Eight Alleged Gang Members Arrested in Major Drug Bust in Dallas

DALLAS — Eight alleged members of the 42 Oakland Crips street gang were arrested this week in South Dallas as part of a federal crackdown led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The operation, described as “Operation Blue Laces,” took place near the intersection of Casey Street and Malcolm X Boulevard, an area notorious for gang activity known as the “Dead End.” U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham stated that the arrests were made in response to ongoing drug dealing in the community.

The suspects, all associated with the gang, were identified as Kendrick Jamal Young, a.k.a. “Peanut”; Christopher Jamiel Love, a.k.a. “Black”; Alex Jerome Bowman, a.k.a. “Big A”; Scott Wingham, a.k.a. “Johnny Joe”; Joshua Jimond Wheatley; Travion Williams, a.k.a. “Traa Savage”; Jihadd Thies Gorree Thomas; and Jamarian Augustus Hewitt.

According to law enforcement, the individuals had been allegedly dealing drugs in the area for several years and developed a sophisticated alert system using text messages to warn each other of impending law enforcement raids.

During the raid, authorities seized 14 firearms and a significant quantity of controlled substances, including over one kilogram of methamphetamine pills, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, alprazolam, marijuana, THC wax, hashish, and more than $47,000 in cash believed to be drug proceeds. Additionally, agents recovered six vehicles and several pieces of jewelry themed after the Crips, along with a live caiman alligator, which has been transported to the Dallas Zoo.

Several of those arrested already have extensive criminal records and are now facing various drug and weapons charges. Prosecutors indicated during a detention hearing on Friday that if convicted, some defendants could face sentences of up to life in federal prison, though specifics on which individuals may receive such sentences were not disclosed.

The investigation and subsequent arrests have raised questions regarding the extent of gang activity in South Dallas and the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating illegal drugs and violence in the area. Federal authorities did not release mugshots of the suspects and withheld information concerning the precise location where the alligator was discovered.

The information in this article comes from a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas.