Bronx Crime Watch: Williamsbridge Drug Gang Indicted

A Bronx grand jury indicted 40 supposed drug dealers last week in connection to a massive cocaine-selling scheme in Williamsbridge, according to the Bronx District Attorney's office.

Police had been watching the group for over two years, in an investigation that sounds like something straight out of "The Wire," complete with undercover drug buys and taped telephone conversations.

The dozens charged stand accused of selling seven kilograms (that's over 15 pounds, or $250,000 worth) of crack cocaine a week, setting up shop along White Plains Road, between 211th and 241st Streets.

Two men believed to be the masterminds behind the enterprise--Sean “Showboy” Nelson, 31, and Jason Weir, 27, both of the Bronx--face the most serious offense of the group and a mandatory life prison sentence if convicted.

Bronx News Roundup, June 23

Weather: Foggy and 71 degrees at the moment, with scattered thunderstorms predicted.

Story of the Day: Kemba Walker Ready for His NBA Close-up
Soundview native Kemba Walker, who was launched into basketball stardom after leading his UConn Huskies to a national championship this spring, is expected to be a lottery pick in tonight's NBA draft, telling the Hartford Courant that he's "excited, nervous, ready." He could join any of five teams--Charlotte, Detroit, Toronto, Sacramento and Utah. "It's a dream come true no matter where I am selected," Walker told the paper.

"The Bronx, and all of New York City really, will smile knowingly and burst with pride," tonight, the NY Post's Steve Serby writes. Good luck, Kemba!

Quick Hits:

In other news related to talented Bronx athletes: North Riverdale Little Leaguer Sean Gallagher, 9, pitched a perfect, 8-inning game last week. 

Bronx News Roundup, Aug. 23

We'll start this week off with the story of an uplifting fundraiser held by Love Gospel Assembly Church, which was gutted in a four-alarm fire in July, at Lehman College on Saturday. The event was attended by Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and State Senator Pedro Espada Jr., who both vowed to help the church rebuild.

Speaking of Espada, the NY Post reports that the Senate Majority Leader failed to disclose campaign spending for at least two food giveaways -- one on Reservoir Avenue and one across the street from St. Brendan's Church in Norwood. A spokesman for Espada said the spending would be disclosed during the next filing period. Espada has racked up tens of thousands of dollars in campaign finance violations over the years.

More than a dozen school workers, including at least two in the Bronx, have been terminated since 2009 for falsifying excuses for missing work.

State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. has spent more than $16,000 to maintain a fleet of seven campaign vehicles that ride around his district, "blaring music" and spread the "Vote for Diaz" message. Diaz says he is a master at "street campaigning." His opponent in the upcoming primary, Charlie Ramos, says he'll be going be going to door-to-door, talking to voters.

A funeral was held for Tashawn Bromfield, the 16-year-old from Connecticut who was killed in the Bronx last weekend.

Preservationists are planning to protest the city's plan to cut down 73 trees on Pelham Parkway. The city says it needs to cut down the trees to install new guardrails and other safety measures.

To culminate HOPE week, the Yankees surprised Bronx sisters Johanna and Melinda Arias.

Cops nabbed a Bronx gunman who fired at them in Williamsbridge on Saturday.

Bronx News Roundup, May 17

A little late with the roundup today, but never fear, here's some Bronx news to get you through the afternoon.

Two off-duty NYPD officers were killed in a car crash on the Bronx River Parkway Sunday morning while driving four women home after a party. The four women survived, but were critically injured.

A fifteen-year-old Bronx boy was found stabbed to death in a building on Bouck Avenue after his involvement in a dispute Saturday night.

Politicians and straphangers put the MTA on the spot after exposing the fact the most of the pricey security cameras installed in subway stations aren't working.

Former NYPD Commissioner Bernard Kerick heads to prison today to begin his 27-33 month sentence.

The family and friends of the the two teenagers who were killed in a shooting last weekend gathered together with the Stop the Violence Coalition and other Bronx residents for a rally against gun violence in Claremont Park Saturday.

A wild car chase in Williamsbridge ended tragically when the driver who was being pursued was shot to death, early Saturday morning.