Reputed gang leader gets 12½ years in prison

A former street gang leader from Carpentersville and Crystal Lake was sentenced to 12½ years in a federal prison after a plea agreement Wednesday.

Abram Y. Perez, 26, also known as Doughboy, admitted guilt to a charge of the sale and distribution of cocaine under a deal reached with federal prosecutors.

He also will serve four years of supervised release after the prison term expires and pay a mandatory $100 special assessment, Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Chapman said.

The charge alleged that between June 26 and Nov. 6, 2007 a witness paid $650 for 18.86 grams of cocaine from Perez at his Carpentersville home on the 1800 block of Cambridge Drive.

Perez displayed various guns during five different transactions audibly and visually recorded. On one occasion, authorities said, he told the witness he had at least three gang enforcers who would retaliate against anyone who "snitched" on him.

Perez' name is a familiar one to Carpentersville police, which has arrested him numerous times on charges including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, mob action, possession of marijuana and possession of a controlled substance.

His most recent arrest in Carpentersville came May 23, 2008, for the possession and delivery of cocaine. He has been held in federal custody since.

Carpentersville Police Commander Tim Bosshart said the arrest was part of Operation Freewheeling Franklin, a joint effort with the FBI targeting 12 major street gangs.

"He's a dangerous guy," Bosshart said of Perez. "I'll probably retire before he gets out of prison."