August 7, 09

NEWS / Crips Member Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison on Racketeering Charge

WICHITA , KN—Mario Hutton, 35, Wichita, has been sentenced to 96 months in federal prison on racketeering charges, U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch said today.

In February 2009, Hutton pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity in violation of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO), and one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. In his plea, Hutton admitted that as a member of the Crips street gang in Wichita he took part in a conspiracy to preserve, protect and expand the power of the gang through unlawful activities. He became associated with the gang in 1990 and took part in its activities through 2007. As an associate, he sold crack cocaine to both members of the Crips and non-members.

Hutton was arrested on Aug. 24, 2006, and again on Jan. 6, 2007. In both cases he was found in possession of crack cocaine.

Other defendants charged in the case with Hutton include:

Elton Profit, who was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison.

Jermall Campbell, who was sentenced to 64 months.

Junian Johnson, who was sentenced to 60 months.

Marteaus Carter, who was sentenced to 120 months.

Sycarr Greenley, who is set for sentencing Aug. 26, 2009.

Calvin Williams, who is set for sentencing Aug. 26, 2009

Lonnie Wade, who is set for sentencing Sept. 2, 2009.

Welch commended the Wichita Police Department for leading the federal investigation. The police department’s Cold Case Task Force also included members from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; Housing and Urban Development - Office of Inspector General; Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office; the U.S. Marshal Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Also assisting with the investigation were the Kansas Department of Health and Human Services; the state Bureau of Alcohol Beverage Control; the Kansas Attorney General’s Office; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office and other agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley prosecuted the case.

http://kansascity.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel09/kc080609.htm