News Release
March 26, 2009
DEA Special Agent Douglas S. Collier, M.A.
Public Information Officer
TEL: (973) 776-1143
CELL: (862) 849-9833

Narcotics Distribution Network Dismantled by "Operation Life"
Heroin Distribution Network Included Members and Associates of Street Gangs

MAR 26 -- (Newark) -- G erard P. McAleer, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Jersey Division, New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram, Monmouth County Prosecutor Luis A. Valentin, and Essex County Prosecutor Paula Dow today announced a series of arrests which mark the culmination of an 8 month undercover investigation which was conducted jointly by the Narcotics and Organized Criminal Enterprises Section - Gang Task Force of the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office and United States Drug Enforcement Administration High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area ("H.I.D.T.A.") Task Force.

The Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office's Narcotics and Organized Criminal Enterprises Section - Gang Task Force is comprised of county detectives and officers from the Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Tinton Falls and Ocean Township police departments and Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office. Also assisting the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office and D.E.A. H.I.D.T.A. members with this investigation were the Freehold Boro, Neptune Township, and Wall Township police departments, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, Essex County Sheriff's Office, New Jersey State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation Red Bank Resident Office. The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office and the Howell Township and Lakewood police departments assisted in effecting the arrests.

The D.E.A. H.I.D.T.A. consists of the following thirteen agencies:  Elizabeth Police Department, Essex County Sheriff's Department, Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement ("I.C.E."), Internal Revenue Service, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Prosecutor's Office, New Jersey State Police, Newark Police Department, Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, Passaic Police Department, Paterson Police Department, and Union County Prosecutor’s Office and D.E.A. New Jersey Division.

The majority of the arrests were made on March 24, 2009. However, several arrests were made previously during the course of the investigation.

The investigation, which was named "Operation Life," commenced in the Summer of 2008 when controlled purchases of heroin and cocaine were made from individuals within the narcotics distribution network. Additional investigative tools were then utilized to identify other members of the network, as well as to determine their methods of operation.

During the course of the investigation substantial quantities of controlled dangerous substances with a street value of nearly $1,000,000 was seized, including approximately 30,700 glassine bags of heroin in "brick" packaging with a total weight in excess of 6 ½ pounds, having an approximate street value of $460,500. The investigation disclosed that the network distributed approximately 1000 "bricks" of heroin per week. A "brick" is comprised of 50 glassine bags of heroin. The following was also seized: approximately 125 grams of cocaine having an approximate street value of $9,500 and approximately one and one-half pounds of marijuana having an approximate street value of $7,500. In addition, approximately $72,800 in United States currency, eleven (11) handguns, one stun gun, and 12 automobiles were seized.

NETWORK LEADERS

Several of the individuals arrested in connection with the investigation are charged with the first degree crime of Leader of a Narcotics Trafficking Network. Upon conviction, the prescribed sentence for Leader of a Narcotics Trafficking Network is a term of life imprisonment with a 25 year period of parole ineligibility. Under New Jersey law, a person is guilty of the crime of Leader of a Narcotics Trafficking Network if he conspires with two or more other persons in a scheme or course of conduct to unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, bring into or transport certain controlled dangerous substances as a financier, or as an organizer, supervisor or manager of at least one other person.

The investigation revealed that the individuals who primarily orchestrated the distribution of heroin in Monmouth County were Allan Height, a/k/a "Alley Cat," 28, of Asbury Park, N.J., Jonathan Thomas, a/k/a "Life," 33, of Asbury Park, N.J., and Sean Harris, a/k/a "Tweeter," 36,of Toms River, N.J. The investigation revealed that they obtained the bulk of their heroin from George Thompson, 53, of Newark, N.J., at various locations in Essex County. The investigation further revealed that Frizell Johnson, a/k/a "Knowledge," 43, of Asbury Park N.J., directed a branch of the network which distributed both cocaine and heroin throughout Monmouth County.

Height, Thomas, Harris, Thompson and Johnson are each charged with first degree Leader of a Narcotics Trafficking Network. The investigation revealed that Johnson obtained his cocaine from Jamel McGhee, 26, of Farmingdale, N.J., and his heroin from Jonathan Thomas. Johnson and Thomas are half-brothers.

The investigation also revealed that the network obtained heroin from suppliers in Essex County and distributed the heroin to mid-level drug dealers throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Communities which were impacted by this drug distribution network included Asbury Park, Neptune Township, Neptune City, Ocean Township and Farmingdale, as well as several Ocean County communities, including Brick Township, Lakewood and Toms River.

ESSEX COUNTY

George Thompson, the owner of Ampere Grocery, a convenience store located on Ampere Parkway in East Orange, N.J., utilized Ampere Grocery and various residences located in Irvington, Newark and East Orange, N.J. to orchestrate and facilitate the wholesale distribution of heroin. Thompson was arrested on March 24, 2009, at his residence in Newark, N.J.

George Thompson

In addition to the Leader charge, Thompson is charged with first degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute, second degree Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity (commonly referred to as "Money Laundering") and second degree Conspiracy. Bail was set at $4,000,000.

The individuals who the investigation identified as being directed by Thompson, and the charges against them and their bails, are as follows:

Stanley Williams , 51, of Edison, N.J., was arrested on February 25, 2009, in Newark, N.J. At that time he was in possession of 84 "bricks" of heroin and $1,251 in United States currency. He was charged with first degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute and third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance. Bail was set at $250,000.

Williams is currently being held in lieu of bail at the Essex County Correctional Facility and will be served with a complaint charging him with second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute. Bail was set at $250,000.

Terrance Simpson , 42, of Newark, N.J., was arrested on March 5, 2009, in Newark, N.J. At that time he was in possession of 67 "bricks" of heroin. He was charged with first degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute and third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance. Bail was set at $250,000 by the Newark Municipal Court Judge Amilkar Velez-Lopez.

Bernice Robinson , 49, of Newark, N.J., was arrested on March 5, 2009 in Newark, N.J. based on information obtained during the course of this investigation. On that date, she was found to be in possession of 67 "bricks" of heroin. She was charged with first degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute and third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance. Bail was set at $100,000 by the Essex County Superior Court Judge Garry J. Furnari.

Simpson and Robinson are both currently being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility and they will be served with complaints charging them each with second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute.

Matthew Thomas , 22, of East Orange, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. He is charged with second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute. Bail was set at $100,000.

The investigation revealed that Williams, Simpson and Robinson worked directly for George Thompson, and also that they distributed heroin at Thompson's direction.

The investigation also revealed that Quadirah Thompson, 22, of Newark, N.J., and her sister, Yasmine Thompson, 22, also of Newark, N.J., packaged heroin at the direction of their father, George Thompson. Both women have been charged with second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute, and bail has been set at $500,000 for each of them. Neither woman has been arrested on these charges yet.

MONMOUTH COUNTY

The investigation revealed that the Monmouth County portion of the narcotics distribution network was based primarily in Asbury Park, N.J., and that four different individuals, Height, Harris, Thomas and Johnson, directed separate groups of members of the network.

Allan Height, a/k/a "Alley Cat"

In addition to the Leader charge, Height is charged with first degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute, second degree Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity (commonly referred to as "Money Laundering"), fourth degree Forgery and second degree Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance. Bail was set at $2,500,000.

The individuals who the investigation identified as being directed by Height, and the charges against them and their bails, are as follows:

Xiomara Gonzalez , 21, of Asbury Park, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. She is charged with second degree Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity ( "Money Laundering") and second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute. Bail was set at $250,000.

Gonzalez was previously arrested on February 7, 2009 in Newark, N.J., at which time she was in possession of 270 "bricks" of heroin. She was charged with first degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute and third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance. Bail was set at $250,000 by Judge Velez-Lopez.

