NYPD Takes Down 12 Drug Dealers in 76 Pct

After a six-month joint investigation by the NYPD’s Brooklyn South Narcotics Major Case Unit and the Major Narcotics Investigations Bureau, a dozen drug dealers were arrested in a massive sweep in Red Hook, announced Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes Wednesday evening.

"The OCCB Narcotics Bureau and the DA's office in conjunction with the continual assistance of the officers of the 76th Precinct and PSA 1, have concentrated and coordinated their efforts over the past six months to rid the Red Hook Development of the dangerous element that has pervaded their everyday lives," Captain Jeffrey Schiff told Patch. "It must be strongly noted that this important event has happened largely because of the concerned Red Hook Residents who drew a line in the sand and refused to tolerate those who preyed upon them."

Known within the bureaus as “Operation Red Dawn,” the bust targeted Rodney Brown, Jurmain Cecilia, Lydia Livingston, Rashime DeVaughn, Jenine Tunstall and Karen Vaughn, who sold cocaine, heroin and marijuana out of apartments "located in a half-block area centered at Dwight and Lorraine Streets," stated a release from the 76th Precinct.

No less than four search warrants were served in targeted locations, which yielded large quantities of cocaine, heroin and marijuana.

The busts also resulted in the further arrests of Clarence Gilliam, Sonae Ketter, Jeanette Mays, Jonathan Morris, Michael Singletary and Calvin Williams on possession charges. 

The six dealers face charges of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree and related sale offenses, stated police.

“In the last decade, cooperative efforts between the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, the New York City Police Department and the concerned citizens of Red Hook, all centered around the Red Hook Community Justice Center, the first of its kind in the nation, have resulted in significant reduction in crime and a vastly better quality of life for Red Hook residents,” said District Attorney Hynes in a release.

Detective Robert Negron and Lieutenant Kevin Carlton were credited with leading the investigation, while Assistant District Attorneys Timothy Gearon and Tara Lenich are prosecuting the case for the Major Narcotics Investigations Bureau. 

"We will continue to enforce the law and we have no doubt that we will succeed with the help of all those who share the desire to live free of drugs, gangs, and senseless violence,” said Captain Schiff.