FBI takes down Irish Mob drug suppliers, according to charge
The FBI has taken down key drug suppliers for the Irish Mob, disrupting a lengthy “delivery chain” for the Oklahoma-based prison gang, according to a federal charge made public this week.
A recent investigation into the Irish Mob revealed a “sprawling drug trafficking organization” stretching from Oklahoma through Kansas, on to California and finally into Mexico, the FBI reported.
Oklahoma City federal prosecutors have charged 36 individuals in a drug conspiracy related to the alleged distribution of methamphetamine between January and September.
Those charged include drug suppliers, highranking, incarcerated members of the Irish Mob and non-incarcerated individuals carrying out the “day-to-day operations” of the alleged conspiracy, an FBI special agent reported in a court affidavit.
“The success of the Irish Mob drug trafficking endeavor is dependent on this incarcerated leadership having a reliable source of supply — one that can consistently provide the organization with drugs for resale,” the agent reported.
That source was identified as Rogelio Velasquez, 41, according to the affidavit.
“The epicenter of this conspiracy is Velasquez, a Kansas-based source of supply. Velasquez is a principal supplier of drugs for the leadership of the Irish Mob,” the agent reported.
Another drug supplier was identified as Jorge Antonio Medina Escarsiga, 44, who imports drugs to California, according to the affidavit.
The charge identifies five high-ranking members of the Irish Mob incarcerated at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester.
“Nevertheless, they are operating an extensive drug conspiracy in Oklahoma City and elsewhere by using contraband cellphones,” the agent reported.
Those five charged are Dillan Hager, 29; Johnny Ross, 25; Travis Richards, 26; Randall Crockett, 28; and Chad Burden, 43. The men are in prison for a variety of offenses, the most severe being murder and manslaughter.
Hager pleaded guilty in 2012 in Woodward County to second-degree murder related to a fatal assault.
He is serving a 20-year prison sentence.
Richards pleaded guilty in 2015 in Oklahoma County to first-degree manslaughter related to a deadly shooting. He is serving a 15-year prison sentence.
Velasquez and his associates also provide drugs to the Southside Locos gang, according to the affidavit.
A joint investigation by the FBI, IRS and Oklahoma City Police Department led to the criminal charge against the 36 individuals. Investigators indicated they uncovered the alleged conspiracy through undercover officers, cooperating defendants, recorded telephone calls and various types of surveillance.