The streets of Northeast Washington D.C. became a bit safer after Van Robinson, 44, was sentenced on narcotic and weapon charges, ending the "21st and Vietnam" crew’s years of violence and drug dealing. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro said, "Robinson was a key member of a crew that menaced our community around 21st Street and Maryland Avenue for years with its toxic mix of lethal drugs and random violence," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Robinson, known as "Boogie," pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Judge Beryl A. Howell sentenced him to 101 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, closing a chapter marked by brazen drug transactions and shootings in the neighborhood, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Robinson was under surveillance at an apartment linked to gang activity. On May 15, 2024, authorities searched his residence and seized a loaded Glock 27, 14 grams of suspected fentanyl, and drug trafficking materials, the U.S. Department of Justice reported. He is the twelfth member of the crew to be sentenced, with other members receiving 12 to 192 months in prison. The case involved the DEA, FBI Washington Field Office, and MPD, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrea Duvall and Solomon Eppel, as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