Tyquan Henderson, a/k/a "Floss," 22, of Asbury Park, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. He is charged with third degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance. Bail was set at $250,000.

Christopher Clax , 36, of Lakewood, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. He is charged with second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute. Bail was set at $50,000.

Kenneth Manns, a/k/a "Kendu/Ruger," 39, of Asbury Park, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. He is charged with second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute. Bail was set at $100,000.

Christie E. Jones , 32, of Asbury Park, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. She is charged with second degree Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance. Bail was set at $100,000.

Pamela Brown , 49, of Asbury Park, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. She is charged with second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute. Bail was set at $50,000.

Linda Dolman , 39, of Asbury Park, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. She is charged with second degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute and second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with intent to Distribute. Bail was set at $200,000.

Fernando Demarzino , 45, of Newark, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. He is charged with first degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute and second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute. Bail was set at $300,000.

Josalyn McGhee , 36, of Asbury Park, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. She is charged with third degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance. Bail was set at $50,000.

Rufus Christopher , 39, of Ocean Township, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. He is charged with third degree Issuing a False Financial Statement and fourth degree Deceptive Business Practices. Bail was set at $50,000.

Christopher is a Notary Public who, at Allan Height's direction, notarized financial forms knowing that the information contained on the financial forms was false.

Sean Harris, a/k/a "Tweeter"

In addition to the Leader charge, Harris is charged with second degree Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity ("Money Laundering") and second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute. Bail was set at $2,000,000.

Harris was previously arrested during the investigation on February 2, 2009, in Asbury Park, N.J., at which time he was in possession of a loaded .38 caliber handgun containing hollow point bullets and approximately $8,164 in United States currency. As a result, he was charged with second degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon and second degree Certain Person not Possess a Firearm. Bail was set at $1,000,000.

The individuals who the investigation identified as being directed by Harris, and the charges against them and their bails, are as follows:

Alphonso Edwards , 30, of Asbury Park, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. Edwards is charged with first degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute, second degree Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity ("Money Laundering") and second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute. Bail was set at $2,000,000.

Jukia Marlowe , 31, of Neptune Township, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. Marlowe is also charged with second degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute and second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute. Bail was set at $500,000.

Edwards and Marlowe, and Coya Bradsorth Lambert , 28, of Lakewood, N.J., were previously arrested by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office on March 10, 2009, at which time they were in possession of the following items: a loaded .357 handgun, one box of wad cutter bullets, a loaded .45 cal handgun, a loaded .38 cal special handgun, 71 "bricks" and one "bundle" of heroin, a bullet proof vest, approximately 2 ounces of marijuana and approximately $2,460 in United States currency. A "bundle" of heroin is comprised of ten (10) glassine bags. As a result, all three individuals were charged with first degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute, third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, second degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, second degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose and second degree Possession of a Firearm while Committing a Drug Offense.

Tamika Taylor , 28, of Asbury Park, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. She is charged with second degree Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity ("Money Laundering") and second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute. Bail was set at $100,000.

Patricia Williams , 44, of Asbury Park, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. She is charged with second degree Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity ("Money Laundering") and second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute. Bail was set at $100,000.

Lorinda Williams , 36, of Toms River, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. She is charged with second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute and second degree Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity ("Money Laundering"). Bail was set at $100,000.

JonathanThomas, a/k/a "Life"

In addition to the Leader charge, Thomas is charged with first degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute and second degree Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance. Bail was set at $3,000,000.

The individuals who the investigation identified as being directed by Thomas, and the charges against them and their bails, are as follows:

Born Rush , 23, of Asbury Park, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. He is charged with third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, second degree Possession of a Firearm While Committing a Drug Offense, and second degree Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance. Bail was set at $500,000.

Rush was arrested on February 24, 2009, in Asbury Park, N.J., at which time he was in possession of a .45 caliber Taurus handgun and approximately $15,400 in United States currency. He was charged with second degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. Bail was set at $250,000.

