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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Jan. 29, 2008
WICHITA GANG MEMBER SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS
WICHITA,KAN. – A Wichita man identified in court documents as a long standing member of the Neighborhood Crips street gang was sentenced Monday to 20 years in federal prison.
Manuel A. Roach, 29, Wichita, was convicted in November by a federal jury on five counts: unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction, unlawful possession of a firearm with the serial number removed, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and unlawful possession of ammunition after a felony conviction.
Evidence was presented at trial to show that on May 1, 2007, investigators served a search warrant at Roach’s residence at 2331 N. Green. They found a 9 mm handgun, crack cocaine, cash, two sets of scales, baggies, ammunition and a plate with cocaine residue on it. The affidavit for the search warrant cited Roach’s association with the Neighborhood Crips going back to 1993.
Prosecutors also established that Roach had prior felony convictions on drugs and firearms charges.
“Manuel Roach’s record indicates he is a career criminal,” said U.S. Attorney Eric Melgren. “His sentence is a reflection of that.”
Melgren commended the Wichita Police Department and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley for their work on the case.
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