News Release
March 22, 2004

New Partnership between DEA and Oakland County Sheriff Yields Results

Sheriff Michael Bouchard and DEA ASAC John Arvanitis answer questions about the drug seizure with members of the Detroit media.

Detroit, MI- On March 15, 2004, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge (SAC) John P. Gilbride and Oakland County Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard announced the arrest of five people and the takedown of a violent southeast Michigan narcotics trafficking organization.

On March 17, 2004, DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Arvanitis and Sheriff Bouchard held a press conference at the Oakland County Sheriff Department. The arrests were the culmination of a three-month investigation conducted jointly by the DEA and the Oakland County Sheriff Department. As part of these arrests, 6 search warrants were executed which resulted in the seizure 2.5 kilograms of cocaine, twelve firearms and $20,000 in US currency. The individuals arrested in Oakland County as a result of the investigation include:

• Jerry Mason
• Tim Kindeberg
• John Collins
• Peter Torres
• Derrick Gotee

James McClain is still wanted in connection with this investigation. Any information regarding his whereabouts can be anonymously given to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department at (248) 858-5000.

Drug Enforcement Administration SAC John Gilbride said, “The results of this investigation exemplifies how the citizens of southeast Michigan will benefit from the new working relationship between DEA and the Oakland County Sheriff Department.”