News Release [print friendly page]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Gina Balaya - USAO (313) 226-9758
Carolyn Gibson - DEA (313) 234-4220
October 24, 2006

United States Attorney's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration Distribute Over $3 Million to Local Law Enforcement Agencies

United States Attorney Stephen J. Murphy announced today the distribution of $3,736,062 in criminally forfeited funds to eleven local law enforcement agencies who were involved in the investigation and ultimate prosecution relating to the case of United States v. Quasand Lewis et al. Mr. Murphy was joined in the announcement by Robert Corso, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, Detroit Division.

The following agencies were present at today’s ceremony and received checks which represented their agencies share of forfeited funds from two cash seizures:

Detroit Police Department, $74,697.45;
Michigan State Police, $74,697.45;
Oakland County Narcotics Enforcement Team, $74,697.45;
Sterling Heights Police Department, $74,697,45;
Warren Police Department, $74,697.45;
West Bloomfield Police Department, $74,697.45;
Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, $114,732.00;
Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, $136,700.41;
Troy Police Department, $316,121.21;
Farmington Hill Police Department, $326,129.85;
Novi Police Department, $1,632,359.4

United States Attorney Murphy stated that, “This was a large, significant and important prosecution. I salute the entire law enforcement team that labored so tirelessly on this case: from prosecutor to police officer, from federal agency to local police department, the operations that culminated demonstrate cooperation and teamwork at its best. We are lucky to have such dedicated community servants in our district.”

Special Agent in Charge Corso stated that, “This case reflects an exemplary effort by all of the local, state, and federal agencies involved. It further illustrates how cooperation and the sharing of information and technology can lead to a successful investigation resulting in the dismantling and disruption of a continuing criminal enterprise.”

The funds received by each agency will be used in accordance with Department of Justice regulations as set forth in the Guide to Equitable Sharing of Federal Forfeited Property for State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

United States v. Quasand Lewis et. al charged twenty-seven individuals with various drug trafficking and money laundering charges. The organization was responsible for the distribution of more than 30,000 kilograms of marijuana, and generated tens of millions of dollars in illegal drug proceeds.

In March 2004, the Novi Police Department seized approximately 4.8 million dollars in narcotics proceeds from a Novi hotel and from a residence in Northville. Evidence seized in Novi lead to the initiation of a federal wiretap investigation which ultimately lead to the indictment of the Lewis organization.

To date twenty-three individuals have plead guilty to various charges and are awaiting sentencing. Four individuals are currently fugitives and are believed to be in Mexico. In addition the government has seized approximately $18 million in assets including real property, jewelry, automobiles and cash.