10 Nabbed In Westchester Crack Distribution Sting: DEA

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Ten have been charged with federal crimes related to crack cocaine distribution, following a sting by federal and local law enforcement.

"This operation is an example of what we can accomplish when we utilize all of our law enforcement partners," Mount Vernon Police Commissioner Glenn Scott said. "We thank our partner agencies in this operation, FBI Westchester Safe Streets Task Force, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, U.S. Probation, and the Westchester County Police Department, and we look forward to continuing to work together to make Mount Vernon safer.”

A superseding indictment and a complaint charging 10 defendants with narcotics distribution and firearm offenses in Westchester County has been unsealed. The defendants, Estaban Morales, Travis Swain, Bobby Brown, Ishmael Morales, Jonathan Long, Sr., Dayshawn Rivers, Shanna Lewis, Dwayne Hudson, Shonteea Walker and Michael Vega were presented in federal court Tuesday before United States Magistrate Judge Paul E. Davison.

The news was announced by U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams, joined by Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Office of the FBI Michael J. Driscoll, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York DEA Field Office Frank A. Tarentino III, Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Public Safety Terrance Raynor and Scott.

"As alleged, these defendants trafficked crack cocaine, an addicting and potentially deadly product that devastates communities throughout the Southern District of New York, and used firearms to protect their operation," Williams said in statement. "Thanks to the FBI, the DEA, the Mount Vernon Police Department, and the Westchester County Department of Public Safety, the defendants are in custody and facing federal criminal charges."

According to court documents, between January and November, Morales, Swain, Brown, Long, Rivers, Lewis, Hudson and Walker are accused of conspiring to distribute over 280 grams of crack cocaine. In November, Vega possessed with intent to distribute over 1,500 grams of crack cocaine, according to the feds. In addition, on occasions between March and June, Morales, Brown, Rivers and Morales each possessed a firearm in furtherance of the narcotics conspiracy, investigators said.

"These small groups of drug dealers are contributing to the spike in violent crime across our communities," Driscoll said. "The work being done by the FBI Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force and our law enforcement partners is vital to stopping the vicious cycle of shootings, robberies, and illicit drug sales. We are determined to bring these criminals to justice and make Mount Vernon a safer place."

The defendants range in age from 22 years old to 53 years old. Each faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

"This investigation has shut down a violent drug trafficking organization based in Mount Vernon, New York," Tarentino said. "Drugs and guns cause irreparable damage in our communities, and law enforcement is committed to keeping the public safe and healthy."

Westchester County's public safety commissioner concurred.

"Joint investigations with federal and local partners are one of the most effective tools we can use to take illegal weapons and narcotics off our streets," Raynor said. "I applaud the officers and agents involved in this case for the difficult and dangerous work that led to these indictments and arrests. By sharing resources and working collaboratively, we can make Mount Vernon and Westchester safer for all."