Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy announced Friday two separate investigations targeting gang-controlled drug markets successfully led to the arrests of 18 men.
"We are committed to working with our federal and local partners to eliminate the sale of illegal narcotics and the propensity for street violence they cause in our communities so that they are safer places to live, work and play,” said McCarthy of the coordinated operation with CDP officers and the Chicago FBI's Joint Task Force on Gangs.
The first investigation, targeting illegal drug sales in the Englewood neighborhood, led to the arrest of nine men who were charged in separate indictments, according to the FBI.
This investigation also resulted in the recovery of five weapons, over a kilogram of cocaine and nearly 500 grams of heroin, according to an FBI press release.
Federal authorities said they worked with the CPD’s Gang Intelligence and Organized Crime units; the Criminal Investigative Division of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Cook County State’s Attorney Office during the three-year investigation and Thursday’s arrests.
Those arrested in connection with that investigation are identified as Valdemere Collier, 27; Terrance Elane, 40; Derrick Green, 33; Denitra Harris, 37; Kalvin Harris, 34; Eddie Hill, 54; Marvic Johnson, 37; Clarence Jones, 39; and John May, 39.
The second investigation, targeting gang members, led to the arrest of nine men along with the seizure of heroin, crack cocaine, and cannabis, according to Police news affairs.
“This investigation is part of our ongoing strategy to eliminate gang activity from our City streets,” said McCarthy. “We expect the impact on the community to be immediate and positive, but we need to ensure these results last with the collective involvement of every concerned stakeholder.”
The following men are in custody for delivery of a controlled substance: Rodney Feagin, 25; Earl Hopson, 25; Louis Poole, 17; Lionel Caldwell, 54; William Robinson, 50; Elijah Mims, 27; Kelsey Garner, 24; Jeffery Rice, 29; Eugene McGee, 54. Police say they have a warrant for a tenth offender, Jarrett Watson, 26, but do not have him in custody at this time.
Both investigations are part of McCarthy's goal to take back the streets from gangs and give them back to the people, as stressed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel last month.
Last week,
10 suspected Latin King gang members were arrested in Humboldt Park
after a two-month investigation into sales of controlled substances near a school.
It was also reported last week CPD recorded 120 deaths from the start of the year to April 1, and non-fatal shooting were up 37 percent.
Emanuel responded to that report saying he was working hard to return the streets to community and it was unacceptable to even think about Chicagoans getting used to the higher level of violence.
