Dionne Peterson, 34 -- Chapo Streeter and Streets, Demarco Johnson, 30 -- Marco, DJ and Gar, Maurice Johnson, 45 -- Reesey and Frank, Lanardo Johnson, 45 -- Ronnie and Side, Deantez Johnson, 35 -- Omar, OJ and Squeeze. They recognized who my dad was and knew that they had to treat me a particular way. When Little Man married Cathy, he went from just another big time dealer to being practically untouchable. Forgot Password. A month later, in January 2015, the investigation led to Birmingham, Alabama, where agents raided a home and arrested Eric Young, who banking records showed had wired money to Brian Brown. Johnny Lil Man Curry, along with his brother Leo Curry, formed one of the most infamous criminal organizations in the city of Detroit back in the day. Brown was indicted in March 2016 on a gun charge, released on bond and placed on house arrest with a GPS tether. I thought he was dead. Around mid-1984, the over two dozen Curry-owned heroin dens scattered throughout the city virtually all became crack houses. They were asking where Wonnie was. Brandi Davis is the daughter of a famous kingpin and the girlfriend of a notorious drug dealer. I started dating a guy from Chicago named Justin Turner. Davis was one of Detroit's largest drug kingpins in the 70s and 80s. June 26, 2017: Duane Peterson searched online for jars, bags, packaging and shipping supplies, scales, pollen presses and magnetic stash boxes, officials said. I dont know if it was a rebellion thing, growing up around the Mayors mansion or whatnot, but she strictly dated dopers. A few weeks later, in August 2014, the Altima was back at the home in Skokie before returning to California. He declined comment Tuesday. Officials charged an addition 12 Detroit men earlier this month in connection with trafficking controlled substances and other charges. As a result, Johnny was able to make contacts in the Mayors office and had a direct line to Gil Hill, the Head of the Homicide Department at Detroit PD. Brian Brown is well known to the Detroit Police Department narcotics division, wrote Ronald Robinson, a then-assistant Wayne County prosecutor, wrote in a court filing related to the drug and motorcycle seizures. He has since been enjoying retirement, and as per social media, he has a son and grandchildren. Members Only. Everybody looked at them like these drug kingpins, but I looked at them like my homies. During the height of his power, Davis was an international drug smuggler, supplying Detroit heavyweights like Young Boys Incorporated. Johnny had met the 14-year-old kid through his brother, and he immediately became a favorite of the family. She also reflects back on the experience of witnessing some of her friend's dads get murdered before detailing an incident in which her house was raided by the feds. Here are the seven men who were charged, along with their known nicknames: Our message to violent drug-dealing gang members could not be more clear: Our federal and state law enforcement team knows exactly who you are, and we are coming after you, U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider said. The affidavit, obtained by The Detroit News, lists probable cause to raid multiple homes that allegedly are part of Browns empire. And any large-scale drug investigation inevitably takes many twists and turns along the way, Gabel said. Mafia Insider. Three weeks later, investigators tracked the alleged drug dealer to the Los Angeles area. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. The Currys were in business for so long that their gangs activities spanned two distinct narcotic booms. June 8, 2017: Duane Peterson possessed a .40-caliber Glock handgun in a car he was driving, authorities said. The documentary involves interviews with Richard Wershe Jr.s acquaintances from back in the day, law enforcement, and attorneys as well. Federal officials said they worked to promote and enhance the operation through drug distribution and violence. When we got serious, he started paying my bills. Reginald Davis, 32, of Detroit, was convicted of distributing carfentanil, a synthetic opioid that is used on elephants and other large mammals. Davis was one of Detroit's largest drug kingpins in the 70s and 80s. Therefore, 258 is a nickname for the gang, according to authorities. Visit us in La Verkin, Roosevelt, and Vernal. I know you're going through what you're going through, but you can't keep living your life like that." April 19, 2016: Luther Peterson sold heroin to an undercover officer in Jackson, authorities said. She was beautiful, educated and carried herself in a very high-powered manner. Agents listening to the phone call determined the voice belonged to