Chicago Police Sting Nets 42 People in North Lawndale Heroine Bust

Twelve firearms, approximately $50,000, nearly a half-kilogram of heroin and over one-half kilogram of cocaine were seized during the arrests of 32 of the charged defendants.
Twelve firearms, approximately $50,000, nearly a half-kilogram of heroin and over one-half kilogram of cocaine were seized during the arrests of 32 of the charged defendants. Chicago Police Department

An investigation led by Chicago Police officers and agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration assigned to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (“HIDTA”) Task Force, resulted in federal charges against 16 defendants and state charges against 26 others, who police and federal agents began arresting early last Wednesday morning.

The police sting, titled, Operation G.I. Joe, culminated June 24, with 42 people facing narcotics charges, all allegedly involved in a drug ring situated on Chicago’s west side in the North Lawndale neighborhood.

“This operation demonstrates how police and prosecutors are continuing to work together to dig in at the local level and hammer away at the drug markets plaguing our local communities,” said Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez. “Once again, we are pleased to join our state and federal law enforcement partners in these ongoing and coordinated efforts.”

Forty-two defendants are now facing state or federal narcotics charges for their alleged roles in supplying and distributing heroin in the area of West Grenshaw Street and Independence Boulevard.

One federal complaint charges twelve defendants ― James Triplett, Levaughn Collins, Larry Collins, Jimmy Bell, Lamel Burns, Kevin Gardner, Christopher Tidwell, Marcetteaus McGee, James Smith, Chiquette Jackson, Jackie Tyler and Anton Higgins, aka “Spud,” 35, of Chicago― with conspiracy to possess and distribute more than a kilogram of heroin. If convicted, they each face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum life imprisonment with a $10 million fine.

Donald Mcintosh, aka “Donnie,” 40, of Chicago, and Nekenya Hardy, aka “Keefy,” 36, of Berwyn, were charged separately with being heroin customers of Levaughn Collins. If convicted, McIntosh faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years and a $5 million fine while Hardy faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

Angeles Avalos, 32, of Chicago, was also charged separately with being a heroin supplier to Levaughn Collins. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years and a $5 million fine.

Deonte Thomas, aka “12th Street,” 25, of Chicago, was also charged separately with distributing heroin in the 3700 block of West Grenshaw Street. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years and a $5 million fine.

The 27 state defendants, charged for their alleged roles in supplying and distributing heroin are: Carl Austin, Demario Butler, Dejon Carr, Lavora Childress, Dewayne Cook, Johnny Corbin, Simeon Currie, Deandre Austin, Deandre Curry, Marquita Davis, Orlando Edwards, Terrell Harris, Willie Hughes, Eric Jackson, Coshawndra Jenkins, Eric Lemon, Andre Minor, Bernard Person, Darryl Pleasant, Donald Rogers, Floyd Shaw, Kenneth Smith, Leonard Smith, Timesha Washington, Leonard White, Dominick Williams, and Jason Woods.

"This multi-agency investigation, culminating in the charging of 42 individuals, represents a significant hammer-blow to the open-air drug markets operating in North Lawndale and Douglas Park,” said Superintendent Garry McCarthy.

Twelve firearms, approximately $50,000, nearly a half-kilogram of heroin and over one-half kilogram of cocaine were seized during the arrests of 32 of the charged defendants.

Additionally, over one and a half kilograms of heroin were seized during the course of the investigation from last August through this month. Chicago police, DEA agents, and other HIDTA law enforcement partners also executed seven search warrants upon several defendants’ residences and three alleged stash houses, and seized two vehicles, including one defendant’s 2014 Maserati, Gran Turismo.

“The Chicago HIDTA is a powerful collaboration of local, state, and federal law enforcement which concentrates its efforts on both narcotics suppliers and street-level distributors,” said Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. “This investigation and arrests associated with this open-air drug market demonstrate how effective teamwork by law enforcement agencies can significantly reduce the flow of narcotics into our communities,” he added.

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