Alleged Leader Of Violent Montco Gang Indicted On Federal Charges

NORRISTOWN, PA — The leader of a violent criminal gang that operated in Montgomery County and was based in Pottstown has been indicted on federal charges.

José “Jun” Charriez was one of the alleged leaders of the Straight Cash Money Gang who was among 47 individuals arrested in a massive bust in May, according to the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.

The Straight Cash Money Gang was allegedly involved in a series of violent altercations and gun battles across the county in 2014 and early 2015 with the rival gang, Brothas from Anotha. The massive arrest in May prevented a "war," Risa Vetri Ferman, the DA at the time, said.

Charriez, 35, will face charges of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

His conviction could be as severe as a sentence of life in prison and a $2.5 million fine.

While others in the gangs have been charged with committing or attempting to commit violence, officials say that bringing federal charges against Charriez is an acknowledgement of his leadership role.

“The fact that Charriez is now facing federal charges shows that our federal counterparts recognize his significant role as one of the leaders of the Straight Cash Money Gang,” said current DA Kevin Steele. “This was a very violent group who engaged in trafficking drugs and firearms and clashed with a rival gang doing damage to the community in Pottstown.”

Since his arrest last May Charriez has been incarcerated at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility and now at a federal facility.