Three indicted for slinging crack in Riverhead

Three Riverhead men — including one who worked as a janitor for Riverhead schools — were indicted on drug-related charges, Suffolk District Attorney Thomas Spota announced Wednesday.

The arrests stemmed from an investigation by the DA’s East End Drug Task Force which began in January 2010.

Investigators said Troy “Troy-T” Trent — who worked at Pulaski Street School as a janitor — and Joseph “Slick” Gilliam, who is unemployed, would supply powdered and crack cocaine to street level dealer Ramon “Pamp” Overton.

During the investigation Mr. Overton, 41, of Franklin Street, allegedly sold crack to an undercover cop four times between January 2010 and February 2010.

A search warrant was executed at Mr. Overton’s Franklin Street home earlier this month where task force detectives found three 12 gauge pump-action shotguns and a rifle. Mr. Spota said Mr. Overton cannot legally own firearms due to a previous felony conviction. Detectives also found two ounces of cocaine, a small quantity of crack and scales.

Mr. Overton, 41,  was charged with second-degree conspiracy, four counts of third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, six counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, four counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and one count of second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia.

Mr. Trent was charged with second-degree conspiracy and is being held in lieu of $25,000 cash bail. Mr. Gilliam is charged with second degree conspiracy and incarcerated in lieu of $10,000 cash or $25,000 bond.

“Evidence gathered during the investigation established defendants Trent and Gilliam supplied cocaine to Overton who, as the indictment details, was an active street-level crack dealer in Riverhead,” Mr. Spota said.  “Surveillance and other evidence established Overton sold crack at locations on Segal Avenue and in public parking lots on Route 58.” Mr. Spota did not specify which parking lots where the drugs were sold.

A DA spokesman said the indictment was unrelated to the 23 drug and gang related arrests announced earlier this month.