North Charlotte Today

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King today announced the U.S. Attorney’s Office's initiatives to enhance community safety in Western North Carolina during the summer months, a period historically associated with increased violent crime. The efforts encompass federal prosecutions, partnerships with law enforcement and local communities, and prevention programs.

“We are closely monitoring a potential increase in criminal activity during the summer months,” said U.S. Attorney King. “My Office is fully committed to protecting our neighborhoods by identifying and prosecuting violent offenders, armed drug traffickers, and felons illegally possessing firearms, and leveraging the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to pursue charges against straw gun purchasers and gun traffickers."

King highlighted ongoing collaborations with federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement partners to identify cases for federal prosecution, provide essential training, and utilize technology to combat violent crime. Additionally, there is an emphasis on community involvement through partnerships with organizations and youth groups to develop prevention programs addressing violence causes.

Several indictments were recently issued as part of these efforts:

- **U.S. v. Jose Maria Quijada-Ortega**: A federal grand jury in Charlotte indicted Jose Quijada-Ortega for possession of a machinegun.

- **U.S. v. Allison et al.**: Desmoria Deoria Allison, Mustafa Dajron Howie, and Kinyona Jenae McClain face charges related to straw purchasing and illegal possession of firearms.

- **U.S. v. Jadarius Connell Potts**: Jadarius Connell Potts was indicted for dealing in firearms without a license and possession of firearms by a felon.

- **U.S. v. Wade Bolton**: Wade Bolton was indicted for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

- **U.S. v. Melvin Baylor**: Melvin Baylor was indicted for possession of firearms by a convicted felon.

In addition to prosecutions, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced sentencing outcomes for other defendants involved in similar offenses.

As part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the office collaborates with various stakeholders to address pressing crime problems through comprehensive solutions including training law enforcement officers and using technology like the Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) in Charlotte.

Victim support remains integral to their mission through services provided by the Victim Witness Unit which advocates for victims' rights throughout litigation processes.

Prevention initiatives have been launched or strengthened in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, community organizations, nonprofit entities, and school districts across Western North Carolina.

"We encourage everyone in our community to join us in these efforts," said U.S. Attorney King.

The defendants named in the indictments are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

For more information on these initiatives visit the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s website.