NORFOLK – Five local men were indicted on drug trafficking and firearms charges related to gang activity.

Dominique Raeshawn Kindred, 20, of Franklin; Alexander Howard Olds, 22, of Franklin; Brandon De’Shun Cary, 26, of Franklin; Torrance Jamar Bowers, 23, of Ivor; and Jovar Smith, 22, of Franklin; were indicted on conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a crack cocaine as well as distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, cocaine, and marijuana. The men were also indicted on possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a stolen firearm charges. All defendants face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, according to a statement from the United States Attorney’s Office.

According to the indictment, beginning in the summer of 2007, Kindred allegedly led a criminal organization that distributed crack, powder cocaine and marijuana in the Franklin area.

The group is accused of being heavily armed and using firearms to further the conspiracy and to exact retribution on rivals, according to the statement.

The statement said that after one shootout that took place in a residential area, Kindred’s vehicle was abandoned in the middle of the road with fresh blood and a firearm inside. Several nearby structures were hit with bullets during the incident.

At the time of Kindred’s arrest on July 6 court records indicate that a stolen .45 caliber handgun and nearly $36,000.00 were allegedly recovered from his home, along with crack cocaine and ecstasy, according to the statement.

This case was investigated by the FBI, Franklin Police Department, and Safe Streets Peninsula Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Laura M. Everhart is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.