Essex Crime Boss and Crew Locked Up for Drug Plot
Three men have been slammed with hefty jail terms totalling 18 years, while two others dodged immediate prison with suspended sentences. The gang was busted and sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on Tuesday.
Supercar-Obsessed Drug Kingpin Arrested
The crooked crew was led by Steven Mann, a flashy 38-year-old from Great Leighs who lived large far beyond his means. Police were tipped off by his flashy lifestyle, including a fleet of supercars like a £100,000 McLaren 600LT and multiple Rolls Royces.
Mann ran his drug empire from his home on Gershwin Avenue, Witham, and owned a retail shop used as a hub where the gang plotted their dodgy deals. Officers swooped and found cocaine worth up to £24,000 hidden at the premises.
Gang Members Named, Sentenced
- Steven Mann, 38 – 8 years for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs
- James Lucia, 36 – 4 years 6 months, two counts of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs
- Jordan Newell, 28 – 5 years 3 months for conspiracy and possession with intent to supply
- Dean Newman, 31 – 2 years suspended, 300 hours unpaid work for drug supply involvement
- Billy Rice, 45 – 2 years suspended, 250 hours unpaid work for conspiracy to supply
Lucia was Mann’s main runner before Newell took over street duties. Newman worked under Newell, while Rice supplied users on the ground.
Police Praise Complex Probe, Essex Safer Now
“This investigation was extremely complex,” said Detective Superintendent Lee Morton of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate. “Mann did everything he could to sabotage the operation, sitting above the others to distance himself from criminal activity.”
“But our team proved his significant involvement through solid evidence. This group had no qualms about exploiting vulnerable people in Essex for profit. Thanks to our work, the county is safer today.”
