United States Attorney James T. Jacks
Northern District of Texas

FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2010
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/txn/

LAW ENFORCEMENT ARRESTS MEMBERS OF CRIMINAL STREET GANG,
OPERATING IN WEST DALLAS, ON DRUG CHARGES

DALLAS — Five defendants, allegedly members of the criminal street gang called the “West Side Gator Boys,” were arrested late yesterday on federal felony drug offenses in an operation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Dallas Police Department’s Gang Unit, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas. All those arrested made their initial appearances this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Irma C. Ramirez; detention hearings are set for Monday at 2:00 p.m.

U.S. Attorney Jacks said, “Criminal street gangs like this one, use violence and force to control communities and further their drug-trafficking activities. Yesterday’s enforcement action, demonstrates that federal and local law enforcement are united in their efforts to shut down dangerous drug trafficking organizations operating in Dallas and rob them of profits from their illegal narcotics sales.”

“In Dallas, we have focused on gangs, guns, and drugs to make our community safer. Partnering with other agencies, both local and federal, is vital to achieve success," said Chief David M. Kunkle of the Dallas Police Department.

“This investigation is evidence of ATF’s ongoing commitment, with our law enforcement partners, to fight violent crime, make our streets safe, and to improve the quality of life for our citizens,” stated Robert R. Champion, Special Agent in Charge, ATF.

The five defendants were charged in indictments, returned by a federal grand jury in Dallas last month, and partially unsealed today. The indictments allege that all are members of the “West Side Gator Boys” criminal street gang.

Demarcus Edwards, 27, and Tyrone Weatherall, 34, of Dallas, Texas, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack cocaine). If convicted, they each face a maximum statutory sentence of life in prison. The indictment also includes a forfeiture allegation, which if convicted, would require Weatherall to forfeit a total of eight properties on Life Avenue including his ranch on Barree Drive, in Dallas, and would require them both to forfeit any proceeds obtained, directly or indirectly, as a result of the offense. I

Christopher Mitchell, 24, and Brandon Smith, 21, both of Dallas, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base. If convicted, they each face a maximum statutory sentence of 40 years in prison.

Marion Crayton, 32, of Dallas, is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base. If convicted, he also faces a maximum statutory sentence of 40 years in prison.

An indictment is an accusation by a federal grand jury and a defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty.

Tyrone Weatherall’s cousins, Corey Weatherall and Devinn Mitchell, and his brother, Patrick Weatherall, have also been arrested on state drug charges.

This investigation is being conducted by ATF and the Dallas Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon McCarthy is in charge of the prosecution.

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