Niagara Gazette

Crime

March 18, 2010

CRIME: Federal charges for three Falls men

Staff Reports Niagara Gazette

NIAGARA FALLS — A pair of gang members recently picked up by Falls police and another city man are now facing federal charges.

James F. Ashley Jr., 21, of Niagara Falls, was arrested Wednesday on a federal complaint charging him with unlawful possession with intent to distribute marijuana and  unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Ashely’s facing five years in prison for the drug charge and five years in prison on the gun charge.

Aarmon “Murda Mook” Askew, 21, of Packard Court, was arrested Wednesday on a federal complaint charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine. If convicted, Askew faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

The federal complaint charges that Askew distributed cocaine base or crack in and around Niagara Falls from April through November of last year.

The complaint alleges that Askew’s name appeared in a journal seized by task force agents on March 12, 2009, following an investigation into the Bloods street gang in the Falls. According to federal agents, Askew was listed under “beef” which agents believe was a reference to Askew acting as an enforcer or someone who settles disputes with other gangs. In addition, Askew was listed as “Jukes” which agents believe was a reference to persons who did home invasions for the gang. The complaint also says Askew attended weekly meetings where he and other members of the Bloods turned in proceeds of their drug sales.

Askew was picked up by Falls police on the 1500 block of Pierce Avenue Tuesday night.

Cecil J. Mulkey, 19, of Jordan Gardens, was arrested Tuesday on a federal complaint charging him with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and the unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Mulkey had been sought by Falls police and ATF agents. Officer Jeff Grzeskowiak spotted Mulkey’s car Monday at Portage Road plaza. Grzeskowiak kept Mulkey under surveillance until additional officers were able to take him into custody in a more secure location.

United States Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. said the charges are a result of an intensive investigation into the drug tracking and recent shootings being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives under the direction of Resident Agent in Charge Francis J. Christiano and the Falls Police Department.

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