Two Dozen New Jersey Street Gang Members Busted for Drug Trafficking (2024)

Breaking NewsFeatured NewsNew Jersey NewsNorth Jersey NewsPolice Blotter

Breaking Local News Report

Breaking Local News Report

JERSEY CITY, NJ – Twenty-four individuals linked to the Booker T street gang have been charged with a range of offenses, from drug distribution to armed robbery and bank fraud, as announced by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. The suspects were brought before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark III in Newark federal court, with four still at large.

The charges highlight a serious criminal enterprise within the Booker T. Washington Housing Complex in Jersey City. Members and associates of the gang are accused of operating a drug trafficking network that distributed significant quantities of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine. Eleven of the defendants face charges of conspiring to distribute over 100 grams of heroin, over 40 grams of fentanyl, and additional quantities of cocaine.

Beyond drug trafficking, the gang engaged in a sophisticated bank fraud conspiracy from December 2022 to May 2024. This scheme involved the creation, alteration, and deposit of fraudulent checks resulting in losses exceeding $100,000. Fifteen of the arrested individuals are charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

Additionally, two gang associates, Juan Hemingway and Stephon Murphy, are specifically charged with Hobbs Act robbery and the unlawful use of a firearm following an armed robbery on May 6, 2024, where they allegedly stole controlled substances from a victim.

The arrests represent a coordinated effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the critical importance of interagency collaboration. Law enforcement officials, including Acting Special Agent Ross A. Marchetti of the ATF and Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez, underscored their commitment to disrupting violent and drug-related activities that threaten community safety.

These efforts are supported by numerous agencies, including the IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, demonstrating the extensive network of resources mobilized to combat gang-related criminality in New Jersey.

  • Manhunt for Hit and Run Driver Blamed for Deadly Crash in Jackson

    JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ – Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Jackson Township Police Chief Matthew Kunz have confirmed that a fatal motor vehicle crash, involving a bicyclist, is under investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad and the Jackson Township Police Department. The incident occurred on Farmingdale Road today at approximately 12:00 p.m.

    On Saturday, local police were called to Farmingdale Road following reports of a crash involving a bicyclist. Authorities have determined that a 2017 Audi A4, heading west, attempted to avoid a direct collision with an SUV by swerving into the opposite lane, subsequently hitting a bicyclist. The Audi then collided with a tree after the driver overcorrected the steering. The involved SUV, described as red and possibly a Hyundai, fled the scene heading east.

    The collision resulted in the death of the bicyclist at the scene. The Audi driver was taken to CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, where they received treatment for minor injuries.

    The ongoing investigation points to a Caucasian female driving the Hyundai, accompanied by a young male child, as a possible contributor to the accident.

    Authorities are seeking information from witnesses or anyone with knowledge about the incident. Sergeant Brad Frank of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office is the point of contact for tips related to this case.

  • Multiple Shootings, Violent Crimes Highlight Sunday Night Across Philadelphia

    PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia witnessed a series of violent incidents across several districts, culminating in a fatal shooting and multiple injuries.

    In the 16th District, a grave shooting occurred on Sunday, June 9, at approximately 11:19 PM on the 5100 block of Market Street. Police discovered a 23-year-old male with severe gunshot wounds to his head and torso. He was pronounced dead at Penn-Presbyterian Medical Center shortly after. A dark-colored, possibly black SUV was reportedly involved in the drive-by shooting. A $20,000 reward has been announced for information leading to an arrest. The case remains under active investigation by the Homicide Unit.

    In the same district, another violent episode involved a 27-year-old Black female who was critically injured from multiple stabbings inside a residence early Monday morning. She is in critical condition at Penn-Presbyterian Medical Center. No suspects have been detained, and the scene remains under investigation by Southwest Detectives.

    The 15th District reported an assault on police via vehicle, where a patrol car was rammed by a white Chevy Camaro around 3:23 AM. The incident resulted in significant damage to the police vehicle and minor injuries to the officer, who is expected to recover fully. An arrest has been made in this case.

