2013

WEDGE YEAR END REPORT

Chief Tom Weitzel, Chairman, Riverside PD, Sgt. Michael Keating, Forest Park PD and Sgt. Martin Grill, River Forest PD

WEDGE MEMBER POLICE DEPARTMENTS

C/O: Riverside Police Department, 31 Riverside Rd., Riverside, IL 60546

BERWYN Chief Jim Ritz BROOKFIELD Chief Steve Stelter ELMWOOD PARK Chief Frank Fagiano

WEST SUBURBAN DIRECTED GANG ENFORCEMENT - 2013 Activity

Berwyn/Brookfield/Elmwood Park/Forest Park/North Riverside/Oak Park/Riverside/River Forest/River Grove/Stickney

To: Fm: Re:

Chiefs, Commanders, Personnel, Elected Officials and Cook County Citizens Chief Tom Weitzel

2013 Annual WEDGE Report

FOREST PARK Chief Jim Ryan Co-Chairman jryan@forestpark.net 708 366 2425 Dora Murphy Secretary

Included is the annual WEDGE Mission Report which provides an opportunity to look at the efforts and accomplishments of the West Suburban Enhanced Drug and Gang task force for the calendar year 2013. This report was prepared so that WEDGE communities and general public would have a summary of information regarding WEDGE activities and current seizure information. The task force is comprised of 10 west suburban communities and has partnerships in place with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. This year there were significant changes in staffing as Chiefs of the WEDGE communities decided to implement two mission days every other week representing four mission days a month, unless WEDGE needed to be activated in an emergency (which happened a few times). I am very proud of the collaborative effort, known as the WEDGE Task Force, and strongly feel we have one of the most effective gang and drug task forces in the state - if not the nation. In 2013, we continued to be fiscally responsible by maximizing our resources and making strides in technology, training, and interagency cooperation in an effort to provide the very best service to the citizens of the communities we serve in the WEDGE Task Force. We will settle for nothing less than superior investigations and increased awareness as to how gang and drugs are affecting our quality of life in the West Suburban Cook County. Your continued support of the WEDGE Task Force will allow Cook County to remain a national leader in the field of multijurisdictional task force investigations. If you have questions or want further information, please contact me at any time. Sincerely,

NORTH RIVERSIDE Chief Lane Niemann OAK PARK Chief Rick Tanksley RIVER FOREST Chief Greg Weiss RIVER GROVE Chief Rodger Loni RIVERSIDE Chief Tom Weitzel Chairman 708 447 2127 tweitzel@riverside.il.us STICKNEY Chief John Sladetz

Tom Weitzel
Federal Partners:
ATF and DEA

Thomas Q. Weitzel Riverside Chief of Police and WEDGE Chairman

Arrests 82 Felony Charges 102 Misdemeanor Charges 35 Ordinance Charges 6 Warrants 21 Guns Recovered 4 Seized U.S. Currency $10,213 Street/Traffic Encounters 418 2013 Formal Operational Days 46 (77 in 2012) Average Criminal Charges per Operational Day

3* (same in 2012)

* No change in net productivity (charges)

after a 33% reduction in operational days; worked 4 days per month versus 6 in 2012

Increase consistent attendance and personnel sent. Increase longer term investigations. Gain WEDGE access for ICLEAR for arrests and Field Interview Cards. Conduct/Attend tactical entry type training for search warrants. Conduct/Attend search warrant/informant development training. Deepen partnership with DEA and Cook County States Attorneys Office of Investigations. Train/develop officers who can operate undercover. Increase intelligence flow from patrol units to WEDGE.

January 2013 RETAIL THEFT Arrest:

Lafrance Rhone, of Chicago, was located by WEDGE officers and taken into custody pursuant to a Retail Theft investigation involving the Forest Park K-Mart. Stolen was approximately $3,700 worth of jewelry.

February 2013

DRUG SEARCH WARRANT EXECUTION Elmwood Park

WEDGE investigators and the Forest Park PD SRT team executed a narcotics search warrant in Elmwood Park and recovered 462 grams of Cannabis. The investigation is still pending.
ROBBERY Arrest

WEDGE units arrested Vaughntrell Betts, of Maywood, pursuant to a pending Chicago PD Robbery investigation. Betts was taken into custody at the North Riverside Mall and turned over to the Chicago Police Department who charged him with Robbery. Betts is a Four Corner Hustler street gang member.

