Judge sentences final defendant in 'Operation Blockbuster' to prison

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More than two dozen arrested in investigation into 'open-air market' for crack in Winchester

By Sally Voth -- svoth@nvdaily.com

HARRISONBURG -- The final defendant caught and tried in the drug investigation surrounding Cartwright's Recreation Center in Winchester has been ordered to serve nearly 13 years in prison.

O'Benson "O.B." Sesere, 28, of Belle Glade, Fla., was sentenced by Judge Glen E. Conrad in U.S. District Court on Thursday to 12 years and 10 months in prison, according to online court records.

Sesere was snared in Fort Pierce, Fla., late last year, the final defendant rounded up in the "Operation Blockbuster" case put together by the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug Task Force, local law enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Agency.

More than two dozen people were arrested three years ago in the investigation that centered on the "open-air market" for crack in the eight-block area around Kent and Kern streets, referred to as "the Block" in Winchester.

Sesere was convicted by a jury in August of conspiracy to distribute crack and three counts of crack distribution.

A Fort Pierce-based drug ring recruited dealers to distribute drugs in Winchester, Mike Schneider, resident agent in charge for the ATF, said after Sesere's conviction.

Several of the defendants in the case have had their sentences reduced, according to court records.

* Howard Harrison Felix, alias "Timothee Elvis," 31, of Winchester, saw his sentence reduced by a little more than a year to four years and nine months in prison. In a memorandum opinion, Conrad cites the U.S. Sentencing Commission's amendment to sentencing guidelines in crack cases two years ago.

* Jackson Millien, alias "Bird," of Winchester, had his sentence reduced from 12 years to 10 years and three months, also because of the commission's amendment.

* Sheena Nicole Curry, 24, of Winchester and, later, East Palatka, Fla., had her sentence reduced from 10 years and one month in prison to nine years in prison. The government requested the reduction because she testified against Sesere, court records say.

* Lionel "Boy" Joseph, 26, of Winchester, saw his sentence cut from 10 years to nine years in prison. He, too, testified against Sesere.