UNDERCOVER GUN AND DRUG INVESTIGATION NET CHARGES AGAINST 18
BOSTON, Mass. - Eighteen individuals have been charged on federal and state gun and drug charges, stemming from a long term investigation into gun trafficking and narcotics sales in the Fall River area. Five of those individuals have been charged in federal court while 13 are facing charges in state court.
Derek Rego, 24; Trajuan Albert, 24, Leotis Carpenter, 29; Wendell Stampley, 33; and Hakim Mcleod, 32, all of Fall River, have been charged with distribution of cocaine base in federal court. Albert has also been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictments were unsealed today. Mcleod was arrested this morning while Rego, Albert and Carpenter were already in custody. Stampley remains at large.
“Federal, state and local law enforcement will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who engage in the illegal use, possession or distribution of guns and drugs. The law abiding citizens of Fall River deserve nothing less. We will not stand by while a handful of criminals endanger lives and disrupt neighborhoods,” said United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz.
Each defendant faces up to 30 years in prison to be followed by up to six years of supervised release. Albert is subject to an additional 10 years in prison for the firearm violation.
U.S. Attorney Ortiz; Guy N. Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Boston Field Division; Bristol County District Attorney C. Samuel Sutter; and Fall River Police Chief Daniel S. Racine made the announcement today. The federal cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys in Ortiz’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit. The state defendants will be prosecuted by District Attorney Sutter’s Office.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
For questions regarding the defendants charged in state court, please contact the Public Information Officer of the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office at (508) 997-0711.
