Mount Vernon Announces Successful Crackdown On Drug Dealers

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Twenty-two people have been arrested in Mount Vernon after a yearlong investigation into narcotics sales in the city called Operation Crackdown. Police began rounding up people April 26; most arrests were made in the city but others were made in New York City and even out of state.

Police Commissioner Shawn Harris said all of those arrested are Mount Vernon residents, including a father and daughter. The arrests of the 22, and sealed indictments against several others for whom police are still searching, are the result of a collective effort not only by local, county, state and federal agencies but also the citizens.

"To the residents of Mount Vernon, thanks for the feedback that you give to the department about criminal activity going on in your neighborhood," said Harris at a press conference. And to the criminals, he added, "This is no longer the city where you are going to feel comfortable."

This kind of work has been having success in Mount Vernon, where street crime has dropped by 32 percent since 2011, said Mayor Richard Thomas.

Thomas also focused on the bigger picture, noting that the sale of illegal guns and drugs funds a "dark economy" that includes terrorists.

"We don't grow heroin in Mount Vernon," Harris said, pointing out that collaboration with federal agencies could help target criminals further up the pipeline.

The Department is currently seeking the following six named individuals, as well as an additional four others.

1. Jamier Starks

2. Henderson Clarke

3. Johnathan Applewhite

4. Richard Bivens Sr.

5. Jermaine Cole

6. Lance Clarke

The following individuals have been arrested and charged with various drug-related crimes including Felony Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance.

• Thomas Davis, 40
• Sean Farrow, 46
• Richard Overton, 28
• Lawsen Riddenhour, 39
• Sensa Velazquez, 38
• Derrick Clarke, 35
• Candace Brown, 57
• Bobby Brown, 41
• Duane Rutherford36
• Turhan Jessamy, 53
• Reginald Gallman, 34
• Jaquan Harris, 36
• Felicia Ash, 45
• Dwayne Pennant, 38
• Jocelyn Long, 27
• Sadat Yancy, 41
• John Ivery, 53
• Destiny Jones, 25
• Jonathan Long, 49
• Gordon Tarrant Jr, 41
• Julius Dupree, 48

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mount Vernon Police Detective Division at 914-665-2510 or text a tip to TIP411.

PHOTO via Mayor Richard Thomas Facebook livestream