Eight individuals were indicted by a federal grand jury in Bay City, Michigan, on July 12, 2006, relating to charges of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, distribution of crack cocaine and use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking crime, United States Attorney Stephen J. Murphy announced today. The indictment was sealed by court order until today. Named in the 25-count indictment were:

Roxie Burton, Jr., 27
Damarlin M. Beavers, 22
Terry J. Burt, 27
Jason D. Lee, 25
Gerald J. Walker, 23
George E. Trice, 24
Thomas N. McCray, 25 and
Angelis C. Beavers, 37.

All eight individuals are residents of Saginaw.

Murphy was joined in the announcement by Special Agents in Charge Valerie J. Goddard of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Daniel D. Roberts, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The indictment charges that from an unspecified time in the past to approximately June 14, 2006, these individuals conspired to distribute crack cocaine in the Saginaw area, primarily in a portion of the City commonly known as the South Side or the Sunnyside. The indictment also charges specific crack cocaine distributions, the use of telephones to facilitate the drug conspiracy and felon in possession of firearms and possession of firearms during and in relation to a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime.

Murphy stated, “Crack destroys its users, their families, and their neighborhoods. We will spare no effort in pursuing the purveyors of this pernicious drug, disrupting their trade, and eliminating their organizations. I commend the excellent local - federal law enforcement team that conducted this investigation.”

Goddard stated, "This indictment highlights the significance of our effort to remove predatory drug dealers and armed convicted felons from our streets. Our combined law enforcement effort in reducing violent crime in the Saginaw area remains a top priority.”

Roberts stated, "We want to send a message to the community that this type of activity committed by violent street gangs will not be tolerated and we will continue to prioritize and aggressively investigate violent street gang activity." The FBI was proud to have partnered with the Michigan State Police, the Saginaw City Police, the Saginaw County Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in the investigation of this violent street gang.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case was investigated by special agents of the ATF and the FBI in partnership with the Michigan State Police and the Saginaw area police agencies with officers assigned to the Bay Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (BAYANET). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Hluchaniuk.