INDICTMENT INCLUDES SUSPECTED DRUG DEALER

An FBI Agent Says Man Threw About $90,000 Out Of His Car As He Fled

A man who allegedly fled law enforcement agents while cash supposedly
meant for a drug deal flew out of his car is one of 10 people charged
with being involved in a large-scale cocaine ring, according to
federal court documents.

Lonnie Slocum, 27, got away that June evening, but now he has been
named in an indictment unsealed this month that alleges the cocaine
and crack conspiracy existed for more than five years.

Slocum "pulled the green Cougar back out of the driveway, looked
straight at the (U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration) agent, and
then began to drive out of the area," according to an affidavit by
FBI Special Agent Matthew Gibson that was filed in June.

A task force agent followed him, and Slocum began to drive at a high
rate of speed, the affidavit says.

"Milwaukee Police Department squads then responded to the area, where
officers observed money flying around on the ground," the affidavit
says. The money allegedly was intended to be part of a 200-kilo
cocaine transaction.

Slocum, in his flight, also threw a toolbox out of his car, the
affidavit says. Investigators later found $83,215 inside the toolbox,
and $11,800 inside and around the abandoned car.

Three other men were busted for that June 9 deal. Julio
Rodriguez-Cruz, 29; Juan A. Martinez, 49; and Ruben Santiago, 29; all
pleaded guilty to cocaine conspiracy charges. U.S. District Judge
Rudolph T. Randa sentenced Rodriguez-Cruz to 210 months in prison,
and Santiago, whose role was described as relatively minor, to 70
months in prison. Martinez is awaiting sentencing.

"The primary purpose of the conspiracy was to accumulate money,
wealth and other assets through the transportation, distribution and
sales of powder and crack cocaine," the indictment says.

Also named were Arthur Armon, 27; Steven L. Barfield, 23; Kaveus
Taylor, 27; Sidney Wilburn, 27; Dameon Wyatt, 22; Brian Ford, 25; and
Sammy L. Watson, 29.

All were charged with crack and cocaine conspiracy charges.

Separate indictments charge Thaddeus Wyatt, 26, with cocaine and
crack distribution, and Dante Lamont Harris, 26, with distribution of
crack cocaine.

All of the defendants, if convicted, would face terms of 10 years to
life in prison.