Defendants Sentenced in Federal Drug and Gun Crimes Case

A Homeland Security Task Force initiative in Dallas led to the arrest, conviction, and sentencing of 13 defendants to a combined 915 months in prison for dealing drugs, conspiracy to deal drugs, and unlawfully possessing firearms.

The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas announced the sentences in a Friday press release.

According to the release, HSTF Dallas comprises agents and officers from FBI-Dallas and the Dallas Police Department. DPD and the Dallas division of the FBI's Safe Streets and Gang Task Force investigated the case.

The Violent Crime Reduction Plan focused on hot spot policing across 47 neighborhoods selected based on a comprehensive statistical analysis.

Investigators homed in on one neighborhood it found was frequently associated with criminal activity, including the sale of illicit narcotics, illegal firearms, machine gun conversion devices, as well as violent crimes such as capital murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, and assault on public servants.

As a result of the operation, law enforcement seized 4.1 kilograms of marijuana, 282 grams of crack cocaine, 2.3 kilograms of cocaine, 1.2 kilograms of methamphetamine, 6.1 grams of fentanyl, 12 firearms, two glock switches, and $11,985 in U.S. currency.

The court sentenced the last defendant on May 7.

"This operation represents a significant step forward in the shared mission of FBI Dallas, Dallas Police Department, and the Northern District of Texas, to reduce violent crime and protect our community," the press release states. "The success of this initiative demonstrates the power of collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies in keeping Dallas safe."