TASK FORCE GARNERS 20 ARRESTS IN DRUG INVESTIGATION

Federal prosecutors declared they dismantled a major crack cocaine
distribution organization in the Florida Parishes with the arrests of 20
people on drug violations since August, including two arrested Wednesday.

Dubbed "Northern Exposure," the investigation began in April with a task
force composed of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents, Hammond
police and Tangipahoa and Livingston sheriff's deputies, according to a
statement issued Wednesday by the U.S. Attorney's Office in New Orleans.

The latest arrests Wednesday were of Michael Michelli and Kenyatta Pea,
ages and addresses unavailable, on multiple counts of distribution of crack
cocaine.

Their arrests are the result of a Dec. 21 indictment from a federal grand
jury in New Orleans.

Those two arrests bring to 20 the number of people arrested and indicted
during the first phase of this narcotics investigation.

U.S. Attorney Jim Letten said that task force agents purchased more than
200 grams of crack cocaine from Jeremiah Baham, the alleged head of the
drug organization, which agents said was headquartered in Loranger.

The organization consisted of Baham's brother, Albert Baham; Baham's
mother, Rose Baham; Jack Willie; Randall Smith; and Jimmy Cox.

They were indicted on federal narcotics violations on Aug. 31 and are
awaiting trial, Letten said.

Laurie Oschner, Bruce Wells and Jack Baham (no relation) were indicted and
await trial for unlawful use of a communication facility.

During this investigation, the task force seized more than $37,000 in cash
and several luxury vehicles from Jeremiah Baham, Letten said.

Agents on Oct. 9 arrested Kendrell Williams, Telly Dillon, Derrick
Henderson and Darrel Courtney and booked them with possession with intent
to distribute crack cocaine.

Agents seized about 240 grams of crack cocaine from a vehicle driven by
Courtney but owned by Dillon.

On Nov. 2, agents arrested Sam Michelli, Jeffery Michelli, Darrick Hayes
and James Hayes and booked them on distribution of crack cocaine in
Hammond. Jeffery Michelli pleaded guilty Dec. 12 and awaits sentencing.

On Nov. 5, agents arrested Tyrone London and James Diamond, both of Amite,
and booked them with possession of about 500 grams of crack cocaine after
agents received information that the men were traveling from Houston with a
large quantity of the drug.

Agents stopped their vehicle on Interstate 12 near Hammond and found the
crack cocaine resting on top of the engine block.