Brian Brown after comparing the voice to videos Brown posted on social media, according to the DEA. Inventories of what, if anything, was seized during the raids are sealed in federal court. Prospective members were required to have IJU or 458 tattooed on their bodies, the indictment says. More than $1 million flowed into the rap labels two bank accounts between June 2013 and October 2015, according to court records. Cathy wasnt arrested, but named as an unindicted co-conspirator in the case, which mapped out her husbands airtight control of numerous Eastside drug houses and increase in power and territory acquisition after the incarceration of Butch Jones and Le Roy Buttrum. Johnny was convicted of running a drug enterprise and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Duane Peterson would provide the weapons, according to court records. Thats how I was introduced to Wonnie. Yes, Taylor said. The DEA is investigating a local rap music mogul who is accused of being one of the largest heroin dealers in the Midwest. One early afternoon, we were in bed sleeping and the US Marshals showed up in my front yard. Eventually Doc became a fugitive and was on the top 10 most wanted list. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. Feb. 2, 2018: A picture on Facebook showed Dionne Peterson with a handgun and an extended magazine putting his arm around Luther Peterson, police said. I was only, like, 20 years old and it was a whirlwind romance. He choked me, blacked (sic) my eye, bruised my arm while I was still in a cast.. He pleaded guilty in 2011 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and was sentenced to a year in prison. Investigators seized 1 kilogram of heroin, three firearms, $2,365 and three Harley-Davidson motorcycles, according to court records. In 1983 he was murdered outside La Players Lounge on Joy Road in Detroit. On our way, Pig told me we were going to pick up one of his homeboys. Inside, investigators found 6 kilograms of heroin. While Leo was the more outgoing one, Johnny was the guy working behind the scenes. Akia Brown declined comment and referred calls to her lawyer, John Royal. Akia Brown is a member of the (drug ring) and is instrumental in hiding and concealing the money that is derived from narcotic sales, DEA Special Agent Stephen Popp wrote in the court filing. Later that year, a Detroit News article reported an on-going investigation into Hills possible role in leaking information and taking a payoff from Curry to impede progress in the case of a gangland homicide that was allegedly pointing in the direction of Curry and his crew. Most of these connections were consummated the day Johnny married Cathy Volsan, a favored niece of longtime Mayor Coleman A. The references to drugs and and raids, however, are echoed in the DEAs overview of the investigation outlined in the federal search warrant document. Browns legal team denied allegations contained in the lawsuit, which is filled with references to violence, drugs and federal raids. The SWAT showed up, the helicopters were flying around, but the shooter got away. Although he admits to speaking with Cathy on the phone the day after the Lucas homicide, he denies disrupting the investigation related to the murder and taking any money to help shield Curry from harm. That IJU member hit one of the Impala occupants in the head with a handgun and said, This aint no m************ show, court records say. I went into a deep depression and started neglecting my duties as a parent. Davis was indicted in 2010 for his role in a multimillion dollar mortgage fraud scheme. An ex-Detroit Police officer's side gig just cost him his freedom: He was hauled off to jail Tuesday after a jury convicted him of being a drug dealer. Gang members shared information about plans and activities and distributed firearms to each other to carry out those plans, according to the indictment. ", Left Image:Brandi Davis at a 2017 fashion shoot got her lifestyle brand Freeprettygirls"(photo courtesy Brandi Davis). Oct 28, 2016 TRAVERSE CITY Prosecutors' recent efforts to target drug dealers who ship narcotics into the Traverse City area resulted in a lengthy prison sentence for a Detroit man. One of the most painful things to emotionally endure was when my dad and I were sentenced on the same day in court. 