Man sentenced to 15 years for role in Southeast DC drug trafficking network
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — A man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in a Southeast D.C.-based drug trafficking network, the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) announced Monday.
41-year-old Corenzo Mobery, aka “Snowman,” pleaded guilty on Oct. 16, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and other related charges. Prosecutors said that he was part of the “MLK Crew.”
He was sentenced on Jan. 31.
After 17 MLK Crew defendants were arrested, the area saw a 63% reduction in violent crime, according to the USAO. The group sold cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, PCP and marijuana.
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Targeting the limited number of people driving violence in our community—either because they are directly using violence or engaging in criminal conduct that is a magnet violence—is a tried-and-true, evidence-based strategy for combatting violence. The defendants operated a drug trafficking network that preyed upon the neighborhood where it operated. Immediately after these defendants were arrested, this neighborhood saw a substantial reduction in instances of violent crime. And, more than two years after their arrest, the neighborhood is still experiencing less violent crime than it was experiencing before their arrest. Those driving violence in other neighborhoods in our community need to know that we are currently working with federal law enforcement partners and MPD to ensure they are brought to justice, just as these defendants were.
U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves
Mobery will also undergo three years of supervised release after serving 15 years in prison.
“Criminal networks thrive in the shadows of our communities, preying on the vulnerable and perpetuating violence. The successful prosecution of Corenzo Mobery and his associates underscores the vital importance of safeguarding our neighborhoods,” said Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith. “By dismantling such networks, we create safer spaces where families can thrive, and children can grow without fear. Let this be a testament to the power of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the community in creating a brighter, safer future for all.”
Officials said that the MLK Crew’s trafficking also contributed to drug-related violence in the area, such as assaults, shootings, robberies and murders — most notably, the murder of a six-year-old girl who was the daughter of a co-defendant.
Mobery was indicted with 16 co-defendants, who have all pleaded guilty and received sentences ranging from 24 to 180 months.
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