Just weeks into her role as interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro has already launched a powerful new campaign against serious criminal activity. Her swift action has sent a clear message — Washington’s streets will neither go unpoliced nor unpunished.
Crackdown on Major Drug Traffickers
On Thursday, Pirro’s office announced the sentencing of two high-profile defendants linked to a violent drug ring operating openly in Northeast D.C. The defendants, Jamiek “Onion” Bassil, age 32, and Charles “Cheese” Manson, age 34, were sentenced to prison terms of 135 and 175 months, respectively, for their roles in a fentanyl, crack cocaine, and firearms trafficking operation.
Pirro detailed that both men were tied to the “21st and Vietnam” crew, responsible for supplying drugs in the 2100 block of Maryland Avenue. Their criminal activities included:
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Bassil admitted to conspiring to distribute at least 400 grams of fentanyl.
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Manson pleaded guilty to distributing 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possessing a firearm in the commission of drug trafficking, and assault involving a dangerous weapon.
In addition, the pair were implicated in a March 2024 shooting that occurred between the 1900 and I Street NE. Emergency calls had come in describing shots fired at a dog walker, with Manson identified as the shooter. Pirro recounted the incident:
“Manson donned a ski mask, exited his residence, and fired a revolver at the passerby—fortunately, he missed both the dog and the individual,” Pirro said.
Officers later recovered a Glock 17 loaded with 22 rounds, a magazine, 50 grams of a fentanyl analog, nearly 14 grams of cocaine, and other drug paraphernalia from Manson’s apartment.
Undercover Operations and Fentanyl’s Deadly Toll
The two men didn’t just traffic drugs—they were repeatedly caught selling drugs directly into undercover sting operations. Between January and March 2024, Bassil reportedly sold up to 80 grams of fentanyl to undercover agents. Pirro emphasized that with just two milligrams of fentanyl potentially proving fatal, quantities measured in grams present a staggering public safety threat.
Manson, too, was convicted based on surveillance footage showing him distributing substances directly to buyers—bolstering the clear link between the drug market and violent crime in D.C. neighborhoods.
Pirro’s Bold Legal Agenda
Jeanine Pirro, a former judge and TV legal commentator, was sworn in recently and wasted no time demonstrating a tough-on-crime stance. Bassil and Manson’s sentencing was just one element of a larger campaign targeting violent and organized crime. Other recent actions from her office include:
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Conviction of a mother for felony murder in the death of her 16-month-old daughter.
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Arrest in a homicide that took place inside a D.C. jail.
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Guilty verdict in a kidnapping and strangulation case.
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Arrest for a murder in which the suspect allegedly dumped a body in a dumpster.
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69-month prison sentence handed to a felon for illegal firearm possession.
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Conviction of Taylor Taranto, a man who livestreamed threats involving firearms and a potential car bomb near National Harbor and NIST facilities.
The Taranto case was particularly alarming—on June 28, 2023, he livestreamed while driving a van, declaring he’d built a “detonator” and would target the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The van was stationed near the Wilson Bridge before he exited dramatically, suggesting a possible bombing scenario. He was later convicted on multiple charges, including federal firearms violations and transmitting false threats.
A Unified Message: Crime Will Not Go Unchecked
Pirro has made clear that her focus is not limited to high-profile cases, but to protecting everyday Washingtonians from violent crime, gun violence, and rampant drug activity. Her work has earned praise from community advocates and law enforcement alike, who view her prosecutions as a much-needed reset following years of rising crime.
Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office praised Pirro’s early successes, noting that the D.C. community “deserves justice, safety, and accountability.”
The Broader Impact on D.C. Residents
These cases go beyond individual accountability—they carry broader implications for public safety. The 21st and Vietnam crew ran an open-air drug market in Northeast D.C., contributing to a climate of fear, violence, and overdoses. By taking down its key figures, Pirro’s office hopes to disrupt wide-reaching criminal networks and restore neighborhoods besieged by regular gunfire and drug-related activity.
Even more, busts involving live-streamed bomb threats reflect how emerging online threats have become inextricably linked to physical violence and domestic terrorism. Prosecutors say the Taranto case should serve as a warning: online threats are real threats, and they will be met with real consequences.
Critics and Next Steps
Not everyone welcomes the hard-line prosecutions. Civil rights groups caution that aggressive law enforcement often leads to disproportionate sentencing, particularly for drug-related offenses impacting minority communities. Some argue that mandatory minimum sentencing laws tied to drug crimes leave little room for rehabilitation or judicial discretion.
In response, Pirro has expressed openness to nuanced approaches, stating:
“My office is committed to ensuring public safety while working with community programs and treatment initiatives. We’re targeting the worst of the worst, not nonviolent offenders.”
Nonetheless, as interim U.S. Attorney, Pirro has significant leeway and is expected to continue coupling large-scale criminal prosecutions with anti-violent and anti-gang strategies.
What to Watch Next
Residents and public safety advocates should expect:
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Ongoing drug trafficking stings, particularly targeting fentanyl peddlers.
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Federal prosecutions of gun crimes, including illegal possession or use in violent crimes.
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Continued monitoring of online threats, especially those targeting government or public locations.
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Possible expansions into gang-related prosecutions and racketeering to dismantle organized criminal enterprises.
Community partnerships—mental health, addiction recovery, and youth mentorship programs—will also be an essential component of Pirro’s vision to tackle the root causes of crime in D.C.
Final Thoughts: A Prosecutor on a Mission
In just a few weeks, Jeanine Pirro has established herself in Washington with a clear mission: restore safety, enforce justice, and reassert federal authority in neighborhoods plagued by drug violence and public insecurity.
From dismantling openly operating drug crews to shutting down broadcasted terror threats, her aggressive start sets a hardline tone. As her office ramps up prosecutions and offers community-based interventions, Washingtonians will be watching closely. This is not just a snapshot—it signals a new era in D.C. law enforcement, where swift accountability and public protection go hand in hand.