1 shot-caller for the entire non-Muslim Black prison. Defendants involved: Demarco Johnson, Maurice Johnson, Gary Johnson, Carlouse Johnson, Lanardo Johnson, Deantez Johnson, Janard Thomas, Michael Thomas, Dominique Jackson, Ricky Poole, Martin Battiste and Marquan Moses. The Detroit Drug Wars (Part 1) 9 years ago Scott Burnstein. In a calm, measured voice, confessed hit man Vincent Smothers sat in a Wayne County courtroom Monday and described how he gunned down a drug dealer who was sitting in a traffic jam more than 13. This account has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. But for some reason, she was attracted to drug dealers. maintained a delivery service to more easily connect with their patients also supplying home health aids in Paducah. When agents found the man, he had the same Nissan Altima linked three months earlier to Browns wife Akia. That is especially true when, like the Brown investigation, the probe spans states, delves into financial records and relies on informants, search warrants and wiretaps, said Jones Day law firm partner Louis Gabel. According to Curry him and Cathy met with Hill in his office the day after the Lucas murder and were informed that a member of Currys crew was the top suspect in the crime. Gary Johnson is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and distribution of controlled substances -- aiding and abetting, distribution of controlled substances. I thought men were supposed to take care of women like that. Mafia. The judge commented that this was a sad day for our family because not only was my mom losing a husband to prison, she was losing a daughter too. LOUIS, Ill. - A U.S. District Court judge sentenced an East St. Louis man to 16 years and six months in prison after he pled guilty to several drug charges for his involvement in a national trafficking ring as the Metro East St. Louis leader. Gatling, meanwhile, was BMF's St. Louis crew chief and a close advisor to Big Meech. By 1986, they were the only ones left standing. I brought in my dad and my stepbrother and we were off and running. Brown was a familiar face to Detroit drug investigators. Campside Media / Sony Music Entertainment, Suspicion | The Billionaire Murders: The hunt for the killers of Honey and Barry Sherman. Agents say Browns drug ring is responsible for distributing more than 440 pounds of drugs throughout the U.S. and amassed millions in cash, luxury vehicles, real estate and expensive jewelry. I was taken outside and handcuffed. Aug. 8, 2018: Duane Peterson had a stolen .40-caliber handgun with an extended magazine and talked with Dionne Peterson about law enforcements monitoring of their distribution in West Virginia, court records allege. It wasnt out of the ordinary, it was just how I grew up. BMB Records (is) one of Browns companies that he uses to disguise his involvement in drug trafficking, Popp wrote in the court filing. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents say they have seized at least one kilogram of fentanyl while investigating Browns alleged drug ring. Weekly Ad Shop Online Digital Coupons. The roots of the drug case date to 2012 and investigators have seized $550,000 in cash, 8 kilograms of heroin and the fentanyl. Detroit Drug Wars - The Curry Brothers (1970s - 2000s). The DEA informant traveled to the Bob Evans restaurant at the prearranged time and met with a man who handed over a green bag filled with $100,060. Rudy Davis, the precinct narcotics crew chief in the Detroit Police Department's 10 th Precinct. 5 0 obj His mom was dating Southwest T, Big Meechs brother. The detail was apparently asked specifically not to interfere with Johnnys activities. To see my mom crying and for her to have to go through that was a tremendous blow. Officials said the guns matched shell casings found at the scene. Between April 2015 at the latest through September 2020, the 12 men above possessed and distributed controlled substances, according to an indictment. The Colombo Welcome Home Committee Has Reason To Celebrate, Old-Timer "Joe Monte" Returns To NY Mob Following 30-Yr. Prison Bid. While there, the dealer sold drugs and collected money with another man. They all dated drug dealers. Mug shot of Adolph (Doc Holliday) Powell, arrested in Detroit in 1979 for the murders of William Jackson, Joanne Clark and Willie McCoy in what police described as a drug turf war. Brandi Davis, 36, grew up around the drug game in Detroit. The substances included mixtures and substances containing detectable amounts of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine, officials said. Then it was just accepted by everybody. Nov. 23, 2015: Luther Peterson sold heroin to an undercover officer in Jackson, officials said. Davis Drugs added a drive-thru window in the early 2000's for the convenience of. I was around Big Meech and Southwest T from a young age, but I never knew they were as big as they were when I was a kid. The informant told DEA agents that Brown was one of the largest heroin dealers in the Midwest and had accumulated millions