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Seven drug thugs convicted, face big jail time

SEVEN MEMBERS of the "Harlem Boys," a violent drug gang that operated in the Bartram Village housing development in Southwest Philadelphia, were convicted by a federal grand jury Thursday and face long prison terms.

SEVEN MEMBERS of the "Harlem Boys," a violent drug gang that operated in the Bartram Village housing development in Southwest Philadelphia, were convicted by a federal grand jury Thursday and face long prison terms.

The men were part of a gang of 20 named in an 89-count indictment and charged with attempted murder in aid of racketeering, robbery, carjacking, assault and threats in aid of racketeering, drug and firearms charges.

The jury found the seven defendants guilty of violating RICO conspiracy laws and conspiracy to distribute 280 or more grams of cocaine. The trial lasted 12 weeks and the other defendants pleaded guilty.

Ramel Moten, 28, who authorities said was a supplier and distributor of illegal narcotics and lead gunman for the enterprise, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 100 years.

Others convicted were Reginald Stephens, 34, distributor of illegal narcotics and a gunman, as were Bryan Hill, 27, Warren Stokes, 28, Hikeem Torrence, 20, and Merrell Hobbs, 24. Khalil Allen, 34, was a distributor of illegal narcotics. They face 10 years to life.

"The convictions in this case should send a strong message to the violent drug gangs operating in this district," said U.S. Attorney Zane David Memeger.

"We will do everything in our power to dismantle these organizations and restore some quality of life to the citizens of the neighborhoods where they operate."