The Hobbs Act was used in the indictment involving 15 defendants in a conspiracy to commit robberies of marijuana dealers which was just unsealed, revealing the group behind the death of 25-year-old Brandon Edwards in early 2011. Behind his death was a large interstate drug ring that operated between September 2007 and January 2011.
Up to 36 counts were filed against defendants Muhammed Hussein Muhammed, Daris Laron Bush, Davaun Taijiddin Jones, Isaac Brandon Reed, William Jason Cobb, Dominic Kelon Chatman, Johnny Pete Kelly, Reginald Edwards, Charles Lorenzo Young, Allen Robert Barber, and Gloria Young in a conspiracy to commit robberies of victims believed to be in possession of marijuana and marijuana proceeds.
The crew is accused of stealing marijuana from Phoenix area stash houses and reselling the drugs throughout the United State, primarily Georgia, Illinois and Minnesota. The crew committed at least 10 armed robberies of drug dealers between September 2009 and October 2010.
According to the indictment, the crew then “invested” the money in house and car rentals to further facilitate the enterprise. As a result, prosecutors allege that the crew violated the Hobbs Act, which entails the interference of commerce. The Hobbs Act prohibits robbery affecting interstate or foreign commerce.
Drug trafficking has become a major form of commerce in Arizona due to its proximity to Mexico.
The agencies involved in the investigation are ATF, DEA, IRS Criminal Investigation, US Marshals, and the Phoenix Police Department.