Twenty-five individuals allegedly involved in drug and firearm trafficking in Manassas, Va., were charged in federal court following a two-year investigation by federal and local law enforcement intent on penetrating drug distribution and crime networks in Manassas. More than 20 individuals were also charged today on state offenses as a result of this investigation.
In eight indictments and five criminal complaints unsealed today, the 25 individuals allegedly include sources of supply, mid-level dealers and street-level dealers accused of distributing crack cocaine, powder cocaine, and heroin, along with those selling illegal firearms. The investigation, dubbed “Operation Bull Run,” is being conducted by the Northern Virginia Violent Crime Task Force, which was formalized last year out of a strong partnership among federal and local law enforcement to better coordinate in the fight against violent crime.
Those charged allegedly represent various armed drug trafficking rings that all shared one goal: to make as much money as possible by selling drugs in and near Manassas. By design, much of the alleged drug trafficking involved frequent drug sales consisting of relatively small amounts of narcotics to hundreds of users over many years. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement engaged in 215 controlled buys of drugs and firearms, which prior to the arrests resulted in seizures of 85 firearms, 500 grams of crack cocaine and two kilograms of powder cocaine. The approximate total street value of illegal narcotics purchased or seized during the scope of this investigation approaches $1.1 million.
This case was investigated by ATF, Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, Prince William County Police Department, Manassas City Police Department, Manassas Park Police Department, Fairfax County Police Department, and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Owings and Special Assistant United States Attorney Samuel Kaplan are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
“Today’s arrests reflect the outstanding partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement in combating drug trafficking and violent crime,” said Fairfax Sheriff Stan Barry. “Getting drugs and guns off the streets will make our communities and residents safer. I applaud the hard work and dedicated efforts of the men and women who were involved in this case.”
According to court documents, conspirators would obtain crack and powder cocaine from sources of supply in Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., or elsewhere and would repackage the cocaine into smaller quantities for resale to increase their profit margins. They would conduct drug transactions out of their homes, in automobiles, or in the parking lots of various business establishments throughout the Manassas area. In many cases, court documents allege that conspirators would bring firearms to drug sales and would often intermingle sales of narcotics with sales of illegal firearms.
To view the list of all of those charged federally, go to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia website.
Authorities are seeking the public’s help in locating four individuals who have been charged but remain fugitives:
• Anthony Terrell, a/k/a “Worm,” 26, of Manassas, Va., is charged with conspiring to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, including distributing crack on the premises of Dean Middle School.
• William Gregory Ellis, a/k/a “Worm,” 46, of Manassas, Va., is charged with illegally possessing a shotgun after previously being convicted of a felony.
• Brandon Tibbs, 39, of Manassas, Va., is charged with conspiring with Savage and Grayson to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine throughout Prince William County and one count each of distribution of crack cocaine.
• Clifford Lamont Washington, a/k/a “Wee,” 36, of Alexandria, Va., is alleged to sell crack cocaine at the direction of Paul Roberts and also maintain his own customer base. He is charged with conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine and one count of distribution of crack cocaine.
Anyone with information regarding these individuals is encouraged to call ATF’s tip line at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867) or call the local police department. If you see these individuals, DO NOT APPROACH THEM. Write down a description and any vehicle information and contact police or ATF.