The United States Attorney's Office

Western District of Michigan

Press Release

Contact:
BRIAN P. LENNON
ASSISTANT U.S. ATTORNEY
PHONE: (616) 456-2404

GRAND RAPIDS CRACK DEALER FACES LIFE IN PRISON

TUESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2008 - GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan – Dwight Jerome Latham, age 23, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was convicted late last Friday by a jury, following a five-day trial, of conspiracy to distribute fifty grams or more of cocaine base (“crack” cocaine). Latham faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

A federal grand jury charged Latham on September 27, 2007, with conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine during the time frame of 2005 through June 2007, and with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The jury acquitted Latham of the firearm charge.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Violent Crime- Fugitive Task Force and the Grand Rapids Police Department. The investigation originally related to some recent shootings by local gang members, including a July 2, 2007, drive-by shooting that resulted in the death of Daryl Thompkins at the Brick House Bar in downtown Grand Rapids. The investigation uncovered evidence relating to Latham’s drug trafficking activities with other individuals, some of whom were members of local gangs.

Latham had incurred three prior felony convictions: (1) possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance in 2001; (2) possession with intent to distribute an imitation controlled substance in 2002; and (3) fleeing and eluding a police officer in 2004. All three of these convictions were incurred in the 17th Circuit Court in Kent County, Michigan.

U.S. Attorney Charles R. Gross praised the coordinated investigative efforts of the FBI and the Grand Rapids Police Department. He also noted the importance of cooperation between federal, state and local law enforcement in addressing the growing problem of violent crime by gangs, including drug trafficking. “It was only through the tireless and coordinated efforts of the various law enforcement agencies that this case was successfully prosecuted. I hope this case sends a clear message to those who peddle dope to our children that there will be a high price to pay.”

Latham has been held in custody since being charged federally with this offense, and he was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal to await sentencing. The Court scheduled a sentencing hearing for April 2008.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brian P. Lennon and Phillip J. Green.