U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro Announces Major Arrests and Sentences in D.C. Crime Crackdown

Jeanine Pirro, the newly appointed Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, is moving quickly to make an impact. Sworn in only weeks ago, she has already launched a broad crackdown on violent crime, drug trafficking, and public safety threats in Washington, D.C.

Within her first week, Pirro’s office announced several significant convictions and sentences. Among them: robbers imprisoned for kidnapping and assault, three men sentenced for fentanyl trafficking, and a marijuana dealer with a machine gun receiving 27 months. In addition, a father was convicted of first-degree child sexual abuse involving his 12-year-old child.

Her office has also focused on dismantling drug networks fueling violence across the capital. One major case targeted the “21st and Vietnam” crew, which ran an open-air drug market in Northeast D.C. Two members, Jamiek “Onion” Bassil and Charles “Cheese” Manson, received federal sentences of 135 and 175 months.

Prosecutors revealed Bassil pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl. Manson admitted to distributing fentanyl, carrying a firearm for trafficking, and committing assault with a dangerous weapon.

Court records also tied Manson to a March 2024 shooting on I Street, NE. Wearing a ski mask, he allegedly fired at a man walking his dog, narrowly missing both. The attack is believed to have stemmed from a neighborhood dispute.

Pirro has vowed to prioritize dismantling repeat offenders and violent crews. She has made clear that tougher sentencing will be central to her strategy.

“We are sending a clear message,” Pirro declared. “If you endanger our neighborhoods or traffic deadly drugs, you will be held fully accountable.” Her early actions suggest a no-nonsense approach to restoring law and order in D.C.