Delaware police arrest 11 in Edgemoor gang investigation

New Castle County Police have arrested 11 members of the Exit 4/Mag Boys Gang after a four month investigation into heroin and marijuana sales in Edgemoor.

Eight adults and three juveniles were indicted by a grand jury in Wilmington on Monday, October 16. The indictments were sealed until last Wednesday when county police along with city, state and federal agencies executed simultaneous search warrants and arrested the defendants.

“It is my sincere hope that those involved in criminal activity in our communities will understand that neither police nor law abiding residents will tolerate this nonsense,” said Col. Vaughn Bond, chief of police.

In addition to heroin and marijuana, officers also seized ammunition, cash, gang clothing and other gang memorabilia.

County Executive Matt Meyer said the investigation and arrests will support ongoing efforts to improve the community.

“We are working on several initiatives to strengthen the Edgemoor community, including investments in a new park and the intense involvement of our county police in quality of life issues,” Meyer said. “This is a major step toward ensuring that this community is safe from the destructive combination of violence and drugs.”

Those arrested include:

• Damon Owens (27, New Castle) was charged with gang participation, drug dealing, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and conspiracy. Owens was held at Howard Young Correctional Institution for failing to post $38,000 cash bail.
• Stephen Jackson (19, Wilmington) was charged with felony gang participation and felony drug dealing. Jackson was held at Howard Young Correctional Institution for failing to post $8,000 cash bail.
• Treasure Parson (18, Wilmington) was charged with felony gang participation and felony drug dealing. Parson was held at Howard Young Correctional Institution for failing to post $48,000 cash bail.
• Donte Richardson (18, Wilmington) was charged with felony gang participation, and two charges of felony drug dealing. Richardson was held at Howard Young Correctional Institution for failing to post $13,000 cash bail.
• Deja Warner (28, Claymont) was charged with felony gang participation and felony drug dealing. Warner was released on 8,000 unsecured bail.
• Khyon Bailey (25, WIlmington) was charged with felony gang participation and felony drug dealing. Bailey was held at Howard Young Correctional Institution for failing to post $13,000 cash bail.
• Keshon Phipps (20, Wilmington) was charged with three counts of felony drug dealing. Phipps was held at Howard Young Correctional Institution after failing to post $18,000 cash bail.
• Jason Gildersleeve (20, New Castle) was charged with felony gang participation, and two charges of felony drug dealing. Gildersleeve was held at Howard Young Correctional Institution for failing to post $110,000 cash bail.

Three juveniles were also arrested and charged as a result of the investigation. Police said the investigation is still ongoing and there are multiple fugitives still wanted.