Police Pay a call on the Adams Family

They're Creepy and they're cooky, Mysterious and Spooky

The open-air drug market at Cicero Avenue and Adams Street on Beat 1533 in Austin has plagued the surrounding neighborhood for many years. The area is a densely populated residential community bordered by a high-traffic truck route. At first glance, it appears that harmless neighborhood drunks are loitering on the corners, but further scrutiny reveals a flourishing narcotic trade.
Narcotics Investigation Section Team E-2, under the direction of Lt. Robert Cervenka and Sgt. Elaine McKinney, launched OPERATION ADAMS FAMILY on May 26, 2009. The interaction of drug sellers and supervisors directing workers and collecting money satisfies the requirement of a criminal drug conspiracy. The offenders used various rental cars to transport and deliver narcotics.
Undercover officers made 25 buys of white heroin and crack cocaine, conducted four narcotic seizures, three money seizures totaling $594 in cash, and captured two handguns. One of the narcotics seizures totaled 78 grams of powder cocaine. The police utilized video cameras, covert surveillance vehicles, and audio recording devices in gathering evidence against the conspirators.
This area is controlled by the Undertakers Vice Lords street gang. Twenty offenders were identified with OPERATION ADAMS FAMILY and most have extensive violent backgrounds. Since the inception of this operation, there were more than 30 aggravated batteries and one homicide (at 4922 West Adams Street).
On November 17, 2009, arrest warrants were issued for 20 offenders, including Carnell Ashford, 27, the alleged owner of the drug market, and Cadhal Tillman, 20, and Maurice Jefferson, 29, alleged managers of the site. Criminal Drug Conspiracy charges were approved for 12 offenders, 7 are charged with Delivery of a Controlled Substance, and one is charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance. Two juveniles were arrested in connection with OPERATION ADAMS FAMILY. Two offenders remain at large: Carnell Ashford and Maurice Jefferson. Persons with information regarding their current whereabouts are asked to call 312/746-7510. They may remain anonymous and all information remains confidential.
This roundup returns the 4800 & 4900 blocks of Adams Street to the law-abiding citizens residing there.

Persons knowing the whereabouts of any of the fugitives in this case are urged to call the Narcotics & Gangs 24-Hour Hotline:
(312) 746-7510

REP. LASHAWN K. FORD HOSTS 300 YOUTHS AT 3rd HEALTH CHALLENGE ON KING DAY

At JLM Abundant Life Center & Oak Park-River Forest High School

Students from Ronald McNair Elementary School participated in a day of educational & fitness events at Rep. Ford’s Annual Health Challenge. (Photo by Brad)


Rep. Ford rewards lucky raffle winners who completed all activities with new bicycles to continue their fitness regimens. (Photo by Brad)


AND HE’S OFF: Rep. Ford takes a spin in a unique 3-wheel cycle with hand controls. (Photo by Brad)


Rep. LaShawn K. Ford congratulates a young competitor at his annual Dr. Martin Luther King Day Health Challenge for children & teenagers in the 8th district. (Photo by Brad)

LESLIE LEWIS STUDENT RESEARCHERS EXCEL AT SCIENCE FAIR

Exhibitors in the Leslie Lewis School Science Fair, with Coordinators Edmond Holmes & Raymond Steinmetz. (Photo by Brad)

Students at Leslie Lewis Elementary School, 1431 North Leamington Avenue, investigated scientific phenomenon and documented their experiments for the school Science Fair. Coordinators for the Science Fair were Edmond Holmes, Science Teacher, and Raymond Steinmetz, Classroom Teacher.

NOTES FROM THE DEACON

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The show is not just for steppers, but also for fans and people who want to learn the art form that started in Chicago more than 80 years ago. There are now over 25 million steppers of all ages across America.
STEP ON IT offers marketing opportunities for all the businesses associated with the popular dance form (clubs, clothing stores, instructors, DJs, etc.) through sponsorship of the show. For information on advertising rates, call 1-888-725-0359 or email steponit357@yahoo.com. And, tell everyone to watch STEP ON IT!

Travel Light – THE DEACON

NORTH AUSTIN LIBRARY CELEBRATING AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY

In observance of Black History Month during February, the North Austin Branch Library is presenting The Art of the Cartoon, featuring Michael Burton, on Saturday, February 6, 1:00-2:00 PM. This program is free and appropriate for ages 8 and older. Learn how to draw cartoons. Reservations are requested for this free program. Call 312/746-4233 to sign up.

CHICAGO POLICE SEEK HELP IN SOLVING MURDERS OF 2 WEST SIDE YOUNG MEN

Chicago Police are urgently requesting assistance in solving two separate murders of young men on the West Side.
Brandon McCain was shot to death Saturday evening, January 30, at the corner of Central & Race Avenues, across the street from the Austin YMCA. Anyone with information is asked to make a confidential call to the Area 5 Detective Division at 312/746-8282. Callers may remain anonymous.
Romone Washington was killed Monday, February 1, at 1100 North Keystone Avenue. Commander Penelope Trahanas is asking anyone with information regarding the identity or current location of the offender to call the Area 4 Detective Division at 312/746-8252.