OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - Approximately 100 federal and local law enforcement officers fanned out across the Oklahoma City area today to execute 17 sealed federal arrest warrants relating to drug and gun charges brought against various gang members and their associates. State search warrants were also executed.

A joint investigation by the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Gang Task Force used an Oklahoma City Police Department undercover officer and a confidential informant to make controlled purchases of firearms and cocaine powder and crack cocaine from known street gang members and their associates. This effort was the product of the Project GRIND which seeks to have Gangs, Removed, Isolated Neutralized, and Dismantled from our streets and neighborhoods.

As of today, federal complaints have been unsealed charging the following 17 individuals from Oklahoma City with gun charges, drug charges, or both: Rayne Alisa Osborn, 23; DeWayne Antwon Thompson, 19; Roy Lee Wilson, Jr., 32; Hubert H. House, III, 31; Traci L. Johnson, 22 ; Allen Lamar Carson, 28; Dedric Steven Marshall, 29; and Kenisha Marna Kees, 18.

The following individuals are currently in state custody on other charges: Derlon Bray, 21 and Remington R. Leathers, 21.

The following individuals are currently fugitives: Kendric Raymond Marshall, 29; Vicki L. Wilson, 51; Rochelle Lashawn Hopkins, 27; DeJuan Martez Covington, 23; Colin Dewone Bruner, 22; Clarence Demotric Williams, 30; and Raquinda Reynesia Walker, 23. Anyone with information about the location of the fugitives is asked to contact law enforcement authorities.

In February 2006, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales unveiled the Department of Justice’s plan to combat gang violence across America. This strategy is two-fold. First, prioritize prevention programs to provide America’s youth and offenders returning to the community with opportunities that help them resist gang involvement. Second, ensure robust enforcement policies when gang-related violence does occur. The Attorney General’s program expands the successful Project Safe Neighborhoods program to include new and enhanced anti-gang efforts.

On May 23, 2006, U.S. Attorney John C. Richter, Oklahoma County District Attorney Wes Lane, FBI Special Agent in Charge Sal Hernandez, ATF Special Agent in Charge Ronnie Carter, and Oklahoma City Police Department Chief Bill Citty publicly announced the formation of the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Gang Task Force. The task force goal is simple: “All for one, one for all” in the fight against violent street gangs. The local strategy implements the Attorney General’s two priorities: Prosecution and Prevention.

Under the prosecution prong, federal, state and local law enforcement partner agencies in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area will conduct joint strategic and priority targeting of violent street gangs such as today’s operation. By operating in a task force made up of federal and state agents, officers and prosecutors working closely together each day on gang issues, traditional barriers that often exist between investigating agencies and prosecuting offices will be broken down. This approach will yield a greater continuity and coordination of investigations and prosecutions to strategically eradicate illegal gang activity.

Under the prevention prong, the task force will work to implement community prevention and outreach programs to address the personal, family, and community factors that cause young people to choose gangs over better, safer, and more productive alternatives.

Law enforcement agencies involved in this Oklahoma City Metropolitan Gang Task Force investigation and today’s initiative are the Oklahoma City Police Department, Warr Acres Police Department, ATF, FBI, U.S. Marshal’s Service, and Oklahoma County Sheriff. The federal cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Yancey, Sandy Coats, Lee Borden, Jeb Boatman, and Ed Kumiega.

The public is reminded that the criminal complaints are merely an accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Reference is made to the criminal complaints and supporting affidavits for further information.