Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative Leads To Multiple Arrests

Charlotte -- U.S. Attorneys » Western District of North Carolina » News Department of Justice U.S. Attorney’s Office Western District of North Carolina

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray announced today that after a ten-month joint investigation, FBI agents and CMPD officers arrested 11 individuals during an early morning round-up. Ten of those arrested face federal charges and one was arrested on state offenses. Two others currently in state custody have also been indicted federally, bringing the total number of those charged as part of this Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative to 13.

“This morning’s round-up was the result of a joint law enforcement investigation into drug dealing and drug related criminal activity in and around the Lakewood Community in Charlotte,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Today’s coordinated action is part of our PSN strategy, which calls upon all levels of law enforcement to combine forces to reduce drug distribution and drug-fueled crimes in our neighborhoods, and to increase community safety.”

Those arrested today on multiple federal charges of distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine are: Ashley Bennet, 22, of Charlotte; Travis Burris, 21, of Charlotte; Charles Berry, 49, of Charlotte; Andre Booker, 23, of Charlotte, Lemuel Carr, 21, of Charlotte; Marcus Hammonds, 33, of Charlotte; Jonathan Means, 38, of Charlotte; Jermaine Monroe, 37, of Charlotte; Robert Fitzgerald Moore, 53, of Charlotte; and Dandre Morrison, 30, of Charlotte. Ashley Bennet, and Travis Burris are also charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Marcus Gregory was also arrested today on state charges.

Two individuals currently in state custody now face federal offenses. Shea Roseboro, 28, is charged with distribution and possession with intent distribute crack cocaine, and Kwame Hakeem Crawford, 27, is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The charges contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray commends the FBI and CMPD for their investigative efforts, and thanks the U.S. Marshals Service for their assistance with this morning’s arrests. U.S. Attorney Murray also thanks the North Carolina Department of Public Safety’s Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, and the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office for their collaboration with this investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lambert Guinn of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is leading the prosecution.