of dollars in cash, luxury vehicles and expensive jewelry, according to court records. March 20, 2018: Duane Peterson talked to another IJU member about drug sales and how much money that member owed him, authorities said. Jan. 25, 2019: Dayquan Johnson told Davis he would pay for him to be released on bond, according to court records. Dionne Peterson, Deshawn Peterson, Luther Peterson, Dayquan Johnson and Davis are charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Underworld legend Doc Davis joined the Original Gangsters Podcast in studio! Brown would send the heroin to Alabama in vehicles equipped with a concealed or secret compartment , wrote Popp, the DEA agent. Reginald Gary Davis, described several years ago as "the main man in Detroit" drug trafficking Detroit is a hustling town and I was used to being around those kind of dudes. Some of the accomplishments included murder, assault and drug and weapon trafficking, the indictment alleges. The following winter, the Curry and all of their underlings pled guilty, with Johnny and Leo each getting hit with 20-year sentences, which they served a little more than half of. Original Gangsters, a True Crime Talk Podcast. Where is Johnny Curry Now? The most recognizable figure from the Curry gang proved to be Johnnys ace protg, Richard White Boy Rick Wershe, a teenage street prodigy with a fierce and flamboyant reputation he had earned by the time he was 15 years old. Duane Peterson and the other gang member split the $10,000, police said. I feel a lot of regret for what happened. The seizure did not send Brown back to prison, but he forfeited a 2007 Harley-Davidson Road King. March 22, 2016: Davis sold heroin to an undercover officer in Parkersburg, West Virginia, according to the indictment. April 3, 2018: Luther Peterson posted a picture on his Facebook account showing him and Dionne Peterson, officials said. Maurice Johnson is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and distribution of controlled substances -- aiding and abetting. I think about the heartache and pain that I've caused my family. Stay up-to-date on your favorite celebrities and news topics by signing up! My dad bought us fur coats and designer clothes. Also along for the ride was the familys baby brother Rudell Boo Curry, an eager lieutenant almost always at his older siblings sides, being groomed for a future leadership role. BMB Records owner Brian Peanut Brown also is responsible for selling heroin laced with fentanyl, the synthetic pain medication fueling the nations deadliest addiction crisis, according to court records that chronicle a sprawling drug investigation involving Browns wife, a girlfriend, millions in drug profits and a mansion with a secret Narnia room. DETROIT Feds have charged 19 Detroit men in connection with drug crimes, and in one indictment, they broke down how the Its Just Us gang initiated its members, operated stash houses, moved guns and drugs, and even gained control of restaurants and bars while creating a climate of fear on the east side. I grew up down the street from Marlon Welch. The Detroit News. Meech and his crew ended up doing it on a whole different magnitude, but it still felt normal. So did Murder Row. I went to private school. Dec. 12, 2015: Luther Peterson possessed heroin and $396 in Jackson, the indictment claims. My mom eventually took me aside and said "Look, bitch, you've got a son. Moses is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances -- aiding and abetting. When the gang started up in the late-1970s, like everyone else, the Currys sold heroin. Then, bullets started whizzing by and I hit the ground. Kash Doll, real name Arkeisha Knight, sued Brown and BMB last year, accusing him of welching on a $5,000 signing bonus. At Davis Food & Drug Pharmacies, we can help you with all your prescription and wellness needsall while saving you time and money. The run for Johnny and Leonard Curry atop the city's drug world came to an end in the spring of 1987, when the government indicted the Curry brothers and 18 of their foot soldiers in a racketeering case, with charges of mass narcotics trafficking and tax evasion dating back close to a decade. Gang members would also declare their affiliation with clothes that said Its Just Us or IJU, according to authorities. My problems went from state to federal. