Miami-Dade Drug Probe 'Still Misbehavin' Bags 4 More

MIAMI, FL — Four more Miami men were charged with drug offenses early Thursday as part of a federal and local investigation into widespread narcotics sales at the Cutler Manor public housing project in unincorporated Miami-Dade County. Dubbed "Operation Still Misbehaving," the six-month-long probe has already netted a total of 34 arrests on various charges. Law enforcement officers also executed seven search warrants around 4 a.m. and recovered 11 guns and various illegal drugs.

"“This coordinated multi-agency gang effort, involving the Miami Dade Police Department, DEA and FBI, with the assistance of South Florida HIDTA, United States Attorney’s Office and prosecutors from my Gang Unit, is the result of pleas for assistance from the community to rid this neighborhood of criminal activities which put residents’ lives at risk," explained Miami Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. (Sign up for our free Daily Newsletters and Breaking News Alerts for the Miami Patch.)

Cutler Manor Apartments are located at 10875 SW 216 Street. Investigators are seeking a total of 40 people, including the 34 who have already been arrested.

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"I’m pleased that my gang prosecutors were able to work this investigation from the beginning, preparing the arrest warrants outlining the proper criminal charges to the on-site execution of search warrants and other necessary court-mandated documents," she added. "All the residents of South Miami-Dade County have a right to enjoy their homes and their streets safely and securely.”

Arrested on Thursday were Edward Lee Williams, 30; Kenyada Pierce, 34; Martavious Randall, 38 and William Lovett, 36, all of Miami. They were charged by criminal complaint with possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Law enforcement officers purchased various narcotics, including methylone, known as “Molly,” cocaine, and heroin from residents of the Cutler Manor Apartments, which is not far from Homestead. In addition they purchased narcotics at nearby residences in Perrine, including from defendants Williams, Pierce, Randall, and Lovett, according to prosecutors.

If convicted of possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances, the four face up to 20 years in prison.

“The Miami-Dade Police Department is committed to maintaining the highest level of safety and security for our residents," said Freddy Ramirez, assistant director of the Miami-Dade Police Department. "Today's operation is another example of our efforts, along with our law enforcement partners, to combat illegal narcotics activity which has a devastating impact on our community.”

Acting U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg announced the charges on Thursday afternoon. Participating agencies include the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office, FBI Miami Field Office; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Miami Field Division and the Miami-Dade Police Department.

"During the course of their investigation, law enforcement were able to purchase various controlled substances from subjects who resided in, or operated out of, the Cutler Manor Apartments," according to federal prosecutors.

In August 2016, a similar operation also targeted drug sales in Cutler Manor. That investigation led to 14 federal indictments of individuals associated with the Cutler Manor Apartments. The defendants were charged with possession with intent to distribute various narcotics. Each pleaded guilty and received sentences ranging from time served to 151 months in prison.

Following the 2016 indictments, law enforcement continued to investigate the sale of narcotics both at the Cutler Manor Apartments and out of single-family houses located nearby, including throughout the Perrine area.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cary Aronovitz.