Police Bust Gang-Controlled Drug Market In Rogers Park
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Police have busted up a gang-controlled drug market in the Rogers Park neighborhood, in an undercover operation that has resulted in charges against 20 people.
The police Bureau of Organized Crime, with help from Rogers Park District patrol officers and the Cook County State's Attorney's office, recently completed the four-month Operation "Last Stop," when they took down the $1.6 million-a-year drug market.
The operation began following complaints from neighbors in East Rogers Park, and an increase in violence by street gangs who were selling drugs near schools and public transit.
The targets of the investigation were members of the Gangster Disciples who were fighting over territory in Rogers Park.
In the investigation, undercover officers bought drugs from known gang members and their associates dozens of times within 1,000 feet of schools in the area.
Police did not specify exactly where in Rogers Park the drug dealers were plying their trade. Major schools in the area include Roger C. Sullivan High School, 6631 N. Bosworth Ave., New Field Primary School, 1707 W. Morse Ave., Eugene Field Elementary School, 7019 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago Math and Science Academy, 7212 N. Clark St., and the Chicago Waldorf School, 1300 W. Loyola Ave.
On Wednesday, police blanketed Rogers Park and arrested 11 people on warrants for delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school.
Police also seized cash, crack cocaine, one car, and two handguns – one of which was used in an attempt to rob an undercover officer during the operation.
Charged with dealing drugs are Rafael Campbell, 31; Demarous Singleton, 28; Jermaine Singleton, 26; Antoine Williams, 27; Kenneth Baker, 19; Jermaine Hudson, 38; Jevon Obrien, 21; Trenell Kirkman, 22; Marcus Shaw, 42; Iris Hawk, 20; Darren Benjamin, 21; and Paula Green, 40. Still wanted in warrants are Glen Humes, 28; Marcus Smith, 26; Andre Beal, 31; Jermaine Conner, 36; and Jermaine Hawk, 22.
Another suspect, William Bradley, 18, is charged with armed robbery. He is also charged with marijuana possession, as is Alfred Bonner, 25.
