A federal judge has sentenced the last two conspirators to decades in prison for their roles in a huge cocaine ring operating in a Kansas City, Kansas neighborhood.
The core members of the organization had known each other since they were teenagers and had sold drugs together for many years.
Marcus L. Quinn, 30, Kansas City, Kan., the brother of the ringleader, was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Willie F. Ford, 30, of Kansas City, Kan., was sentenced to 420 months. Both defendants have been convicted and sentenced to federal prison for prior drug crimes.
The first controlled purchase from Marcus Quinn in this case, dubbed “Operation Camera Shy,” took place Aug. 30, 2007.
During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that the group distributed crack cocaine mainly from houses the ring controlled around 20th and Longwood. The houses were located at 2636 N. 20th Street, 2632 N. 20th Street and 2635 N. 20th Street.
Quinn was convicted in a jury trial on four counts of conspiracy, one count of possession and five counts of distributing crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of Northwest Middle School.
Ford was convicted on two counts of conspiracy, one count of distribution of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of Northwest Middle School, and one count of using a cellular phone in furtherance of drug trafficking. In February 2001, Ford was sentenced to federal prison for possessing crack cocaine with intent to distribute. After serving his sentence, he was released in September 2004.
Co-defendants in this case include:
Mark A. Brooks, who was sentenced to 420 months.
Antonio Quinn, who was sentenced to 300 months.
Calvin D. Collins, who was sentenced to 292 months.
Steven L. Quinn, who was sentenced to 240 months.
Andrew J. Price, who was sentenced to 240 months.
Daniel Cardenas Garcia, who was sentenced to 170 months.
Keyaun C. James, who was sentenced to 168 months.
Lavaughn J. Brown, who was sentenced to 121 months.
Adrian A. Melendez, who was sentenced to 110 months.
Rocquel Jones-Quinn, who was sentenced to 84 months.
Janis Diggins, who was sentenced to 71 months.