Multiple Defendant Drug-Trafficking, Firearms Possession,
and Dogfighting Superseding Indictments Returned
United States Attorney Charles M. Oberly, III, announced today that a federal grand jury last week returned two superseding indictments charging a total of fourteen men with various violations of federal law. The first indictment contains twenty-three counts and alleged conduct that includes conspiracy to distribute cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846; distribution of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1); possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1); and possession of firearms by prohibited persons, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g). The second indictment contains charges relating to the Sponsoring of Animals in Dogfighting Ventures, in violation of Title 7, United States Code, Sections 2156(a)(1).
The charged defendants are Edward Sturgis, age 38 of Dover; Leshawn Ingram, age 28 of Smyrna; Christopher Glover, age 40 of Dover; Robert Ingram, age 30 of Dover; James Wilson, age 49 of Magnolia; Terah Moore, age 36 of Dover; Keith Adkins, age 36 of Dover; William Chapman, age 42 of Dover; Deshawn Groce, age 39 of Dover; Tyshi Hazzard, age 36 of Rehoboth Beach; Dwyane Dixon, age 46 of Dover; Jamar Cannon, age 31 of Dover; Corey Curtis, age 38 of New Castle; and Aaron Cannon, age 27 of Hartley, Delaware.
The drug indictment alleges that between January 2014 and March 2014, in Delaware, Defendants Strugis, Leshawn Ingram, Glover, Robert Ingram, Wilson, and Curtis conspired to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute. The drug indictment also alleges that, on various dates, Defendants Sturgis, Leshawn Ingram, Glover, Robert Ingram, Wilson, Moore, Adkins, Dixon, Jamar Cannon, Corey Curtis, and Aaron Cannon engaged in the distribution of cocaine and/or the possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute it in Delaware. If convicted of any of the conspiracy, distribution or the possession counts, the charged Defendants face up to 20 years imprisonment in addition to fines, and supervised release. Defendants Strugis, Leshawn Ingram, Glover, Robert Ingram, Wilson, and Curtis also face a mandatory minimum sentence of at least five years of imprisonment, and up to forty years in prison, in addition to fines, and supervised release for their alleged conduct.
The dog-fighting indictment alleges that between the dates of January 17, 2014 through February 19, 2014, Defendants Sturgis, Robert Ingram, Chapman, Hazzard, and Groce, engaged in a conspiracy and two substantive offenses alleging violations of the federal dog-fighting statute. If convicted of any of these offenses, the charged defendants could face up to five years imprisonment, in addition to fines and supervised release.
The indictments and arrests of these individuals were the product of a long-term investigation, led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Dover Police Department that culminated in the execution of eighteen search warrants, and the seizures of several firearms and controlled substances. Critical support for the investigation and arrests was also provided by the Drug Enforcement Agency, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Department of Agriculture, the Delaware State Police, the Delaware Department of Corrections, the Smyrna Police Department, the Milford Police Department, the New Castle County Police Department, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (the “ASPCA”).
Acting ATF Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan said, “I am confident that the execution of multiple arrest and search warrants by ATF and its law enforcement partners has made a significant impact on crime in Delaware, and specifically in the city of Dover. ATF continues to work complex investigations with its federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in Delaware in order to bring violent criminals to justice.”
“The victims of dog fighting suffer horrific abuse, forced to fight for their lives at the hands of their owners,” said Tim Rickey, vice president, ASPCA Field Investigations & Response. “We commend the local and federal authorities for pursuing this case and are proud to work with them to put an end to this violent crime.”
The charges in the Indictments are only allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark M. Lee.
MEDIA INQUIRIES:
- US Dept. Of Justice-Delaware Office Main Phone: (302) 573-6277
