Gang Investigation Nets Multiple Arrests; 1 Suspect Still Wanted

BRADENTON, FL — A long-term investigation into gang activity in Manatee County has resulted in multiple arrests with authorities still looking for one suspect on an array of outstanding charges.

According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, its investigation into the street gang “Team no Sleep,” or TNS for short, began in January 2015. “The gang was involved in violent street crimes and drug trafficking,” an email from the agency stated.

Since the investigation began, the following people have been arrested, according to the sheriff's office:

• Larren Wade Jr., 40. Charges: Armed Trafficking in Heroin, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Crack Cocaine, and three counts of violation of probation.
• Reginald White Jr., 24. Charges: Conspiracy to Commit Murder and Conspiracy to Sell Heroin
• John Ethridge II, 25. Charges: Conspiracy to Commit Murder
• Tarvin Martin, 24. Charges: Armed Trafficking Heroin, Armed Trafficking Cocaine, Carrying Concealed Firearm, Possession with intent Oxycodone and Alprazolam, and Possession of Marijuana
• Paul Thomas III, 29. Charges: six counts of Sale of Heroin, five counts of Sale of Crack Cocaine and one count of Trafficking in Heroin
• Brenton Coleman Jr., 24. Charges: Armed Trafficking in Heroin, Trafficking in Heroin, Possession Of Firearm by Convicted Felon and Fleeing to Elude
• Herbert Brooks, 21. Charges: Armed Trafficking in Heroin
• Markeith Laws, 21. Charges: two counts of Sale of Heroin and one count of Possession of Heroin with Intent to Sell
• Dominick Day, 24. Charges: Trafficking in Heroin
• Dontay Henderson, 23. Charges: seven counts of Sale of Controlled substance and one count of Possession of Heroin with Intent to Sell
• Dorian Gilmer, 21. Charges: Sale of Fentanyl and three counts of Sale of Rock Cocaine
• Joseph Brice, 23. Charges: four counts of Sale of Rock Cocaine
• Larry Woodard, 21. Charges: Trafficking in Heroin
• Robert Cadet, 24. Charges: eight counts of Sale of Heroin and one count of Trafficking in Heroin
• Justin Pietarilla, 25. Charges: Felony Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Controlled Substance and Carrying Concealed Firearm

One person still has an outstanding arrest warrant, according to the sheriff’s office. Keith Brooks Jr., 27, is wanted on conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to sell heroin and violation of probation charges.

“During the investigation, detectives seized seven firearms, 109.5 grams of heroin, 30.3 grams of crack cocaine, 233.5 grams of marijuana, numerous pills and $6,000 cash,” the agency’s email said.

Anyone with information on Brooks’ whereabouts is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 941-747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS.

Photo of Keith Brooks Jr. courtesy of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office