MONTGOMERY, AL – The streets of Autauga, Elmore, and Montgomery counties are a little less saturated with poison this week, after ten individuals connected to a large-scale cocaine trafficking ring received federal sentences ranging from 15 months to life in prison. The sentences were handed down by United States District Judge Keith Watkins following convictions at a 2 ½ week trial in February 2013, or guilty pleas entered by the defendants. The operation, according to U.S. Attorney George L. Beck, Jr., was “very sophisticated” and moved kilograms of powder cocaine throughout the River Region.
The organization didn’t spring up overnight. Investigators determined it was the result of a merger between two smaller drug operations, effectively amplifying their reach and ability to flood the area with the deadly drug. At the heart of it all was Willie Jerome Davis, a.k.a “Moby”, age 52 of Elmore, Alabama. The evidence painted a clear picture of a man living far beyond his means. Authorities traced at least $500,000 in illicit assets – real estate, personal property – back to Davis. With limited legitimate income, the jury was allowed to conclude that Davis’s wealth was built on the backs of addiction and fueled by drug trafficking.
The fallout from the takedown has been swift and severe. Delmond Lemar Bledson, a.k.a “Two Face”, 38 of Deatsville, Alabama, received 188 months imprisonment after being convicted of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride in violation of Title 21 United States Code, Sections 841 and 846. Eulanda Lashade Trimble, a.k.a “Yo Yo”, 33 of Montgomery, Alabama, received a comparatively light sentence of 15 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine hydrochloride and use of a communication facility to further the conspiracy, also under Title 21, Sections 841, 846 and 843(b).
But the sentences escalated dramatically for those considered higher-ups in the organization. Willie James Walker, a.k.a “Nicodemus”, 60 of Montgomery, Alabama, was sentenced to 72 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine hydrochloride (Title 21, Sections 841 and 846). Clifton Pettus, a.k.a “Biscuit”, 33 of Montgomery, Alabama, received 188 months for the same charges, plus use of a communication facility (Title 21, Sections 841, 846 and 843(b)). Robert Marshall, a.k.a “Big Daddy”, 39 of Montgomery, Alabama, faces 300 months behind bars, also convicted of conspiracy and communication facility violations. William James Reese, 38 of Deatsville, Alabama, earned a staggering 360 months for conspiracy and communication facility use. Eric Orlando Reese, 38 of Montgomery, Alabama, will spend 240 months incarcerated for the same offenses.
The remaining defendants also faced significant consequences. Tony Gardner, a.k.a “Rock”, 41 of Millbrook, Alabama, was sentenced to 78 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine hydrochloride (Title 21, Sections 841 and 846). Ger Derrick Moncrief, 39 of Montgomery, Alabama, received 108 months for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride. But the most severe penalty, and a clear message to other would-be drug kingpins, was reserved for Willie Jerome Davis. The man known as “Moby” will spend the rest of his life in federal prison, convicted of conspiring to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, using a communication facility to further the conspiracy, and money laundering – a trifecta of federal offenses under Title 21 United States Code, Sections 841, 846, 843(b) and Title 18 United States Code, Section 1956(a)(1)(B)(ii).
This case, while closed, serves as a stark reminder of the persistent drug problem plaguing communities across the nation. The Grimy Times will continue to follow federal investigations and report on those who profit from the misery of others. The dismantling of this organization is a win for law enforcement, but the battle against drug trafficking is far from over.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Alabama
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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