Fourteen Charged in Cocaine Trafficking Near Washington, D.C. School

Fourteen individuals have been charged in connection with a cocaine trafficking operation near Hendley Elementary School in Washington, D.C. The federal indictment alleges that the suspects conspired to distribute over 280 grams of cocaine base and 500 grams of cocaine within 1,000 feet of the school. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated that the drug sales occurred in the presence of children, raising concerns about their safety and the normalization of illegal activities. The suspects were arrested as part of a two-year investigation, which also led to the recovery of firearms and various drugs, including crack cocaine and fentanyl. Authorities executed multiple search warrants and made arrests across Washington, D.C., and Maryland, targeting a violent street gang involved in drug and gun trafficking. Pirro indicated plans to propose new legislation to address child endangerment in relation to drug sales near schools.