An Atlantic County man who had been wanted for several drug and weapons offenses was apprehended in California, according to an announcement from New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP).
Jordan P. Ragland, 33, from Absecon, New Jersey, was arrested on September 23, 2025, in Sacramento by members of the U.S. Marshals Service Task Force with support from the NJSP Fugitive Unit. Authorities say Ragland had been sought since 2021 on charges including maintaining a controlled dangerous substance production facility, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, unlawful possession of an assault firearm, and unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol. He was added to the NJSP Most Wanted List in May 2025.
Attorney General Platkin stated: “No matter how far someone runs, or how long they hide, if we believe they are guilty of a crime, we will not stop until they are brought to justice. Excellent work by our State Police and our law enforcement partners ensured that this defendant is back in New Jersey to face justice for the crimes he is accused of committing.”
DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton commented: “The defendant in this matter spent years on the run, allegedly to avoid arrest for serious crimes. Our NJSP Fugitive Unit worked with our law enforcement partners to track him down and arrest him. Their tireless pursuit means the people of New Jersey will finally be able to hold this defendant accountable.”
Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police said: “Taking this fugitive into custody is the result of the unwavering persistence of our detectives and our law enforcement partners. This individual—wanted for drug distribution, weapons offenses, and endangering the welfare of a child—posed a serious threat to our communities. He was located all the way in California, a clear reminder that distance will not protect you from accountability. We do not stop, we do not slow down, and we do not let up. When someone on our Most Wanted list threatens the safety of others, distance and state lines will not shield them.”
Authorities explained that these charges stem from an extensive investigation led by the New Jersey State Police Casino Gaming Bureau with help from other agencies such as the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The investigation began in September 2020 and uncovered what officials describe as a criminal network involving Ragland shipping large amounts of crystal methamphetamine from California to Atlantic City and other areas across the country.
Ragland and his cousin James P. Wright were indicted by a grand jury on multiple counts including first-degree possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; two counts each of first-degree maintaining or operating a controlled dangerous substance production facility; second-degree possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; two counts each of second-degree possession of a weapon during a CDS offense; second-degree unlawful possession of an assault firearm; fourth-degree certain persons not permitted to possess weapons; along with various third- and fourth-degree offenses.
Wright was taken into custody in March 2021 and is currently serving five years in state prison.
After authorities executed a residential search warrant in 2021 related to these charges, Ragland reportedly fled New Jersey using several aliases before being located in Sacramento earlier this year. Following his arrest there he was extradited back to New Jersey where he is now held at Atlantic County Jail.
Deputy Attorney General Nicole E. Wise is prosecuting this case.
Officials note that all charges against Ragland are accusations at this stage; he remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