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. In Store . The 47-year-old Warren man has not been charged with a drug crime despite an ongoing, years-long investigation that was recently revealed when the government temporarily unsealed a federal search warrant affidavit. Wonnie wined and dined me and spoiled me like my dad used to. They were an odd coupling, said one former highly-placed member of federal law enforcement of Johnny Currys association with the teenage drug dealing wunderkind Wershe. Being supplied by local wholesale moguls Arthur AD Derrick and Sam Doc Curry (no relation), the Currys had an endless supply of powdery goodness that they cut and sold for an estimated $200,000,000 over the next three years. I picked up the money and plugged people with other people. She then talks about her rise to prominence as a drug dealer in Detroit before detailing the story of how the feds used a close friend of hers to arrest her and her ex-lover, JT.Lastly, she talks about serving out a nine-year prison sentence, making the transition from prison inmate to working her first "real job" at a car dealership, and the challenges of raising her son after having missed some very significant moments in his life, while she was behind bars. At Davis Food and Drug we have everything you need, and expect, from your local grocery store. During the raid, agents found heroin and fentanyl, a synthetic substance that makes smaller doses of heroin more potent. REPUTED HEROIN DEALER SENTENCED \ TO 45 YEARS FOR COCAINE SMUGGLING Detroit Free Press (MI) - Tuesday, September 22, 1987 . Eventually Doc became a fugitive and was on the top 10 most wanted list. They liked it that way. I moved back to Detroit and in with my parents. For example, IJU -- the initials of Its Just Us" -- correspond with the numbers 258 on a telephone keypad. That was fine by them. In 2015, Ohio led the nation with the highest-number of opioid overdose deaths with 2,698 for the second straight year, according to a study by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Investigations can be prolonged, especially, if there are money-laundering allegations involving cash, he said. My dad further reinforced this by telling me to never lower my standards. These guys laced them with lavish gifts and took care of them just like my dad took care of my mom. DETROIT - Feds have charged 19 Detroit men in connection with drug crimes, and in one indictment, they broke down how the "It's Just Us" gang initiated its members, operated stash houses,. We got busted in a sting set up by one of my drivers. Duane Peterson, Dayquan Johnson, Luther Peterson, Brown and another IJU member went to B.O.Bz Lounge in Detroit to confront the man and shot at him as he retreated from them, court documents say. Brian Brown agreed to deliver the money to the Bob Evans restaurant in the Detroit area, the DEA agent wrote in the search warrant filing. Wershe rise to fame blew peoples minds and created frenzied news coverage. 468K views 2 years ago DETROIT According to the DEA, Reginald "Doc" Davis and Duane Davis of Detroit, Michigan were the two largest H dealers in the United States over the period. The funny thing about that time is that a lot of guys who made major paper, guys like Little Man and Big Man, were considerably less well-known to the public than the guys who had these big personalities and were in all the headlines but didnt hold a candle to cats like the Curry boys when it came to hustling, Boyd said. Minus the flashy handle and juvenile preening, the press didnt want to write about the Currys. The 12 defendants are accused of concealing their distribution conspiracy, which included U.S. currency and communication over cellphones, according to court records. In November, U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds gave Brown additional freedom. My father actually tried to steer me away from that life. Receive all of VladTV's hard-hitting news in our daily newsletter, as well as our exclusive interviews. It is unclear whether the government has enough evidence to file drug charges against Brown, who has remained out of jail after federal agents obtained a search warrant to raid at least six homes and two banks. But even with organized crime Im speaking of the Italian and Sicilians they knew not to be too flashy.. Dec. 19, 2019: Poole possessed a Smith & Wesson .38-caliber firearm that was shipped and transported interstate, knowing he had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by more than a year in prison, court documents allege. To his credit, he was very business savvy for a kid his age. My dads business, which I really didnt know anything about until later, afforded me a lot of nice things early in life. Sept. 4, 2015: Deshawn Peterson possessed a handgun in Detroit, court documents say. We were moving, like, 60 keys a week. Sometime in or before 2014 through January 2019, Duane Peterson and Brown were among a group of people associated with an IJU racketeering scheme, according to authorities.