11 arrested in Milwaukee, one on the run, after federal drug crackdown

United States Attorney Gregory Haanstad announced Wednesday that twelve people have been charged in federal court with offenses related to a conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine, using a gun in relation to drug trafficking, and money laundering:

37-year-old Torrence Harris, Sr.
51-year-old Terrance Hamlin
33-year-old Jerry Gray
37-year-old Clarence J. Bogan, Jr.
34-year-old Fontae Kelly
33-year-old Michael Davis
27-year-old Royel Page
34-year-old Joseph Davis, Jr.
35-year-old Terrence L. Jackson
41-year-old Phillip Edwards
42-year-old Kevin Williams
27-year-old Anyssia Z. Currie

All of the defendants live in the greater Milwaukee area. This case is a part of a long-term federal drug and money laundering investigation based out of Milwaukee.

The defendants are charged with various drug offenses, including: distribution of and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy. If proven that the offenses involved more than 100 grams of heroin, each defendant will face up to 40 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison. If convicted of using a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking, each defendant faces a five year sentence consecutive to any time imposed for drug trafficking.

Wednesday law enforcement officers arrested 11 of the above defendants. Torrence Harris remains at large. In addition to the arrests, law enforcement officers executed 14 federal search warrants in Milwaukee targeting members of this organization. Law enforcement recovered approximately 25 ounces of heroin, 33 grams of a powder that tested positive for fentanyl, five firearms, approximately $100,000 in United States currency, seven vehicles, and two kilo presses. Approximately 250 federal, state, and local officers participated in these arrests and search warrants.

In making today’s announcement about the federal charges, searches, and arrests, United States Attorney Haanstad stated: “The large-scale distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and other controlled substances presents an urgent threat to the safety and well-being of communities in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Today’s charges and arrests reflect our commitment to working with federal, state, and local law enforcement to protect communities from these harms.”

Milwaukee Drug Enforcement Administration Agent in Charge Robert Bell commended the collaborative and purposeful approach by state, local and federal law enforcement. “This heroin and cocaine distribution organization perpetrated firearms violence, in addition to fueling drug addiction in Milwaukee. Intelligence-driven investigations and federal prosecutions, coordinated with the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Milwaukee Police Department and other law enforcement partners, effectively stop criminal organizations in their tracks,” remarked Bell.

Attorney General Brad Schimel stated, “Heroin, cocaine, and other dangerous drugs are responsible for the destruction of countless lives in Wisconsin. Today’s takedown of major drug traffickers in southeastern Wisconsin is a big win for law enforcement, the community, and those seeking justice from the drug crisis our state is facing. The arrest of these high-level drug traffickers was only possible because of the incredible investigative work done by local, state, and federal law enforcement.”

Wisconsin DOJ, City of Milwaukee Police, Homeland Security, ATF, FBI, US Marshals, Wisconsin State Patrol, Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, Racine County Sheriff's Department, Waukesha County Sheriff's Department, Wauwatosa Police, Greenfield Police, West Allis Police and New Berlin Police all assisted in the investigation.

Share this article: