Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

CHICAGO — Ten individuals are facing criminal charges as part of a federal drug and gun investigation in Chicago.

 

During the multi-year investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 13 pounds of suspected methamphetamines, a half-kilogram of suspected heroin, approximately 13,000 pills of suspected ecstasy, and 18 firearms. Much of the alleged drug trafficking occurred in the East Garfield Park neighborhood on the West Side of Chicago.

 

Many of the defendants were arrested Thursday, and detention hearings are being held this week in U.S. District Court in Chicago.

 

The charges were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Timothy Jones, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Eddie Johnson, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The Illinois State Police provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katie M. Durick, William Dunne and John Mitchell represent the government.

 

Indictments and criminal complaints unsealed in federal court charge ten defendants with drug or gun offenses. GREGORY HARRIS, 32, of Dolton, is suspected of supplying ecstasy and heroin to ERIC JONES, 44, of Posen, according to the complaint against Jones. Jones sold narcotics on three occasions earlier this year to an individual who, unbeknownst to Jones, was cooperating with law enforcement, the complaint states. Jones was charged with distribution of a controlled substance.

 

Law enforcement last week carried out a court-authorized search of Harris’s residence and discovered a loaded handgun. Harris was previously convicted of several felonies and was not lawfully allowed to possess a firearm. Harris was charged with one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. During the search, law enforcement also discovered approximately 13 pounds of suspected methamphetamines packaged in cellophane-wrapped, heat-sealed baggies, as well as a quarter-kilogram of suspected heroin, and approximately 10,000 pills of suspected ecstasy.

 

Three other convicted felons were charged with illegal possession of a firearm: JHALEYL LOTT, 28, of Chicago; DARIAN TAYLOR, 32, of Melrose Park; and TYSHAWN HOLLINS, 21, of Chicago. Taylor and Hollins are also charged with drug offenses for allegedly distributing narcotics.

 

Five other defendants are charged with various narcotics offenses as part of the investigation: CURTIS SHEPPARD, 21, of Chicago; MICHAEL WARD, 38, of Chicago; DIONETE DOTSON, 28, of North Riverside; KYERRE HENDERSON, 28, of Chicago; and CARL DANIELS, 23, of Chicago.

 

The public is reminded that charges contain only accusations and are not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.