Another alleged Heath Street gang member charged with drug offense

One alleged Heath Street gang member living with another alleged member of the gang was formally charged Friday for the drugs an ATF agent says investigators found in his room last month during a search originally aimed at the other guy as part of a sweep of some 40 alleged Heath Street members.

Ritchie Lafond, 33, was formally charged in US District Court with possession of controlled substances after a raid at an apartment at 2894 Washington St., "associated with Heath Street Gang member/associate De’vonne McDonald-Jones," according to an affidavit by an ATF agent on the case. McDonald-Jones himself faces RICO charges as one of the people rounded up last month.

According to the affidavit, agents found roughly 2.5 kilograms (5 1/2 pounds) of packaged marijuana, more than $240,000 in cash and a tan jacket containing Lafond's passport - as well as Rolex, Breitling, Movado, Cartier and Benny & Co., watches and "various pieces of jewelry," which the affidavit states "are consistent with the
proceeds of drug trafficking." Also found, in a bathroom: Nearly 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds) of cocaines.

Agents also found two guns, one loaded, and ammunition, but Lafond was not charged with those in federal court.

Innocent, etc.