A Dallas gang member has been sentenced to more than 37 years in federal prison following his conviction on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
Jamarian Hewitt, 39, a member of the Four-Deuce Oakland Crips, was sentenced Wednesday to 447 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Brantley Starr.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, a federal jury convicted Hewitt in April of possession with intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, using a communication facility to facilitate a drug felony, and conspiracy to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance.
The conviction followed an investigation launched in January 2024 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), known as “Operation Blue Laces.”
Federal agents began investigating criminal activity along the Malcolm X Boulevard corridor after residents and business owners reported threats and intimidation by members of the Four-Deuce Oakland Crips.
Investigators identified several storefronts allegedly used by gang members to store firearms and distribute drugs. A section of Casey Street, known as the “Dead End,” was also identified as an open-air drug market operating around the clock.
Trial evidence showed that Hewitt operated a storefront called “Exotic Pop South Dallas” where he distributed cocaine, methamphetamine, codeine, prescription pills, and marijuana.
During an October 2024 search of the business, authorities recovered approximately one kilogram of mixed drugs.
A separate search of Hewitt’s residence uncovered an additional 14 pounds of marijuana, prescription pills, and ammunition.
At sentencing, prosecutors presented Hewitt’s criminal history, which included convictions for money laundering, drug distribution, firearm possession, assault, and aggravated promotion of prostitution of a minor.
Hewitt was also on felony probation in Kaufman and Tarrant counties and out on bond in Dallas County while participating in the drug conspiracy.
“For years, residents along the Malcolm X corridor lived with the fear and lawlessness that this defendant and his gang helped create,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “Hewitt turned a storefront into a hub for drugs and guns, all while on probation and out on bond. Today’s sentence of more than 37 years sends a clear message: those who terrorize our neighborhoods with drugs and firearms will face serious federal consequences.”
To date, 12 defendants linked to the Four-Deuce Oakland Crips have been convicted of federal offenses through Operation Blue Laces, including drug conspiracy, firearms violations, and carjacking.
The investigation was conducted by ATF’s Dallas Division and the Dallas Police Department as part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative targeting violent crime and criminal organizations.