AGGRAVATED FLEEING & ELUDING the Police Arrest

WEDGE located and arrested Abraham Ramirez, of Westchester, for Fleeing and Eluding WEDGE officers who tried to stop him several days earlier. During the arrest, Ramirez rammed a covert WEDGE vehicle head-on, in an attempt to flee, injuring the officer who was driving the vehicle (fortunately, the officer was not seriously injured). Ramirez claims membership in the Latin Stylers street gang.

March 2013 - Much of the WEDGE enforcement efforts this month revolved around covert residential

anti-burglary efforts in Oak Park and River Forest due to a significant ongoing pattern.

April 2013

CRIMINAL TRESPASS to VEHICLE Arrest

Joseph Daniels, of Broadview, was arrested for driving a stolen vehicle. Daniels was charged with Criminal Trespass to Vehicle. Daniels claims membership with the Mafia Insane Vice Lords street gang.

UNLAWFUL USE of a CREDIT CARD / OBSTRUCTION Arrest

Prince Young, of Oak Park, was arrested for Unlawful Use of a Credit Card after he was found in possession of a stolen credit card that he had just used to pump gas. He also had an outstanding warrant from Downers Grove PD for similar offenses. During his contact with WEDGE units, Young attempted to conceal his identity so he was also charged with Obstruction.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT Arrest

Elias Monzon (left), and Romero Brewer (right), were arrested near their homes on the Southwest side of Chicago by WEDGE officers after they had been identified as the individuals responsible for cutting off catalytic converters in the North Riverside Mall parking areas. The precious metals in catalytic converters can be sold for significant scrap value, making them a target for thieves. When the converters are cut from cars, considerable damage is done to the victims vehicle. Brewer is a Conservative Vice Lord street gang member.

Unlawful Use of CREDIT CARD/Aggravated ASSAULT /RESISTING Arrest

Kissie Cunningham, of Chicago, was charged with Unlawful Use of a Credit Card, Aggravated Assault to a Police Officer, and Resisting Arrest, when she struck the officer with her vehicle and made good her escape. Cunningham was later arrested in Chicago by WEDGE units who found her in a convenience store.

MAY 2014

HOME INVASION Arrest

Richard Ellis, of Lombard, was located in a Laundromat in Lombard by WEDGE officers. Ellis was wanted as a suspect in a 2012 Home Invasion in River Forest and subsequently charged with Home Invasion. Ellis is a Four Corner Hustler street gang member.

NARCOTICS SEARCH WARRANT EXECUTION - Maywood

WEDGE officers, River Forest officers, the Forest Park Special Response Team (SRT), and Forest Park K-9 executed a narcotics based search warrant in Maywood that had been developed by intelligence gained by a River Forest patrol officer. Officers subsequently recovered 278.9 grams of s uspect Molly, 2 grams of suspect cocaine, and 1 gram of suspect Ecstasy. Arrested were Chevalier Armstrong , Thomas Mason, and Maurice Thurman (all from Maywood), who were charged with Manufacture/Delivery and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Armstrong

Mason

Thurman

WARRANT Arrest

Susan Esparza, of Brookfield, was arrested on an outstanding traffic warrant.

POSSESSION of a Controlled Substance Arrest Saul Melero, Chicago, came into contact with WEDGE officers during a traffic stop and was found to be in possession of 3.5 grams of cocaine hidden in his sock. He was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance. The 2007 Chevy Suburban and $4,002 that Melero had were both seized per the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Melero is a Harrison Street Gent street gang member.

