Federal grand jury indicts members and associates of alleged Louisville drug trafficking organization

 

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Date: October 26, 2021

Contact: newsroom@ci.irs.gov

Louisville, KY — Multiple members and associates of an alleged local drug trafficking organization and street gang known as "Everybody Shines Together," or, "EST," were arrested over the past week in Louisville on federal criminal charges related to alleged drug trafficking and weapons offenses.

According to court documents unsealed in federal court, 10 people were charged in an Indictment returned by a grand jury sitting in Louisville:

Eric D. Mosley, Zaman Taylor, Khasi Jones, Devonzo Summers, Ricos Mosley, Barry Reed, Cedric Palmer, Aerion Cook, Dazaray Rice, and Darrian Toogood all of Louisville, are charged with Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Controlled Substances, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin. Various members of the conspiracy are also charged with additional firearms and drug charges. The indictment follows a criminal complaint previously filed in federal court against Eric Mosley.

Eric Mosley is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Controlled Substances, Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, and Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle. If convicted, Mosley faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison.

Zaman Taylor, Devonzo Summers, and Barry Reed are each charged with Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Controlled Substances and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking. If convicted, they each face a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison.

Khasi Jones, Ricos Mosley, Cedric Palmer, Aerion Cook, Dazaray Rice, and Darrian Toogood are each charged with Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Controlled Substances and face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison.

In addition to the arrests, several search warrants were executed in connection with the investigation, resulting in the seizure of what is believed to be approximately 1 kilogram of cocaine as well as methamphetamine, multiple firearms, a stolen vehicle, and over $160,000 in United States currency.

Khasi Jones, Devonzo Summers, and Barry Reed have not yet been apprehended and are considered wanted fugitives. Anyone having information regarding the whereabouts of these subjects may contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-CALL-FBI or 502-263-6000.

"I want to acknowledge the outstanding work of the FBI, ATF, IRS, and LMPD in this case," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett. "The allegations in the Indictment are the result of the robust working relationships present between our federal law enforcement partners and LMPD. The charges once again confirm each agency's commitment and dedication to the safety of all who live and work in this community."

"While too many families have experienced unspeakable tragedies from the violent crime plaguing our city, FBI Louisville, LMPD, and other law enforcement partners are strategically focused on pursuing the most violent and persistent offenders," stated FBI Louisville Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen. "The gang members arrested last week have terrorized our communities for far too long, but they will be held accountable for their actions. To those gang members who continue to operate with a blatant disregard for your fellow citizens, know that we are working tirelessly to identify, investigate, and apprehend you and your associates."

If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system.

The FBI Louisville's Safe Streets Task Force, which includes FBI Special Agents and investigators from Louisville Metro Police Department, Nelson County Sheriff's Office, Bullitt County Sheriff's Office, and Homeland Security Investigations, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Internal Revenue Service are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank Dahl, Ann Marie Blaylock, and Rob Bonar are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice's violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.