PHILADELPHIA, PA — Two members of a violent drug trafficking organization in Northeast Philadelphia, Kelvin Jimenez, 34, and Dominique Parker, 33, were convicted on Tuesday of multiple charges, including racketeering conspiracy and murder, for their roles in a criminal enterprise responsible for widespread violence and drug trafficking in the Frankford neighborhood.
The organization, known as “SG1700” or “L-Block,” operated for years, distributing significant quantities of narcotics and using violence to enforce control over its territory. During the trial, prosecutors detailed Jimenez’s involvement in the murder of Kaseem Rogers and Parker’s role in the killing of Dontae Walker. Both defendants were held accountable for maintaining a “culture of violence” within their organization.
The group’s activities, which included deadly rival confrontations and threats against its community, also led to the tragic death of Philadelphia Police Sergeant James O’Connor. On March 13, 2020, members of SG1700 shot and killed Sgt. O’Connor during a SWAT operation to arrest gang member Hassan Elliott for a prior murder.
Elliott and another gang member, Khalif Sears, pleaded guilty earlier this year to racketeering and violent crimes connected to multiple homicides, including Sgt. O’Connor’s. Both are awaiting sentencing, with each facing life imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney David Metcalf described the case as a decisive action to dismantle SG1700 and deliver justice for their victims. “Today’s convictions send a clear message,” said Metcalf. “Those who endanger our communities, including law enforcement officers, will be held fully accountable.”
Jimenez and Parker are scheduled to be sentenced in July and face life in prison for their crimes. The investigation, spearheaded by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Philadelphia Police Department, has been credited with significantly disrupting the gang’s operations and improving public safety in the region.
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