During the month of July 2017, detectives from the New Castle County Police investigated the Exit 4/Mag Boys Gang and other local gangs that have been plaguing the community of Edgemoor, according to M/Cpl. Michel Eckerd.
Eckerd said that the investigation revealed numerous gang members involved in firearms offenses and drug activity in and around Edgemoor.
The defendants were indicted by a New Castle County Grand Jury on Monday October 16, 2017. Those indictments remained sealed until last Wednesday (October 18), when New Castle County Police detectives were assisted by the Delaware Department of Justice and multiple city, county, state, and federal agencies in executing simultaneous search warrants and apprehending the defendants.
These searches resulted in the seizure of heroin, marijuana packaged for sale, marijuana plants, miscellaneous drug paraphernalia, ammunition, US currency, gang clothing, and other gang memorabilia, according to Eckerd.
“It is my sincere hope that those involved in criminal activity in our communities will understand that neither police nor law abiding residents will tolerate this nonsense,” said Colonel Vaughn Bond Jr, New Castle County Chief of Police. “We will continue to work together to improve the quality of life in this neighborhood and others throughout New Castle County.”
“We are working on several initiatives to strengthen the Edgemoor community, including investments in a new park and the intense involvement of our county police in quality of life issues,” County Executive Matt Meyer said. “This is a major step toward ensuring that this community is safe from the destructive combination of violence and drugs.”
“I commend the New Castle County Police in targeting the gang activity, guns and drugs troubling this area. These arrests are another step in making our neighborhoods safer and a reminder that people with guns will be held accountable,” said Attorney General Matt Denn. “I also recognize DOJ prosecutors Cindy Hurlock, A.J. Roop, and Michael Cooksey for their role in the investigation and prosecution of this gang.”
Arrested during this investigation were:
Damon Owens (27, New Castle) was charged with Gang Participation, Drug Dealing, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony and Conspiracy. Damon Owens was held at Howard Young Correctional Institution for failing to post $38,000 cash bail.
Stephen Jackson (19, Wilmington) was charged with felony Gang Participation and felony Drug Dealing. Stephen Jackson was held at Howard Young Correctional Institution for failing to post $8,000 cash bail.
Treasure Parson (18, Wilmington) was charged with felony Gang Participation, and felony Drug Dealing. Treasure Parson was held at Howard Young Correctional Institution for failing to post $48,000 cash bail.
Donte Richardson (18, Wilmington) was charged with felony Gang Participation, and two charges of felony Drug Dealing. Donte Richardson was held at Howard Young Correctional Institution for failing to post $13,000 cash bail.
Deja Warner (28, Claymont) was charged with felony Gang Participation and felony Drug Dealing. Deja Warner was released on 8,000 unsecured bail.
Khyon Bailey (25, WIlmington) was charged with felony Gang Participation and felony Drug Dealing. Khyon Bailey was held at Howard Young Correctional Institution for failing to post $13,000 cash bail.
Keshon Phipps (20, Wilmington) was charged with three counts of felony Drug Dealing. Keshon Phipps was held at Howard Young Correctional Institution after failing to post $18,000 cash bail.
Jason Gildersleeve (20, New Castle) was charged with felony Gang Participation, and two charges of felony Drug Dealing. Jason Gildersleeve was held at Howard Young Correctional Institution for failing to post $110,000 cash bail.
In addition, 3 juveniles were also arrested and charged as a result of the investigation. This investigation is ongoing and multiple fugitives are still outstanding.