Gang members enter court pleas

Three members of a violent street gang who fought security officers and rival gangsters to defend their drug-dealing turf pleaded not guilty Thursday to federal charges that include use of firearms and distributing controlled substances.

Ten members of the Playboy Bloods were arrested in all. Six were already in state custody on unrelated charges and one is scheduled to appear before U.S. District Magistrate Peggy Leen this afternoon.

Leen refused to release Delvin "D-Luv" Ward, 32, and Demichael "Mikey P" Burks, 24, because of their extensive criminal records and pattern of failing to make court appearances. She released Sebastian "Rock" Wigg, 31, with orders that he be electronically monitored.

Fred James "June P" Nix is scheduled to enter a plea today.

The Playboy Bloods primarily dealt crack cocaine in a housing complex known as the Jets. The complex formally called Sherman Garden Annex is located at H and Doolittle streets, according to the indictment unsealed Thursday.

During the course of the government's investigation, members were captured on video and audio tape selling crack cocaine to undercover informants. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Bliss said the government has about 25 video tapes showing hand-to-hand drug deals involving Playboy Bloods.

They used violence, including murder, to protect their enterprise and often faced off against rival gangs such as GPK, Rolling 60s, Piru Bloods and the Donna Street Crips. They also targeted security officers assigned to the housing complex, the indictment says.

"The conflict between the Playboy Bloods and the security officers arose from security officers' attempts to curtail the drug trafficking trade in the Jets by trespassing all those who did not live in the Jets neighborhood," according to the indictment.

Security guard Brian Wilcox was one of the Playboy Bloods' victims, according to the government. In January 2004, Wilcox was attempting to resolve a disturbance in the neighborhood. Sensing he would be better off waiting for backup help, Wilcox, 29, took off on his bicycle. He was shot in the back and later died.

Markette Tillman, one of the 10 arrested Wednesday, was arrested in connection with Wilcox's murder. Tillman, 26, is Burks' brother.

Leen detained Ward but agreed to hold another hearing on Nov. 10 to discuss his status. Ward takes nine different medications for illnesses including an enlarged heart and an infection on his brain.

Others arrested include Anthony "Akim Slim" Mabry, Jacorey "Mo-B" Taylor, Reginald "Bowlie" Dunlap, Steven "Stevie-P" Booth and Terrence "Seven" Thomas. They are scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 7.

Contact reporter Adrienne Packer at apacker@reviewjournal.com or 702-384-8710.