Nineteen individuals linked to a Jersey City gang associated with the Salem Lafayette Housing Complex have been charged for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy, according to an announcement by Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba.
The complaint names Isaiah West, also known as “Snoop” or “Bandz,” Jamantay Gaines (“D-Rose”), Curtis Felder (“Cee Grizzley”), Dorian Garrett (“Nero”), William Washington (“OnSight”), Aamir Thomas (“Mir”), Nareef Frimpong (“Huncho”), Reakwon Harvey, Pedro Torres, Najon Pettiford (“Na”), Desmar Rivers (“Pacman”), Stephon Turner, Tyler Thornton, Christopher Maldonado (“G Chris”), Keiyan Golden (“Kevin Council”), Cornell Bell, Serge Rodriguez, Gerard Crawford (“Jason Reed”), and Alfred Reaves. Most of those charged are from Jersey City; one is from New York City.
Authorities say the charges stem from a wiretap investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, Jersey City Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The allegations include conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, cocaine base, heroin, PCP, and prescription pills.
Sixteen defendants were arrested and scheduled for initial court appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte in Newark federal court. One individual was already in custody on state charges; two remain at large.
“These defendants are charged with operating a drug trafficking organization that poisoned the community of Jersey City with their distribution of fentanyl, crack cocaine, PCP, and several other narcotics. Today’s arrests and charges mark another strike in our relentless war against the deadly narcotics and ruthless street gangs that infest and terrorize our communities. We will not rest until every drug trafficker and violent offender is held accountable and removed from our streets,” said Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba.
“This investigation and charges are a testament to the combined efforts of law enforcement and underscores the resolve of ATF and our federal, state, and local partners. Drug trafficking and the heinous criminal acts associated with violent criminal organizations have an insidious impact on the public and tear apart the fabric of our communities. We will continue to use all the tools at our disposal, throughout the state of New Jersey and across the U.S., to combat violence, drug distribution, and the illegal possession of firearms to safeguard the safety and well-being of all,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks.
“DEA New Jersey continues to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners in targeting those drug trafficking organizations and their members who are responsible for the trafficking of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and firearms in our communities” stated DEA New Jersey Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz. “As we have seen, many of these individuals use violence to conduct their illicit drug and gun trafficking business which often has senseless and deadly consequences. The DEA remains committed to protecting our communities and saving lives.”
“Today’s arrests are a testament to the collaborative work of law enforcement. Every illegal drug removed from the streets helps ensure the safety of our community,” stated Acting Prosecutor Wayne Mello. “The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office is committed to continuing this joint effort to rid our community of dangerous drugs.”
“Today, as part of our Violent Crime Initiative with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, a coordinated operation with the Jersey City Police Department, ATF, and federal partners resulted in multiple arrests along with the recovery of suspected CDS and illegal guns. Over the past 12 years we have driven down violent crime across Jersey City to historic lows by investing in smart policing strategies stronger community partnerships,and unprecedented public safety resources,and today’s arrests are yet another example of our dedication to keeping residents safe,” Mayor Steven M.Fulop said.
“Our priority has always been to protect the people of Jersey City,and today’s operation shows that commitment in action.By arresting these violent offendersand removing illegal gunsand drugs fromour streets,we are protecting residents todayand reinforcingthe long-term safety gains we’ve made under this administration’s leadership,” stated Public Safety Director James Shea.
Court documents allege that most defendants were members or associates of “SaLaf,” a neighborhood street gang tied to Salem Lafayette Housing Complex.The group allegedly conducted hundreds of narcotics transactions withinand aroundthe complex duringa months-long investigation.Bell,Rodriguez,Crawford,and Reavesare accusedof supplying narcoticsto SaLaf investigators used wiretaps,surveillance,and controlled purchases as partof their inquiry.Authorities say SaLaf distributed large quantitiesof fentanyl,cocaine base,prescription pills,and other drugsinpublic housing areasandsurroundings.
If convicted,the charged offense carriesa mandatory minimum sentenceof five yearsin prison,a maximum sentenceof forty years,and up toa $5 million fine.
This case was investigated as partof several initiatives aimedat reducingviolent crimeand dismantlingcriminal organizations,suchasOperation Take Back Americaandthe Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces(OCDETF).These programs coordinate resourcesfromfederal,state,andlocal agencies totargethigh-levelcriminal groups.More information about OCDETF can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .
Assistant U.S.Attorney Lauren KoberandTrial Attorney Justin Bish arerepresentingthe government.The allegationsare accusations;all defendantsare presumed innocentunlessproven guilty.
