Eight members of the 42 Oakland Crips street gang were arrested in a major operation targeting drug trafficking, firearms offenses, and violent crimes, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas announced on February 28. The arrests, carried out by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), took place in the Wheatley Place neighborhood in South Dallas and are part of an ongoing initiative known as “Operation Blue Laces.”
The individuals arrested face various charges related to drug trafficking, firearm possession, and violent crimes, including the following:
Kendrick Jamal Young (aka “Peanut”): Drug conspiracy, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Christopher Jamiel Love (aka “Black”): Drug conspiracy, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Alex Jerome Bowman (aka “Big A”): Drug conspiracy.
Victor Scott Wingham (aka “Johnny Joe”): Drug conspiracy.
Joshua Jimond Wheatley: Drug conspiracy.
Travion Williams (aka “Traa Savage”): Carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a violent crime.
Jihadd Thies Gorree Thomas: Carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a violent crime.
Jamarian Augustus Hewitt: Drug possession with intent to distribute, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, using a phone to facilitate a drug felony.
Authorities seized a significant amount of drugs, including over a kilogram of methamphetamine pills, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, alprazolam, marijuana, and THC wax. In addition, law enforcement confiscated 14 firearms, over $47,000 in cash, and six vehicles. Notably, Crips-themed jewelry and a caiman alligator were also seized, with the animal being transported to the Dallas Zoo.
This operation underscores law enforcement’s commitment to dismantling criminal enterprises involved in drug trafficking and violent crime, targeting those who threaten the safety of communities in Dallas and beyond.
