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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Seattle Gang Task Force Arrests Members and Associates of East African Posse
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
2/13/2006 11:00:00 AM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Police Media Relations (206) 684-5520
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Seattle Gang Task Force Arrests Members and Associates of East African Posse
SEATTLE – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Violent Gang Task Force arrested four members and associates of the East African Posse (EAP) last week, and two remain at large. This brings the number to 16 defendants that have been charged in federal court in connection with this investigation. Previous charges range from distribution of crack and powder cocaine, firearms violations, kidnapping and assault. If convicted some of those indicted face mandatory minimum sentences of ten years to life in prison.
The ATF Violent Gang Task Force was formed in May 2005, with full-time investigators and support staff from ATF, FBI and Seattle Police Department. Its mission is to eradicate those who terrorize and intimidate communities through violent crime and the infestation of drugs. Through the ATF Violent Gang Task Force, investigators have effectively focused federal and local resources to address the illegal and violent activities of the violent offenders, including the EAP.
“In law-enforcement we have a social and professional responsibility to rid our community of those that call themselves gang members and continuously infest our communities with devastating activities such as narcotic trafficking and the illegal possession or trafficking of illegal weapons,” says ATF Special Agent in Charge Kelvin N. Crenshaw.
“Targeting organized groups of violent criminal predators is one of the most effective ways we know to reduce crime and fear in the communities of Seattle,” said Chief Kerlikowske. “The success we have seen in this operation renews our commitment to the task force and the great work it is doing.”
Tukwila Police Department and King County Sheriff’s Office assisted with these recent arrests.
The public is cautioned that an individual is presumed innocent, until such time when the government proves guilt in a court of law.
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