Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
Lansing Police and the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) have been jointly investigating drug activity and violent crime in the northwest Lansing area for approximately two years. As a result of the investigation, 19 people have now been arrested and are facing federal drug and firearm charges.
Lansing Police Chief Teresa Szymanski told reporters that she believed the arrested individuals were responsible for most of the violent crimes that have taken place in Lansing over the past two years.
According to Szymanski, the individuals who were arrested had been involved in all kinds of gun and drug activity, and were working together as a “crew.” A Fox 47 News report stated that Szymanski explained that the individuals were delivering narcotics, shooting guns at people and things, and using guns as felons.
Four of the individuals involved are facing multiple drug charges according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Gregory Dalton, 23, DeShun Dalton, 21, Merza Mizori, 23, and Serawan Mizori, 22, face charges including possessing crack cocaine and marijuana and conspiring to deliver those drugs, and heroin possession with intent to deliver.
Others involved include Keith Houston, 22, who is charged with receiving a firearm while under indictment for a felony drug offense, and Jerome Houston, who faces for firearm possession as a convicted felon. 26-year-old Brandon Jones was charged as a convicted felon with possessing firearms, which included an SKS rifle. Kevin Henry, 43, and Demanual Porter, 24, will face charges related to drug dealing. The names of other individuals allegedly involved in the crimes have not yet been released.
Mayor Virg Bernero stated that Lansing streets would be safer following the arrests of the 19 individuals, who he said were involved in “all sorts of bad things.”
Michigan criminal defense attorneys know that if convicted, many of these individuals will face severe penalties, including substantial prison time. News reports indicate that some will face up to 20 years in prison.
Many of the individuals allegedly involved in these crimes are very young; if convicted, their lives are essentially ruined. Young people often make terrible mistakes, particularly when it comes to drug crimes. However, there are many instances in which individuals who commit these types of crimes deserve a second chance, or rehabilitation rather than punishment.
If you or a loved one have been arrested for crimes involving drugs or guns, it is essential that you discuss your situation with an experienced Michigan criminal defense lawyer at once.