Vice Lord Cocaine Dealer Convicted

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Career Gang Unit obtained another conviction against a member of the Vice Lords criminal street gang who is already serving thirty-nine years for other cocaine dealing offenses. Ziberia Marico Carero, 37, was convicted of Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine. Judge Steve Sword set the case for sentencing on March 31.

In a two-day trial, Assistant District Attorney Phil Morton explained to the jury that on April 20, 2011, Knox County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Investigators Adam Mitchell and Chris Bryant conducted a traffic stop on Carero’s vehicle and discovered approximately ten grams of crack cocaine. Carero has previously been convicted of selling cocaine to an informant working with the Knoxville Police Department and possessing cocaine for resale. Additionally, Carero previously testified about his involvement in the Vice Lords criminal street gang.

Carero is facing between twelve and twenty years in prison for this newest conviction. In addition to finding Carero guilty, the jury assessed a fine in the amount of $50,000. At sentencing, prosecutors will seek an enhanced sentence due to Carero’s gang affiliation and prolific cocaine dealing in this community.

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.