Davis, Jr., age 34

Terrence L. Jackson, age 35

Phillip Edwards, age 41

Kevin Williams, age 42

Anyssia Z. Currie, age 27

 

All of the defendants currently reside in the greater Milwaukee area. This case is a part of a long-term federal drug and money laundering investigation based out of Milwaukee.  

 

The defendants are charged with various drug offenses, including: distribution of and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy. If proven that the offenses involved more than 100 grams of heroin, each defendant will face up to forty (40) years’ in prison, with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison. If convicted of using a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking, each defendant faces a five (5) year sentence consecutive to any time imposed for drug trafficking. 

 

Today, law enforcement officers arrested 11 of the above defendants. Torrence Harris remains at large.  In addition to today’s arrests, law enforcement officers executed 14 federal search warrants in Milwaukee targeting members of this organization. Law enforcement recovered approximately 25 ounces of heroin, 33 grams of a powder that tested positive for fentanyl, five firearms, approximately $100,000 in United States currency, seven vehicles, and two kilo presses. Approximately 250 federal, state, and local officers participated in these arrests and search warrants.

 

In making today’s announcement about the federal charges, searches, and arrests, United States Attorney Haanstad stated:  “The large-scale distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and other controlled substances presents an urgent threat to the safety and well-being of communities in the Eastern District of Wisconsin.  Today’s charges and arrests reflect our commitment to working with federal, state, and local law enforcement to protect communities from these harms.”

 

Milwaukee Drug Enforcement Administration Agent in Charge Robert Bell commended the collaborative and purposeful approach by state, local and federal law enforcement.  “This heroin and cocaine distribution organization perpetrated firearms violence, in addition to fueling drug addiction in Milwaukee.  Intelligence-driven investigations and federal prosecutions, coordinated with the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Milwaukee Police Department and other law enforcement partners, effectively stop criminal organizations in their tracks,” remarked Bell.

 

Attorney General Brad Schimel stated, “Heroin, cocaine, and other dangerous drugs are responsible for the destruction of countless lives in Wisconsin. Today’s takedown of major drug traffickers in southeastern Wisconsin is a big win for law enforcement, the community, and those seeking justice from the drug crisis our state is facing. The arrest of these high-level drug traffickers was only possible because of the incredible investigative work done by local, state, and federal law enforcement.”

 

The investigating agencies include the Drug Enforcement Administration, Wisconsin Department of Justice - Division of Criminal Investigation, North Central High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, City of Milwaukee Police Department, Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigation / Enforcement Removal Operations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals Service,  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,  Wisconsin State Patrol, Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department, Racine County Sheriff’s Department, Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department, Waukesha County Metro Drug Enforcement Unit, Wauwatosa Police Department, Greenfield Police Department, West Allis Police Department, and the New Berlin Police Department.  

 

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth M. Monfils and Gail J. Hoffman.

 

An indictment is merely the formal method of charging an individual and does not constitute inference of his or her guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until such time, if ever, that the government establishes his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

 

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Updated September 27, 2017