    In the 24th District, a 49-year-old Hispanic male suffered stabbings to his hand and forearm. He managed to reach Episcopal Hospital on his own and was later transferred to Temple Hospital. His condition is stable, but no suspects have been apprehended.

    Lastly, a double shooting in the 39th District saw a 19-year-old male and a 16-year-old Black male wounded. Both victims, who were shot at Ridge and W Lehigh Avenues, are stable after being transported to Temple University Hospital.

  • Fire at Waldorf Apartment Complex Injures Two Firefighters, Displaces Residents

    WALDORF, MD — A significant fire broke out at the New Forest Apartment Complex at 6016 New Forest Court, Charles County, Maryland, resulting in injuries and substantial damage.

    The fire, reported at 10:31 a.m., was quickly escalated to two alarms, drawing a response from 52 firefighters from the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department. It took them approximately 20 minutes to bring the blaze under control, which originated on the patio of Apartment 2.

    Two firefighters sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident. Meanwhile, damage to the property is estimated at $400,000. The building, comprising 8 apartments, saw significant impact, leading to the displacement of 10 residents. The American Red Cross is currently providing assistance to those affected.

    The fire alarms within the complex were found to be absent, but smoke alarms were present and had activated, alerting residents to the danger. The preliminary cause of the fire has been determined as accidental.

    No arrests have been made in connection with the fire. The community and the fire department continue to investigate and assess the full impact of the incident.

  • 27-Year-Old Woman Found Stabbed Inside Philadelphia Home

    PHILADELPHIA, PA — A severe stabbing incident occurred early this morning on the 4300 block of Wyalusing Avenue. At approximately 5:10 AM, a 27-year-old Black female was found with multiple stab wounds inside a second-floor residence.

    Emergency responders transported the victim to Penn-Presbyterian Medical Center in critical condition. Medics from Medic 34 were involved in the emergency care and transport.

    As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the stabbing, and no weapons have been recovered at the scene. The area is currently secured as investigators continue their work.

    The Southwest Detectives are handling the ongoing investigation. Further details will be provided as they become available.

  • Crash Snarls Traffic In And Out of Port Newark

    ELIZABETH, NJ — An early morning crash involving injuries occurred today on Lyle King Street. The incident took place on the eastbound side near South Bay Avenue in Elizabeth.

    The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reported that the crash began at 8:13 AM and was updated by 8:14 AM. It resulted in one right lane being blocked out of three, causing traffic disruptions.

    Motorists traveling through the area were advised to be cautious and consider alternative routes. Efforts were underway to clear the scene and minimize impact on traffic flow.

  • Traffic Delay on George Washington Bridge Due to Disabled Vehicle

    FORT LEE, NJ — A disabled vehicle caused a traffic delay on the George Washington Bridge today. The incident occurred on the upper level eastbound near the New Jersey Side Toll Plaza in Fort Lee.

    The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reported that the disruption started at 8:52 AM and was updated at 8:53 AM. One center lane was blocked, affecting one of the three lanes available to commuters.

    Drivers were advised to expect delays and seek alternate routes if possible. The situation was being handled promptly to restore normal traffic flow.

previous post

President Trump Holds Live Press Conference After New York Verdict

next post

Machete Attack Outside Times Square McDonald’s As NYC Crime Continues
Two Dozen New Jersey Street Gang Members Busted for Drug Trafficking (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Golda Nolan II

Last Updated:

Views: 6359

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Golda Nolan II

Birthday: 1998-05-14

Address: Suite 369 9754 Roberts Pines, West Benitaburgh, NM 69180-7958

Phone: +522993866487

Job: Sales Executive

Hobby: Worldbuilding, Shopping, Quilting, Cooking, Homebrewing, Leather crafting, Pet

Introduction: My name is Golda Nolan II, I am a thoughtful, clever, cute, jolly, brave, powerful, splendid person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.