Jeanine Pirro Cracks Down: Major Arrests and Sentencings Signal New Era in D.C. Justice
Recently sworn in as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro has wasted no time delivering on her vow to clean up the nation’s capital.
In just the past week, Pirro’s office has announced a series of major arrests and convictions, demonstrating a sweeping effort to combat violent crime, drug trafficking, and public safety threats in Washington, D.C.
Highlights from the Week:
- Home Invasion Robbers Sentenced: Individuals responsible for the brutal kidnapping and assault of a woman in her home were handed down significant prison terms.
- Fentanyl Traffickers Convicted: Three men involved in distributing deadly fentanyl throughout D.C. were sentenced to federal prison.
- Armed Marijuana Dealer Jailed: A drug dealer found in possession of a machine gun was sentenced to 27 months behind bars.
- Father Convicted of Child Sexual Abuse: A jury found a man guilty of first-degree child sexual abuse involving his 12-year-old daughter.
And the crackdown didn’t stop there.
Last week, Jamiek “Onion” Bassil, 32, and Charles “Cheese” Manson, 34—key members of the notorious “21st and Vietnam” drug crew—were sentenced to 135 and 175 months in federal prison, respectively, for their roles in a fentanyl and crack cocaine trafficking conspiracy that plagued Northeast D.C.
According to Pirro, the pair also orchestrated a violent shooting in March 2024 near 19th and I Street NE. Bassil had pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 400+ grams of fentanyl. Manson, on the other hand, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime, and assault with a dangerous weapon.
Authorities say Manson was the gunman in the March 7 shooting that unfolded just steps from his residence. Wearing a ski mask and wielding a revolver, he allegedly opened fire on a passerby walking a dog, narrowly missing both the animal and its owner. Eight days later, he was arrested at the same location.
A search of Manson’s home revealed a Glock 17 loaded with 22 rounds, a pistol magazine, a box of ammunition, approximately 50 grams of fentanyl analogue, nearly 14 grams of cocaine, and assorted drug paraphernalia.
Meanwhile, Bassil was found to have sold around 80 grams of fentanyl to undercover agents during multiple transactions between January and March 2024, in addition to other illicit substances.
“This is just the beginning,” Pirro stated. “We’re sending a clear message: crime and chaos will no longer be tolerated in this city.”