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Crack Dealing Woes Continue in Oakland
OAKLAND, California – In a bid to stem the tide of crack dealing in the city’s schools, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with the FBI and Oakland Police Department, has made a significant arrest. Alton Lerand Hirsch, along with two other individuals, has been indicted on charges of drug trafficking within 1,000 feet of McClymonds High School in Oakland.
The defendants, Alton Lerand Hirsch, Charles Edward Moss, Jr., and Nolan Ronald Jones, are each charged in separate indictments with dealing cocaine base, also known as ‘crack,’ in the vicinity of the school. This is a clear violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 860(a), which carry a maximum statutory penalty of 40 years in prison, a minimum mandatory one year in jail, and a maximum fine of up to $2,000,000.
The investigation targeted the corner of Mead Ave., Market Street, and 24th Street in Oakland, which is a known open-air crack market and situated right outside the Boys & Girls Club of Oakland. This area is frequented by children who deserve a safe and drug-free environment to learn and grow.
U.S. Attorney Melinda Haag has stated that her office will continue to aggressively prosecute drug trafficking in areas around Oakland schools. ‘Everyone who treats Oakland as an open-air drug market should be on notice: law enforcement is paying attention,’ she warned.
The defendants were arraigned in federal court in Oakland and are currently in the custody of the United States Marshal. The cases are part of an ongoing relationship between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, DEA, FBI, Oakland Police Department, and the Oakland community.
The prosecution is a result of an investigation by the FBI and Oakland Police Department. Please note that an indictment contains only allegations against an individual, and Alton Hirsch, Charles Moss, Jr., and Nolan Jones must be presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
This latest move by law enforcement comes on the heels of similar charges targeting crack dealing within school zones in the Tenderloin area of San Francisco. Haag has previously targeted other crack dealing in Oakland that took place within school zones, resulting in prison sentences for the defendants.
Haag stressed that more charges could be on the way, warning those who continue to engage in drug trafficking in Oakland that they will face significant time in federal custody.
Defendant: Alton Lerand Hirsch
Criminal Charges: Dealing cocaine base within 1,000 feet of a school (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 860(a))
City and State: Oakland, California
Date: December 10, 2013
Sentence: Currently in federal custody awaiting trial
Fine: Up to $2,000,000
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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