Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Agents Arrest Alleged Members Of Jackson Gang
15 Suspects Part Of Drug Operation, Police Say JACKSON, Mississippi -- The Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics has arrested 15 people the agency says are members of a Jackson street gang responsible for a major drug operation.

Among those arrested and jailed without bond is Marcell Martin, , 27, of Jackson, a convicted felon with a long criminal record that includes two murder charges. Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics chief Frank Melton said Martin's brother, Maurice Martin, 24, of Jackson, is head of the gang. Maurice Martin was arrested on federal drug charges earlier this month.

Those arrested are accused of being part of the Cohea Street gang. They face felony charges that include drug distribution, kidnapping, aggravated assault, witness tampering and obstruction of justice.

Melton said some of the suspected gang members are accused of beating a man whom they thought had supplied information about them to the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.

The arrests began in July.

When agents arrested Marcell Martin, they allegedly seized two .357 Magnum handguns, a .32-caliber revolver, two SKS assault rifles, a .308-caliber rifle, marijuana and several rounds of ammunition in a raid at a Jackson, Mississippi home.

In 1996, Marcell Martin pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact to manslaughter in the June 26, 1995, shooting death of Aubrey Lee Humphrey. He was sentenced to five years in prison. He initially was charged with murder.

Mississippi Police also charged Marcell Martin with murder in the Jan. 28, 1995, drive-by shooting of Cornelius Boyland, but the charge was not pursued after a witness recanted.