3 Seattle gang members sentenced to federal prison
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
01/15/10
SEATTLE — Federal judges sentenced three alleged gang members to prison Friday, part of a push by authorities to curb gang violence in the Seattle area.
Prosecutors say 23-year-old Thomas Callandret, 21-year-old Dimitrus Tinsley, and 23-year-old Avery Roberto Scharer are all members of the Black Gangsters Disciples. All three faced drug charges for possession of Crack cocaine and for attempting to sell BZP, a synthetic drug similar to ecstasy.
Callandret and Tinsley remain persons of interest in two deadly 2008 gang shootings in the Seattle area.
The men received prison sentences ranging from 1.5 years to six years in prison.
Prosecutor Vince Lombardi says Black Gangsters Disciples members have been involved with a feud with gangs from south Seattle, resulting in drive-by shootings and other crimes.