Mark Bond , 46, of Toms River, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. He is charged with second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute. Bail was set at $500,000.

Bond was arrested on January 23, 2009, in Neptune Township, N.J., at which time he was in possession of approximately 10 grams of cocaine, 171 bags of heroin, and $1,356 in United States currency. He was charged with third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute and third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance. He was released on his own recognizance.

Yusef Kearney, a/k/a "Red," 32, of Asbury Park, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. He is charged with second degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute and second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute. Bail was set at $1,000,000.

Tamara Shaw , 27, of Neptune Township, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. She is charged with second degree Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity ("Money Laundering") and second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute. Bail was set at $100,000.

Troy D. Ruffin , 37, of Neptune Township, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. He is charged with second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute. Bail was set at $150,000.

Christopher Bibby , 55, of Asbury Park, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. He is charged with first degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute and second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with intent to Distribute. Bail was set at $500,000.

Paul Young , 40, of Keyport, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. He is charged with first degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute and second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to distribute. Bail was set at $500,000.

Starlone McCoy , 39, of Neptune Township, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. He is charged with second degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute and second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to distribute. Bail was set at $500,000.

Robert Pugh, a/k/a "King Islam," 38, of Asbury Park, N.J. was arrested on March 24, 2009. He is charged with first degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute and second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute. Bail was set at $2,000,000.

Ronald Harris , 21, of Neptune, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. He is charged with second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute. Bail was set at $500,000.

Ronald Harris , 21, of Neptune, N.J., Chrishell Thomas, 26, of Neptune, N.J., and Michael Johnson, 30, of Vineland, N.J., were arrested on January 23, 2009, in Asbury Park, N.J., at which time they were in possession of 10 "bricks" and one "bundle" of heroin and approximately $500 in United States currency. The three were charged with second degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute and third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance. Bail was set at $250,000 for Harris. Bail was set at $125,000 for Johnson. Thomas was released on her own recognizance.

Robert Beatty , 21, of Asbury Park, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. He is charged with second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute. Bail was set at $1,000,000.

Charles Sanders , 36, of Asbury Park, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. He is charged with second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute. Bail was set at $500,000.

King Allah, a/k/a "Douglas Pugh," 47, of Lakewood, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. He is charged with second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance. Bail was set at $500,000.

FrizellJohnson, a/k/a "Knowledge"

In addition to the Leader charge, Johnson is charged with first degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute, third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance and second degree Conspiracy to Distribute. Bail was set at $2,640,000.

The individuals who the investigation identified as being directed by Johnson, and the charges against them and their bails, are as follows:

James Stevens , 67, of Neptune Township, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. He is charged with six counts each of third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, third degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute, second degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute, third degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, second degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance within 500 feet of a Public Park and second degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute. Bail was set at $510,000.

Raymond Jones , 32, of Ocean Township, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. He is charged with third degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance. Bail was set at $25,000 no 10%.

Willie E. Thomas , 42, of Neptune Township, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. He is charged with third degree Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance. Bail was set at $25,000 no 10%.

Jamel McGhee , 26, of Farmingdale, N.J., was arrested on March 24, 2009. He is charged with second degree Conspiracy Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute. Bail was set at $200,000.

Unless otherwise stated, bail for each of the defendants was set by Monmouth County Assignment Judge Lawrence M. Lawson. Unless otherwise stated, the defendants identified in this News Release are being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution in lieu of bail. Unless otherwise stated, all of the bails are "cash only." At the request of the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, a condition of bail for each of the individuals other than Raymond Jones and Willie E. Thomas is a "Bail Source Hearing" in the event that an attempt is made to post bail.

