Press Release
20-count Indictment Returned For Rico Violations, Violent Crimes In Aid Of Racketeering, Federal Gun Control, And Controlled Substances Acts
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Louisiana
DELOYD JONES, age 21; BYRON JONES, age 23; SIDNEY PATTERSON, age 22; ERVIN SPOONER, age 25; ROMALIS PARKER, age 20; NYSON JONES, age 29; TRE CLEMENTS, age 22; ANDREALIE LEWIS, age 34; MORRIS SUMMERS, age 22; TYONE BURTON, age 20; TYRON BURTON, age 19; and PERRY WILSON, age 22; were charged on September 19, 2013 in a 20-count indictment for Violations of the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization Act, Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering, Federal Gun Control Act, and Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Allen Polite, Jr. The indictment was unsealed today.
This case arises out of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The investigation targeted an area which exhibited a disproportionate amount of violent crimes and narcotics trafficking. During the course of the investigation, specific individuals were identified as the main perpetrators of many of the violent acts and much of the narcotics distribution which occurred in the 8th Ward of New Orleans. This group controlled narcotics distribution activities through violence and threats of violence, to include murder, attempted murder, and assaults. They were referred to as Ride or Die or “R.O.D.”
The indictment charges DELOYD JONES with RICO Conspiracy; Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Heroin and Marijuana; Conspiracy to Possess Firearms During and In Relation to Crimes of Violence and Drug Trafficking Offenses; Murder in Aid of Racketeering (3 counts); Causing Death Through the Use of a Firearm (3 counts); Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (2 counts); and, Use and Carrying of a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence or Drug Trafficking Offense (2 counts).
BYRON JONES is charged with RICO Conspiracy; Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Heroin and Marijuana; Conspiracy to Possess Firearms During and In Relation to Crimes of Violence and Drug Trafficking Offenses; Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Causing Death Through the Use of a Firearm; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (2 counts); and, Use and Carrying of a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence or Drug Trafficking Offense (2 counts).
SIDNEY PATTERSON is charged with RICO Conspiracy; Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Heroin and Marijuana; Conspiracy to Possess Firearms During and In Relation to Crimes of Violence and Drug Trafficking Offenses; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering; Use and Carrying of a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence or Drug Trafficking Offense; Murder in Aid of Racketeering; and, Causing Death Through the Use of a Firearm.
ERVIN SPOONER is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Heroin and Marijuana; Conspiracy to Possess Firearms During and In Relation to Crimes of Violence and Drug Trafficking Offenses; and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
ROMALIS PARKER, NYSON JONES, TRE CLEMENTS, ANDREALIE LEWIS, MORRIS SUMMERS, TYONE BURTON, TYRON BURTON, and PERRY WILSON are all charged with Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Heroin and Marijuana, and Conspiracy to Possess Firearms During and In Relation to Crimes of Violence and Drug Trafficking Offenses.
BYRON JONES and SIDNEY PATTERSON are charged with murdering Travis Arnold on February 24, 2010. DELOYD JONES is charged with murdering Rodney Coleman on November 9, 2010. DELOYD JONES is charged with murdering Devin Hutton on January 17, 2011. DELOYD JONES and SIDNEY PATTERSON are charged with murdering Corey Blue on January 18, 2011. DELOYD JONES, BYRON JONES and SIDNEY PATTERSON each face a maximum term of life imprisonment or the death penalty.
ERVIN SPOONER, ROMALIS PARKER, NYSON JONES, TRE CLEMENTS, ANDREALIE LEWIS, MORRIS SUMMERS, TYONE BURTON, TYRON BURTON, and PERRY WILSON each face up to 20 years in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.
U. S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as part of the Multi-Agency Gang Unit led by the New Orleans Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nolan D. Paige and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian C. Ebarb on assignment from the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office.
Updated November 18, 2014
Component