WASHINGTON – Five defendants are in custody today after being indicted in U.S. District Court for their alleged roles in a multi-agency fentanyl trafficking investigation. The joint probe targeted a notorious Trinidad Street crew operating an open-air drug market in the 1100 block of Raum Street, NE.
According to court documents, the crew was responsible for at least 59 violent crime incidents and 119 bursts of gunfire in the area between January and July 2023. Agents conducted numerous buys of fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, cocaine base, and firearms during the investigation.
The indictments were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Washington Division, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Law enforcement executed search warrants at 14 residences in the District and in Maryland, seizing 15 firearms, large amounts of ammunition, $126,000 in alleged drug proceeds, and significant quantities of drugs, including suspected cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and xylazine.
The five defendants in custody include:
- Davon Cunningham, 34, aka “Tank” and “Kevin,” charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, among other charges.
- Levancie Carr, 41, aka “Locs,” charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, among other charges.
- Roosevelt Richardson, 48, aka “Rose,” charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, among other charges.
- Antonio Lucas, 46, charged with distribution of fentanyl, among other charges.
- Rex Pelote Jr., 39, charged with unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon and possession of a firearm by a felon.
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation, which identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.
Related Federal Cases
- Manson, Jenkins Busted in Fentanyl, Cocaine Ring · Maryland
- Catlett Crack Ring Busted: MD Kingpin Admits Guilt · Maryland
- DC’s ‘Ghost Gun’ Drug Ring Busted: 7 Face Federal Charges · Maryland
- Brother and Sister Guilty in Fentanyl Sales Death · Maryland
- Maryland Career Offender Sentenced to 14 Years for Fentanyl Ring and Identity Theft · Maryland
Key Facts
- State: Washington DC
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