Operation Heroin Hotline Round-Up Arrests

WEDGE officers began a long term covert narcotics (Heroin) distribution investigation that was subsequently prosecuted at the federal level with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force and the Chicago Police Department. All suspects were affiliated with the Four Corner Hustler street gang. Approximately 750 grams of heroin and $21,000 were seized pursuant to the investigation. (Link to FBI Press Release: http://www.fbi.gov/chicago/pressreleases/2013/charges-filed-in-federalsweep-targeting-chicago-heroin-distributionnetwork) Charged were the following suspects: PIERRE HENDERSON: Conspiracy to possess w/intent and distribution of a controlled substance ERIC HENDERSON: Conspiracy to possess w/intent and distribution of a controlled substance ALLEN MCBEATH: Conspiracy to possess w/intent and distribution of a controlled substance SHRONDA MCDANIEL: Conspiracy to possess w/intent and distribution of a controlled substance

HOWARD WALKER: Conspiracy to possess w/intent and distribution of a controlled substance

ANTHONY BROWN: Conspiracy to possess w/intent and distribution of a controlled substance HARVEY DAVIS: Distribution of a controlled substance/ heroin

SEARCH WARRANT Execution-Forest Park

A search warrant was executed by WEDGE units and the Forest Park Special Response Team (SRT); Kenny Diaz (left) and Zachary Kyles (right) were arrested - both are from Forest Park. Diaz was charged with Manufacture/Delivery of Cocaine and Kyles was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Diaz is a Two Six street gang member.

June 2013 SEARCH WARRANT Execution in Riverside

A search warrant was executed by WEDGE units and Riverside officers. Arrested was Victor Sanchez of Riverside who was charged with Possession of Cannabis and Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Deliver after more than 265 grams of Cannabis was recovered pursuant to the search warrant. Sanchez is a Two Six street gang member.

NARCOTICS Operation Arrests Forest Park WEDGE officers and Forest Park detectives acted on information about a narcotics packaging operation in Forest Park. After conducting surveillance and contacting several people in the suspect apartment, WEDGE and Forest Park units arrested the following Mafia Insane Vice Lord street gang members: Charles J Funk Johnson of Chicago. Charged with Possession of 100 to 400 grams of Heroin.

Secret Black Shack, of Broadview. Charged with Possession of 100-400 grams of Heroin. On Parole.

Jarvis Baker, of Chicago. Charged with Possession of 100-400 grams of Heroin. Unlawful Use of Weapon/Revoked FOID Card.

Javon Evans, of Forest Park. Charged with Possession of 100-400 grams of Heroin. Unlawful Use of Weapon/Convicted Felon In all, approximately 265 grams of Heroin, $3,611 in currency and 3 handguns were recovered (Glock 23, .40 Cal Taurus, and a TCP .380).

JULY 2013

Due to the holiday and training, WEDGE was minimally active in July 2013 with only two operational days spent conducting narcotics based surveillance.
August 2013 Commercial Burglary Arrests - WEDGE units arrested several juveniles from Forest Park and River Forest

for a commercial burglary in Forest Park. During this time, several WEDGE towns also had ongoing burglary patterns and WEDGE placed their focus in those affected areas.

SEARCH WARRANT Execution in North Riverside North Riverside officers and WEDGE officers executed a search warrant in North Riverside and arrested Alexander Murguia and Sean Thomas, of North Riverside. Officers recovered more than $2,000 in suspected drug related currency, drug packaging paraphernalia, cannabis, and a Hi Point .380 caliber handgun. Murguia was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon.

WARRANT Arrest

David Moreno Wanted for Criminal Damage to Property. Moreno is a Latin King street gang member.

THEFT Arrest

WEDGE units arrested Jadrien Reed, of North Riverside, for Theft after he was identified as the person who stole an IPhone and Debit Card from the theft victim.

ARMED ROBBERY Arrest

WEDGE units set up surveillance and arrested Travis Cook, a Black Soul street gang member from Chicago pursuant to a Forest Park PD Armed Robbery investigation.

September 2013 THEFT Arrest

WEDGE units arrested Aurelio Ortega, a Latin Eagle gang member from Chicago for a Theft offense. He was also WANTED on 2 outstanding arrest warrants.

October 2013

POSSESSION of a Controlled Substance Arrests Matthew Novarro, of North Riverside, and Lisa Gabriel, Brookfield, were arrested for Possession of Heroin near North Riverside mall after a WEDGE and North Riverside PD surveillance team observed narcotics related activity.

