Edward Stinson, Conspiracy to Distribute Crack Cocaine, Pennsylvania 2017

PHILADELPHIA – A massive crack cocaine operation was brought to its knees yesterday as 24 people were charged in two separate indictments for their roles in violent drug trafficking groups that operated out of the Norman Blumberg Apartment Complex, a public housing facility in Philadelphia.

The first indictment charges Edward Stinson, 27, Emmett Perkins, 29, Rondell Holloway, 27, Jamillah Bellamy, 35, Debra Baylor, 28, Jerry Lawrence, 27, Germel Perkins, 24, Carl Stinson, 21, Imere Stinson, 22, Daquian Brown, 22, Reginald Copper, 55, Terrance Jackson, 47, and Stephen Dawkins, Sr., 52, all of Philadelphia, with conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, distribution of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of public housing (a drug-free zone), and related crimes in 86 separate counts.

The second indictment charges Juan Jarmon, 30, Damon Edwards, 31, Donta Edwards, 28, Raheen Butler, 33, Michael Ferrell, 25, Dottie Good, 30, Taft Harris, Jr., 27, Steven Thompson, 34, Derek Fernandes, 58, Anthony Staggers, 34, and Gene Wilson, Jr., 40, all of Philadelphia, as well as Edward Stinson and Dawkins, with conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, distribution of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of public housing (a drug-free zone), and related crimes in 48 separate counts.

It is alleged that members of these drug trafficking groups sold crack cocaine 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in and around the public housing facility, employing a large network of supervisors, shift sellers, and lookouts, including juveniles. Members of these groups allegedly supplied millions of dollars of crack cocaine in the alleys, hallways, and residences of this public housing facility and to the streets of this neighborhood.

“These indictments charge the defendants with running large-scale, violent drug trafficking groups in a public housing facility that provided housing to low-income residents and families,” said Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. “Individuals who engage in drug trafficking, particularly those who prey on the financial weakness and vulnerability of persons, such as drug users and addicts, juveniles, and those living in poverty, should know that they will be prosecuted and held accountable for their crimes.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Harpster added, “For years, this organization has maintained a stranglehold on the Blumberg Apartments complex and surrounding neighborhoods. They’ve used intimidation and violence to maintain control of that area. The FBI and our law enforcement partners are determined to bring drug traffickers to justice, for the crimes committed and incalculable damage done to our communities.”

The DEA, working with its law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue cases against drug trafficking organizations that seek to hold residents of public housing communities hostage with their criminal activities, said Gary Tuggle, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Philadelphia Field Division.

The defendants are expected to face significant time behind bars if convicted of the charges against them. The investigation was a joint effort between the FBI, DEA, Philadelphia Police Department, Philadelphia Housing Authority Police Department, and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.

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