ARRESTS, CHARGES IN 9-YEAR CRACK DISTRIBUTION CONSPIRACY
Task Force Investigation Targets Alleged “Crack House”

Rock Island, IL – Law enforcement agents arrested eight defendants this morning related to an investigation of distribution of crack cocaine in the Quad Cities area, including an alleged “crack house” at 705 9 th Avenue in Rock Island, Illinois. The arrests, the result of a multi-jurisdictional task force investigation, were announced by United States Attorney Rodger A. Heaton, Central District of Illinois; FBI Special Agent in Charge Weysan Dun, Springfield Division; and Rock Island Police Chief John Wright.

Defendants arrested and charged include: Vernon Lashawn Lee, age 28, also known as “Mac-10;” Fredrick Dwann Lee, 35; Kash Deshawn Lee, 25; Angela Marie Lee, 43; Hector Villareal, 44, and Jeffie Jearline Lee, 68, also known as “Big Mama;” all of Rock Island, Illinois; and Kendrick Eugene Lee, age 31, and Shonda Rene Carter, 30, both of Davenport, Iowa. The eight defendants include six family relatives and two associates or friends of the family members.

Rock Island Police Chief John Wright said, “The officers on the beat and the citizens in the neighborhoods know those who are involved in criminal activity. Their input and support helped determine where we should focus our resources. These arrests demonstrate that we will use every tool available, including federal statutes, to address violent crime and drug activity in our neighborhoods. The hard work and dedication of all the law enforcement personnel involved in this investigation demonstrate our commitment to this community. Working together we can make a difference.”

U.S. Attorney Heaton stated, “The operation of crack houses, such as the premises alleged in today’s charges, tears at the fabric of family and community safety. This successful multi-agency operation reflects these agencies’ long-term commitment to remain vigilant in working to disrupt and end drug-trafficking in our neighborhoods.”

SAC Dun noted “the Quad Cities Safe Streets Task Force is a classic example of the power of partnerships. This multi-jurisdictional effort continues to make a positive impact upon the local communities in the Quad Cities area.”

Agencies participating in today’s arrests include: the Quad Cities Federal Gang Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Rock Island Police Department, Rock Island County Sheriff’s Department, Davenport, Iowa Police Department, Moline Police Department, the Quad Cities Metropolitan Enforcement Group, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Marshals Service.

Three members of the Lee family - Vernon, Fred, and Kash Lee – have been charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine in Rock Island from at least 1998 through May 2, 2007. The affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint alleges that numerous purchases of crack cocaine were conducted at 705 9 th Avenue in Rock Island, a residence owned by Jeffie Jearline Lee. Jeffie Lee is charged with maintaining a drug-involved premises at this location for the last nine years, from at least 1998 through May 2, 2007. Information provided by one confidential source, as related in the affidavit, noted that as many as 30 to 40 people were known to line up to purchase drugs at the “Lee House” on a daily basis.

Vernon Lee is additionally charged with two counts of distribution of five grams or more of crack cocaine. Fredrick Lee and Hector Villareal are charged with one count of distribution of five grams or more of crack cocaine on November 10, 2006. Kash Lee is charged with two counts of distribution of crack cocaine and a single count of possession with intent to distribute. Angela Lee is charged with distribution of crack cocaine on April 27, 2007. The affidavit filed in support of the complaint outlines various controlled purchases of crack cocaine at the Lee House and other locations in Rock Island.

In a separate complaint, Kendrick Lee and Shonda Carter are charged with conspiring to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine from December 15, 2006 through May 2, 2007, and with distribution of five grams or more of crack cocaine on April 27, 2007, in Rock Island. The affidavit filed in support of the complaint outlines three separate occasions when the two allegedly engaged in controlled sales of crack cocaine.

The charges are the result of an investigation by the Quad Cities Federal Gang Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rock Island Police Department.

Defendants arrested today are scheduled to make initial appearances in federal court in Rock Island on Friday, May 4, 2007, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Members of the public are reminded that a complaint is merely an accusation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

If convicted, the statutory penalty for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine is a mandatory-minimum term of 10 years to life imprisonment. If a defendant has a prior felony drug conviction, the mandatory-minimum penalty for the offense increases to 20 years imprisonment; with two or more prior felony drug convictions, the mandatory penalty is life imprisonment. If convicted of distribution of five grams or more of crack cocaine, the penalty is a mandatory minimum term of five years to 40 years in prison; for distribution of crack cocaine, the penalty is up to 20 years in prison. The penalty for maintaining a drug-involved premises is up to 20 years in federal prison.