Posted 9:54 am Thursday, August 02, 2012
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Henderson Task Force Sweep Nets 11 Arrests
BY KENNETH DEAN
kdean@tylerpaper.com
More than 150 law enforcement officers using armored vehicles and helicopters arrested 11 alleged gang members of the 5 Duece Hoover Crips and Northside Crips following an investigation spanning 18 months.
The task force consisted of federal, state and local agencies including Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigation Division, Texas Department of Public Service State Police, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Henderson Police Department and the Rusk County Sheriff's Office.
They began their sweep early Wednesday.
Clay Alexander, ATF senior resident agent in charge for Tyler, said his agency was contacted by the Henderson Police Department in reference to the two gangs and their business in Henderson.
“When they contacted us, we initiated an investigation. During that investigation, undercover agents made gun and drug purchases,” he said.
About 6 a.m. the task force began executing arrest warrants for the gang members in a conspiracy to distribute 280 grams of crack cocaine since September 2010.
After the alleged gang members were arrested Wednesday, they were processed at the Henderson Youth Expo Center just outside Henderson.
kdean@tylerpaper.com
More than 150 law enforcement officers using armored vehicles and helicopters arrested 11 alleged gang members of the 5 Duece Hoover Crips and Northside Crips following an investigation spanning 18 months.
The task force consisted of federal, state and local agencies including Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigation Division, Texas Department of Public Service State Police, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Henderson Police Department and the Rusk County Sheriff's Office.
They began their sweep early Wednesday.
Clay Alexander, ATF senior resident agent in charge for Tyler, said his agency was contacted by the Henderson Police Department in reference to the two gangs and their business in Henderson.
“When they contacted us, we initiated an investigation. During that investigation, undercover agents made gun and drug purchases,” he said.
About 6 a.m. the task force began executing arrest warrants for the gang members in a conspiracy to distribute 280 grams of crack cocaine since September 2010.
After the alleged gang members were arrested Wednesday, they were processed at the Henderson Youth Expo Center just outside Henderson.
Alexander and Henderson Police Chief Ronnie Walker stood among a sea of law enforcement officers surrounding the building.
“They were an armed and dangerous group we have been dealing with here in Henderson,” Walker said.
Alexander said three weapons were confiscated along with narcotics during the roundup.
One by one they were led shackled from the building to an awaiting prisoner transport van and moved to Tyler where they had their first appearances before U.S. Magistrate John D. Love.
U.S. Attorney John M. Bales said the investigation resulted in 11 arrests.
“They were an armed and dangerous group we have been dealing with here in Henderson,” Walker said.
Alexander said three weapons were confiscated along with narcotics during the roundup.
One by one they were led shackled from the building to an awaiting prisoner transport van and moved to Tyler where they had their first appearances before U.S. Magistrate John D. Love.
U.S. Attorney John M. Bales said the investigation resulted in 11 arrests.
“On July 11, a federal grand jury returned a 14-count indictment charging 14 individuals with multiple counts of federal drug and firearm violations,” he said.
Those who made their first appearances Wednesday included, Deric Lamont Sheppard, also known as “Big Shep,” 32, of Henderson; Master Markeith Lacy, aka “Kiki,” 36, of Henderson; Justin Lamark Porter, 23, of Overton; Ernest Vantrezes Mallard, aka “Duck,” 30, of Henderson; Derek Lamarcus Horton, aka “Null Null,” 27, of Kilgore; Marcus Derail Porter, aka “Blade,” 30, of Henderson; Kail Demond Lacy, Jr, aka “KJ,” 19, of Henderson; Randy Cameron, 52, of Henderson; Lattoris Dewuan Jackson, aka “Coonjack,” 32, of Henderson; and Cornelius Marquis Murphy, aka “Papa Murphy,” 21, of Henderson.
Travis Lanard Porter, aka “Nard,” aka “Travis Deamon,” 35, of Henderson, and Johnny Ray Smith, Jr., 33, of Henderson, will appear next week before U.S. Magistrate John D. Love for their initial appearances.
Bales said if convicted of the drug conspiracy charge, the defendants face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison and fines of up to $10 million.
If convicted on the weapons violations, the defendants face at least five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of any property used to commit or facilitate the crimes or derived from proceeds of the conspiracy.
Bales said the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Moore.
Those who made their first appearances Wednesday included, Deric Lamont Sheppard, also known as “Big Shep,” 32, of Henderson; Master Markeith Lacy, aka “Kiki,” 36, of Henderson; Justin Lamark Porter, 23, of Overton; Ernest Vantrezes Mallard, aka “Duck,” 30, of Henderson; Derek Lamarcus Horton, aka “Null Null,” 27, of Kilgore; Marcus Derail Porter, aka “Blade,” 30, of Henderson; Kail Demond Lacy, Jr, aka “KJ,” 19, of Henderson; Randy Cameron, 52, of Henderson; Lattoris Dewuan Jackson, aka “Coonjack,” 32, of Henderson; and Cornelius Marquis Murphy, aka “Papa Murphy,” 21, of Henderson.
Travis Lanard Porter, aka “Nard,” aka “Travis Deamon,” 35, of Henderson, and Johnny Ray Smith, Jr., 33, of Henderson, will appear next week before U.S. Magistrate John D. Love for their initial appearances.
Bales said if convicted of the drug conspiracy charge, the defendants face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison and fines of up to $10 million.
If convicted on the weapons violations, the defendants face at least five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of any property used to commit or facilitate the crimes or derived from proceeds of the conspiracy.
Bales said the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Moore.
