Raids Put End To Drug Gang In D.C., Md., Authorities Say

Federal and local law enforcement authorities announced that they arrested 12 alleged drug dealers in predawn raids yesterday, saying they shut down a gang known as the Fourth Street Mob.

The arrests and a 75-count indictment are part of a broader effort to work cooperatively against drug crime in neighborhoods in the District and Prince George's County, authorities said.

The raids -- covering 14 locations, including "safe houses" and drug-storage facilities in the District and Prince George's -- led to the seizure of 23 guns, $50,000 in cash, 12 vehicles, four kilos of cocaine, 1,632 grams of crack cocaine and 100 grams of heroin, officials said. The actions came after a three-year investigation led to federal indictments of the 12 suspects on charges of drug distribution, illegal possession of firearms and sales of cocaine within 1,000 feet of Hendley Elementary School in Southeast Washington.

The Fourth Street Mob began selling crack, cocaine and marijuana back and forth across the District-Prince George's border from its headquarters in the 4200 block of Fourth Street SE as early as 1995, according to the indictment. Most of the sales took place in the Washington Highlands neighborhood just east of Bolling Air Force Base, particularly in the Atlantic Gardens and Southern Hills apartment buildings, police said.

"We are fighting for the safety of our citizens," D.C. Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier said. "We're tired of drug dealers bringing crime to our neighborhoods."

Lanier joined the District's U.S. attorney, Jeffrey A. Taylor, Prince George's County Police Chief Melvin C. High and officials from the FBI and other agencies in announcing the arrests. They pledged to share intelligence on gangs and work together to protect communities hardest hit by gang violence in a new task force they dubbed Team D.C.

The officials said they understand why residents might be cynical about a renewed regional effort to fight crime, as so many joint task forces have fizzled out, particularly along the border. All they can do, the authorities said, is promise resolve and show results.

Taylor said the arrests have made one corner of the District safer, at least for now.

"Thanks to the concerted and coordinated efforts of the Metropolitan Police Department, the FBI and others, this long-standing drug crew known as the Fourth Street Mob is now out of business," Taylor said. "But we're not done by a long stretch. Our group may be coming to your neighborhood this summer."

James Becton, also known as Pumpkin or Funk, led the gang, according to the indictment. There are no charges of homicides or other violent crimes, but law enforcement officials say they expect the investigation will lead to cooperation from witnesses and the filing of additional charges in the case.