IDENTITY THEFT Arrest

WEDGE units arrested Morgan Green and charged him with Identity Theft after he was identified as the male who re-encoded a credit card with a victim's account information in order to fraudulently purchase $500+ of Wal-Mart merchandise.

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY Arrest

WEDGE and Oak Park PD officers conducted a mission in regard to a residential burglary pattern and arrested Deontray Dennis (left), a Conservative Vice Lord from Chicago and Dustin Betancourt (right) a Spanish Cobra from Chicago. Dennis was subsequently charged with 6 counts of Residential Burglary and Betancourt was charged with 5 counts of Residential Burglary. Both were attributed with much of the existing burglary pattern reported by Oak Park PD.

November 2013

AGGRAVATED FLEEING & ELUDING Arrest

WEDGE units arrested Michael Gracia for Fleeing and Eluding a traffic stop and subsequent vehicle crashes in Riverside. Gracia is a La Familia Stones gang member.
Residential Burglary Pattern Arrest

WEDGE units arrested Brian Johnson, of Country Club Hills, for a Residential Burglary pattern in River Forest, Highland Park, Glencoe, and Lake Forest. WEDGE worked closely with the North Suburban Major Crimes Task Force Burglary Unit (NORTAF) to identify Johnson and another accomplice throughout the investigation.

Aggravated Battery Arrest

A juvenile from Forest Park was arrested after officers determined that he was illegally in possession of a firearm and accidentally shot himself in the leg before calling for medical assistance. While the juvenile was being arrested, the juveniles mother, Myshoniah Jefferson, was arrested on an active arrest warrant. Due to a lack of cooperation, the weapon was not recovered. No serious injuries resulted from this incident.

FAUX CHECKPOINT
A faux narcotics checkpoint, which involved no vehicles actually being checked, resulted in several drivers committing illegal traffic violations in order to avoid the checkpoint. Drivers who committed traffic violations to avoid the faux checkpoint were contacted by WEDGE officers and Forest Park PD officers.

1 Felony arrest for driving with a revoked license 18 Traffic citations (not including suspended/revoked/and NVDL citations) 10 Administrative tows 1 Article 36 (seized vehicle) tow 1 Warrant arrest 2 Cannabis arrests (total of 21 grams)

The operation resulted in:

ASSIST LaGrange & Countryside PDs

LaGrange and Countryside police departments requested WEDGE assistance to investigate a tip that a pending armed home invasion had been planned. As a result of surveillance and cooperation with the MCAT task force, WEDGE units stopped Milo Simmons, a 12th St. Player gang member from Cicero, while he was driving a stolen vehicle. Simmons was arrested and charged with traffic violations.

THEFT, BATTERY, OBSTRUCTING, WARRANT Arrest

WEDGE units traveled to Elgin and arrested James Perry, of Elgin, pursuant to a Retail Theft, Battery and Obstructing investigation regarding an incident in North Riverside.

Unlawful Acquisition of a Controlled Substance Arrest

WEDGE worked with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Tactical Diversion Squad and charged Jessica Heiman with 12 various Forgery/Unlawful Acquisition of a Controlled Substance charges after she was identified as the person traveling around a multi-county area, illegally obtaining prescription narcotic pain killers.

December 2013 BATTERY Arrest

WEDGE units arrested Evelyn Garcia, of Cicero, for Battery after striking the victim with her car.

FELONY THEFT by DECEPTION Arrest x 2

WEDGE units arrested Patricia Chavez, of Riverside, for two counts of Felony Theft by Deception. Chavez sold the victims travel vouchers through United Airlines that never existed, scamming them out of several thousand dollars.
PACKAGE THEFTS

During the holiday season, the number of package thefts from front porches always seems to rise. WEDGE units conducted surveillance in an especially affected area of Forest Park and Oak Park in an effort to identify the offender. After spotting a suspect and following him through Forest Park into Oak Park, WEDGE personnel notified Oak Park PD who stopped Maurice Williams in Chicago, on Austin Blvd. and found him in possession of several pairs of expensive designer jeans that had been stolen from a Nordstrom box that had been delivered via UPS to a front porch in Forest Park. Williams was charged with Theft.