Pubdate: Tue, 09 Apr 2002
Source: New York Post (NY)
Copyright: 2002 N.Y.P. Holdings, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.nypost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/296
Author: Kati Cornell Smith

DRUG THUG MAY GO ON TRIAL FOR HIS LIFE: FEDS

An alleged drug-ring kingpin could face the death penalty if convicted of 
gunning down a potential witness who was set to testify against a cohort, a 
federal judge revealed yesterday

If Emile Dixon goes to trial, it would be the third time in 10 years the 
feds in the Eastern District seek capital punishment, prosecutors said.

Despite the seriousness of his situation, Dixon, who is in his 30s, 
appeared unfazed in Brooklyn federal court yesterday - waving to his 
girlfriend and toddler son, Chadeele, as defense lawyers discussed his case 
with Judge Raymond Dearie and Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela Chen.

"There is probably some denial going on," his lawyer, Ephraim Savitt, said 
outside of court.

Dixon, a leader of the "Patio Crew," allegedly fired a machine gun into a 
car on Linden Boulevard on July 26, 2000, killing Robert Thomas and 
wounding Thomas' brother.

Defense lawyers said Thomas also was a member of the Patio Crew, which 
allegedly deals in crack and cocaine.

Prosecutors say Thomas was the target of an earlier murder attempt by 
another ringleader, Humphrey "Fat Head" Stewart, and was poised to testify 
against him. Stewart and Dixon - a father of three - both pleaded not 
guilty yesterday. 
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