Gang Associations

During the course of the investigation several of the individuals arrested have been identified as members of street gangs. The following individuals have been identified as associates of the Bloods street gang: Jonathan Thomas, a/k/a "Life," Sean Harris, a/k/a "Tweeter," Alphonso Edwards, a/k/a "Flirt," Born Rush, Yusef Kearney, a/k/a "Red," Tyquan Henderson, a/k/a "Floss," Kenneth Manns, a/k/a "Kendu/Ruger," Robert Beatty, Matthew Thomas, and Jamel McGhee. Robert Pugh, a/k/a "King Islam," has been identified as a member of the "Crips" street gang. Frizell Johnson, a/k/a "Knowledge," Allan Height, a/k/a "Alley Cat," King Allah, a/k/a "Douglas Pugh," James Stevens, a/k/a "Buck," and Mark Bond have been identified as members of the Five Percenter organization. These group affiliations were confirmed by way of information developed during the course of the investigation, including law enforcement sources.

Firearms Recovered

During the course of the investigation eleven (11) loaded handguns were seized from several of the targets.  Information developed during the course of the investigation revealed that members of this drug distribution organization utilized violence, including use of firearms in order to protect their drug trade as well as to retaliate for real or perceived threats and to intimidate potential rival drug dealers.

Monmouth County Prosecutor Luis A. Valentin stated, "These arrests affirm our commitment to work cooperatively with our federal, state and local partners to aggressively attack the distribution of illegal drugs in Monmouth County.  As a direct consequence of this investigation, approximately six and one-half pounds of heroin, in addition to smaller amounts of cocaine and marijuana, was intercepted before it could be peddled at the street level.  Of equal significance was the recovery of eleven (11) loaded handguns which can only serve to make our communities safer. Law enforcement is clearly sending an unambiguous zero tolerance message."

Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Jersey Division, G erard P. McAleer stated, " No matter what these gangs call themselves, we will continue to attack these drug trafficking organizations aggressively."

Prosecutor Valentin further stated, "Complex investigations such as this require substantial resources. We are grateful that the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders enthusiastically supports our attack against gangs and narcotics traffickers by providing financial resources and equipment which enable us to succeed. We are similarly fortunate to be aided in this fight by funding and resources from federal and state sources as well as from many municipal governments in Monmouth County. Obviously, the many law enforcement officers and assistant prosecutors who worked tirelessly on this investigation for months are also to be commended for their devotion to the safety of Monmouth County."

Attorney General Anne Milgram stated, "The success of our investigations and initiatives depend on strong cooperation among local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Prosecutor Valentin has targeted attention and resources at the most violent criminals and the toughest street gangs trafficking in illegal drugs and guns. Inaugural operations launched last summer in connection with the Governor's anti-crime plan resulted in the arrests of 1,844 suspects throughout the state on charges ranging from murder and attempted murder to armed robbery and drug trafficking. Illegal narcotics with an estimated street value of $4,010,732 were seized. The operations, conducted by the State Police and county prosecutors in 19 of the State's 21 counties, including Essex, also resulted in the seizure of 162 guns, including 22 assault weapons, and $857,769 in cash." "Today's arrests here in Monmouth County demonstrate that we are building on last year's record, continuing operations throughout the state against street gangs like the Bloods and Crips," Milgram added.

Notwithstanding these arrests, the investigation into the criminal activities of this network is continuing. Members of the public possessing information regarding criminal activity on the part of any of the individuals who were arrested as a result of this investigation are encouraged to contact Detective Scott Samis of the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office at 1-800 / 848-0668. Photographs of the individuals who were arrested are attached to this News Release in order to assist members of the public in ascertaining whether they possess information regarding them.

If convicted, a fourth degree crime carries with it a maximum potential custodial term of up to 18 months in State prison; a third degree crime carries with it a maximum potential custodial term of up to 5 years in State prison; a second degree crime carries with it a maximum potential custodial term of up to 10 years in State prison; and, a first degree crime carries with it a maximum potential custodial term of up to 20 years in State prison.

Despite these charges every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and State law.

The case is assigned to Assistant Monmouth County Prosecutor Thomas F. Fichter.

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