Eight suspected members of a Treasure Coast and Brevard County drug distribution ring were indicted this week on federal charges after an eight-month multi-agency investigation.

Quentin Dixon, Todd Jackson, Jr., David Duvall, Lorenza David Harriell, Michael Lemonious, Frank Pierre, Jeane Claudy Polanco, and Parson Exana were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride and crack cocaine, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice. Pierre and Polanco were also charged with conspiracy to import cocaine.

If convicted, Dixon, Jackson Jr., Duvall, Harriell, Lemonious, Pierre and Polanco face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a $4 million fine. If convicted of conspiracy to import cocaine hydrochloride, Pierre and Polanco face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, and a $4 million fine. In addition, all defendants are subject to the forfeiture of currency and real estate.

In November, investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, the State Attorney’s Office, and Drug Enforcement Administration began an investigation of a Treasure Coast and Brevard County drug distribution network allegedly operated by the defendants. This seven month labor-intensive investigation included the use of cooperating witnesses, undercover agents, tape-recorded conversations, and the execution of numerous search warrants. The investigation established that this drug distribution network was part of a larger cocaine trafficking and importation network controlled by Pierre and Polanco in Broward and Palm Beach Counties.

So far, this investigation and prosecution has resulted in the seizure of approximately 243 kilograms of cocaine powder, 400 grams of crack cocaine, 477 grams of marijuana, 618 grams of ecstasy, 12 firearms, $131,152 cash, and jewelry with an estimated retail value of approximately $1.4 million.

This entry was posted on Friday, June 19th, 2009 at 4:26 pm and is filed under Crime, Indian River County, Martin County, Palm Beach County, St. Lucie County. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.