May 9, 2007 - United States Attorney Patrick L. Meehan today announced the filing of an indictment* charging Lloyd Washington Jr., Ronald Crawford, Mark Rimes and Niema Simpson with conspiracy to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine in Philadelphia, in violation of 21 U.S.C. Section 846 and 841(b)(1)(A), and one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. Section 846 and 841(b)(1)(A). The indictment charges that the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute over 29 kilograms of cocaine. In addition, the indictment charges Ronald Crawford with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. Section 924(c).
The defendants were arrested in early February 2007. Upon conviction, they face the following maximum sentences:
Defendant Lloyd Washington (Counts 1 through 2 )
mandatory minimum 10 years imprisonment; maximum life imprisonment;
at least 5 years supervised release; an $8,000,000 fine; and a $200
special; assessment;
Defendant Ronald Crawford (Counts 1 through 3)
mandatory minimum 15 years imprisonment; maximum life imprisonment;
at least 5 years supervised release; an $8,250,000 fine; and a $300
special assessment.
Defendant Mark Rimes (Counts 1 through 2)
mandatory minimum 10 years imprisonment; maximum life imprisonment;
at least 5 years supervised release; an $8,000,000 fine; and a $200
special assessment.
Defendant Niema Simpson (Counts 1 through 2)
mandatory minimum 10 years imprisonment; maximum life imprisonment;
at least 5 years supervised release; an $8,000,000 fine; and a $200
special assessment.
DEFENDANT |
ADDRESS |
AGE [Date of Birth] |
Lloyd Washington,
Jr. a/k/a “Bub” |
Philadelphia, PA |
37 |
Ronald Crawford a/k/a “Coat” a/k/a “Coulter” a/k/a “C” |
Philadelphia, PA |
30 |
Mark Rimes |
Philadelphia, PA |
49 |
Niema Simpson a/k/a “Nah” |
Philadelphia, PA |
30 |
This case was investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department and Drug Enforcement Agency. Prosecution has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Vineet Gauri.
| UNITED
STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE EASTERN DISTRICT, PENNSYLVANIA Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 |
Contact: RICH MANIERI Media Contact 215.861.8525 |
*An Indictment or Information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Benjamin Franklin Photo by B. Krist for the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation