News Release [print friendly page]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2002

For Additional Information:
Contact: 214/659-8707

FORT WORTH CRACK DISTRIBUTION RING DISMANTLED

United States Attorney Jane J. Boyle and Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Dallas Field Division, Sherri F. Strange, announced today that a major crack cocaine distribution organization operating out of Fort Worth, Texas, has been dismantled. Federal arrest warrants were executed at several locations in the Fort Worth area. A search warrant was executed and cash and drugs were seized. Fourteen defendants have been arrested and federal arrest warrants have been issued for nine additional defendants who are involved in the same operation. In 2000, the Drug Enforcement Administration at North Texas HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task force), a multi-agency federal and state task force, began an investigation into the drug trafficking activities of Bryon Lee Austin, a major operator in the cocaine market in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.

Special Agent in Charge Strange said, "This operation is just one example of how DEA, in partnership with local law enforcement, is working together in arresting drug traffickers and dismantling their organizations." She added, "By working with our state and local counterparts, we are sending a powerful message to the local community that DEA is committed to cleaning up the violence and drugs affecting our community."

All defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute in excess of five kilograms of cocaine and 50 grams of cocaine base, Schedule II controlled substances. Some of the defendants are also charged with other various related charges including money laundering, criminal forfeiture and using a telephone in committing a felony, in the 40-count sealed indictment that was returned before a federal grand jury in Fort Worth, Texas on September 10, 2002 and unsealed October 2. The arrested defendants, all residents of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex area, are:

• BRYON LEE AUSTIN, a/k/a "BYRON" and "B.A.," age 32
  
• DMARCUS JONES, a/k/a "Simp" and "Six," age 29
  
• HURLEY RAY COOKS, a/k/a "Popsqualie," age 24
  
• ARNOLD CRAYTON, a/k/a "Lil Arnold," age 21
  
• QUINCY HALE, a/k/a "Q," age 22
  
• WILLIAM HENDERSON, a/k/a "Keg," age 28
  
• JASON KERL, a/k/a "Jay," age 26
  
• DERRICK MOORE, a/k/a "Black," age 31
  
• BRIAN NOLLEY, a/k/a "B-Nolley," age 22
  
• DEMIL PEOPLES, a/k/a "Dice," age 29, of
  
• CEDRIC PEOPLES, a/k/a "Big Cuz," age 32
  
• BRANDON LAROY REED, age 24,
  
• DAMMON WILLIS ROWE, a/k/a "Dame," age 30
  
• TONTANESHIA STEPTOE, a/k/a "Niecy," age 22

The indictment charges that beginning in 1996, defendant Bryon Lee Austin, a/k/a "Byron" and "B.A." would obtain cocaine hydrochloride, commonly referred to a powder cocaine, from various suppliers. Bryon Lee Austin would then supply powder cocaine to mid-level drug dealers, including defendants Dmarcus Jones, a/k/a "Simp" and "Six," and Dammon Willis Rowe, a/k/a "Dame" and others.

Throughout the course of the conspiracy, Dmarcus Jones would supply other mid-level dealers with powder cocaine. Most of the powder cocaine was converted by Dmarcus Jones' customers into crack cocaine and distributed for street-level sale. Dmarcus Jones also sold some of the crack cocaine to other mid-level dealers.

Bryon Lee Austin and Dmarcus Jones used several residences in Fort Worth to manufacture the crack cocaine and prepare it for further distribution. The indictment further charges that the defendants and their co-conspirators used the money from the sale and distribution of the powder cocaine and cocaine base to purchase automobiles, motorcycles, jewelry, real estate, and to take expensive trips.

Those defendants who have been arrested have had their Initial Appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Charles Bleil. An indictment is an accusation by a federal grand jury and a defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. If convicted on all charges, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

United States Attorney Boyle praised the coordinated efforts of local, state and federal law enforcement, including the North Texas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Fort Worth Police Department; Texas Department of Public Safety; Narcotics Task Force; and U.S. Marshal's Service. Ms. Boyle said, "Today's operation and the resulting arrests are a prime example of how the coordinated efforts of our task forces and dedicated law enforcement officers have shut down major drug operations. This crackdown is another step toward making our communities drug-free for our children."

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys J. Michael Worley and Aisha Saleem of the Fort Worth, Texas, United States Attorney's Office.

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