27 indicted in drug conspiracy case, firearms & money seized
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- 27 defendants have been indicted in a drug, homicide and money laundering case in federal court in Milwaukee -- the United States Attorney's Office announced on Wednesday, April 16th. Seven of those indicted remain at large.
The indictment charges the 27 in a poly-drug conspiracy case that also includes homicide, money laundering and firearms offenses.
Three have been charged with death by discharge of a firearm in the case.
17 people were arrested on Wednesday, April 16th. Three were already in custody. 31 firearms were recovered, and $143,000 was seized.
7 people remain at large.
Officials believe 40-year-old Kevin R. Arms was the kingpin in this case. They say he used a network of family members and friends to run a drug organization.
"Arms Investment LLC" lists a home on N. 27th Street in Milwaukee as its address.
Officials say Arms would launder drug money by buying houses, boats, cars and jewelry.
The following defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana, and five kilograms or more of cocaine.
The Milwaukee Police Department says this group brought more than 300 kilograms of cocaine into the city.
In addition, the following individuals are charged with possession with intent to distribute or distribution of controlled substances:
Other charges in this case are as follows:
Kevin R. Arms, John Bailey and Phillip Moffett are charged with causing death by discharge of a firearm.
John Cleveland, Roosevelt Lee, Brandon Owens, Roger Walker, Carl Wilson, Kyle Carrington and Brandon Trotter are charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of drug-trafficking offenses.
Kevin R. Arms, Cecil Arms, and the following are charged with money laundering offenses:
28-year-old Malik Danun is charged with obstruction of justice.
38-year-old Ricky Shaw and 65-year-old Patricia Arms are both charged with misprision of a felony.
26-year-old Katilla Jackson and 55-year-old Brenda Arms are charged with maintaining a drug-involved premises.
All of the defendants currently reside in Milwaukee -- except for Kevin R. Arms (Pewaukee), Ricky Shaw (Atlanta) and Malik Danun (Atlanta).
The individuals who remain at large include:
U.S. Attorney James Santelle has a message for those still at large.
"Let there be clarity. We know who you are. We know what you are doing. Our investigations of you and your family and friends you choose to involve in your criminal conduct are active and ongoing," Santelle said.
The defendants were charged based on a multi-year investigation by law enforcement officers from the DOJ, DEA, Milwaukee Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Revenue, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives -- and assisted by the Milwaukee High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Heroin Task Force.