DALLAS—Sixteen defendants have been charged in a federal indictment, partially unsealed yesterday, with felony offenses stemming from their role in a cocaine and crack cocaine distribution conspiracy, announced John Parker, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas.

The defendants, most from north Texas and Oklahoma, were arrested Wednesday in a joint operation led by the Dallas Police Department, Dallas County Sheriff’s Office and the Dallas FBI – Violent Gang Safe Streets Task Force. Each made his initial appearance in federal court yesterday. Some were released on bond, and others are scheduled for detention hearings today and early next week.

The indictment charges each of the below-listed defendants with one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine base (crack cocaine) and one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

• Acacedric Rashod Ware, a/k/a “CD,” 37
• Al Torrell Beasley, a/k/a “Rody,” 38
• Alondo Wheeler, a/k/a “Lil Dude,” 34
• Chester Brown, a/k/a “Baldy,” 40
• Christopher Johnson, a/k/a “1800,” 43
• Frederick Glennard Brown, a/k/a “Phillip Edwards,” “Moe Curly,” and “Chester Brown,” 39
• Jalisa Camille Shields, 27
• Maurice Demon Bagley, a/k/a “Money Bags,” 31
• Michael Seamster, a/k/a “Little Wanky,” 42
• Norberta Annette Ramsey, 43
• Omar Sharif Cole, a/k/a “Baby Loc,” 38
• Quincy Deon Denby, 33
• Raul Alvarado, 34
• Roger Deundrea Jackson, a/k/a “Boo-Cat” and “Cat,” 40
• Sherman Grant, a/k/a “Tank,” 45
• Shirley Delois Young, a/k/a “Shirley Bird,” 45

Count One of the indictment alleges that since approximately January 2013, the defendants conspired together and with others to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base (crack cocaine).

Count Two of the indictment alleges that during the same period, the defendants conspired together and with others to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, its salt, optical and geometric isomers, and salts of isomers.

A federal indictment is an accusation by a grand jury. A defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. If convicted, however, each count carries a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Phelesa Guy is prosecuting.