Several Philadelphia Men Charged with Distributing Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Cocaine Base

Lesandro Perez (a/k/a “Toast”) 22; Joshua Brown (a/k/a “Jash”) 22; Hugh Wyatt (a/k/a “Hugh Pace”), 43; Jose Lopez (a/k/a “Los”, “Hos” and “Lil Hos”), 23; Dwayne Cooper (a/k/a “Bookie” and “Boop”) 26; Hasan Jones (a/k/a “Tiny”) 36; and Lavar Smith (a/k/a “Var”), 30, each of Philadelphia, PA were arrested today on charges of distributing heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and cocaine base (“crack”) announced United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.  Lesandro Perez was also arrested on charges of being a felon in possession of firearms and possessing an unregistered firearm.

The defendants are named in three separate, related indictments filed November 14, 2017. The first indictment charges Lesandro Perez with the above-described firearms offenses.  The second indictment charges Lesandro Perez, Joshua Brown, Dwayne Cooper, Hasan Jones, and Lavar Smith with one count each of distribution of more than 28 grams of cocaine base (“crack”) and aiding and abetting the distribution of more than 28 grams of cocaine base. 

The third indictment contains nine counts charging Lesandro Perez with one count of distributing heroin and cocaine base, two counts of distributing heroin and fentanyl, one count of distributing cocaine and cocaine base, two counts of distributing heroin, three counts of distributing fentanyl, and aiding and abetting.  This same indictment charges Hugh Wyatt with the same three counts of distributing and aiding and abetting the distribution of fentanyl.  Jose Lopez is charged with two of these counts of distributing and aiding and abetting the distribution of fentanyl.  Joshua Brown is charged with one count of distributing and aiding and abetting the distribution of fentanyl and with one count distribution of and aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin and cocaine base.

“The indictments unsealed today represent another example of our office’s commitment to prosecuting serious drug crime and fighting the opioid epidemic,” said United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.  “The defendants in these cases allegedly distributed fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and cocaine base in our community – contributing to the cycle of overdoses, deaths, and devastation that destroy the lives of so many of our citizens.  We remain focused on prosecuting illegal drug distribution and violent crime to help make our communities safer for everyone.”

“This investigation is an example of ATF’s dedication to working with our state, local and federal partners in identifying, targeting, and investigating violent criminals who are involved in selling narcotics and firearms who prey upon innocent citizens and lessen the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Donald Robinson. “Our neighborhoods deserve to exist without fear and intimidation inflicted by all violent drug gangs. We will continue to work with our partners to impact the violent drug related activity that has wreaked havoc throughout Philadelphia.”

If convicted of the charges in the first indictment, Perez faces a maximum 40 years’ imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release, a $760,000 fine, and a $400 special assessment.

If convicted of the charges in the second indictment, Perez, Brown, Cooper, Jones, and Smith each face a mandatory minimum 5 years’ imprisonment, a maximum 40 years’ imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release, a $5 million fine, and a $100 special assessment.  Perez’s maximum sentence is in addition to the maximum sentence he faces on the first indictment.

If convicted of the charges in the third indictment, Jose Lopez and Joshua Brown face a maximum 40 years’ imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release, a $2 million fine, and a $200 special assessment.  Brown’s maximum sentence is in addition to the maximum sentence he faces on the second indictment.

If convicted, Hugh Wyatt faces a maximum 60 years’ imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release, a $3 million fine, and a $300 special assessment.

If convicted of the charges in the third indictment, Lesandro Perez faces a maximum 180 years’ imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release, a $9 million fine, and a $900 special assessment.  These maximum terms are in addition to the maximum terms he faces on the first two indictments.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah T. Damiani.

An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.