Crips Gang Member Sent to Prison for Twenty Years

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Career Gang Unit obtained another conviction against a Crips gang member with seven prior felony convictions. Herbert Eugene Ewing, 51, was convicted of Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Cocaine in a Drug Free Zone. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Ewing must serve twenty years in prison without the possibility of parole.

In a plea colloquy before Judge Steve Sword, Assistant District Attorney TaKisha Fitzgerald explained to the Court that on January 2, 2018, Knoxville Police Department Investigator Brandon Stryker and other members of the Organized Crime Unit executed a state search warrant at 1531 Iroquois Street based on undercover purchases of cocaine from Ewing. During the search of the residence, officers discovered approximately seven grams of cocaine, a loaded .380 caliber handgun, and items of drug paraphernalia used to manufacture crack cocaine including mixing cups, whisks, razor blades, and digital scales. Ewing was read his Miranda rights by officers and admitted to possession of the cocaine with the intent to sell it and admitted to possessing the firearm. In addition to discovering evidence of Ewing selling cocaine, officers discovered evidence that Ewing also sold candy to children in the same kitchen where he manufactured crack cocaine.

“It is bad enough that drug dealers make money by preying upon addiction, but it is even worse that a dealer would expose children to that world,” said DA Charme Allen.

Ewing has seven prior felony convictions for violent and drug offenses including one Aggravated Robbery and five Aggravated Assault convictions. Ewing has also been classified as a member of the Crips criminal street gang.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.