NEWARK, N.J. – Eleven people were charged today for their roles as members and associates of a drug trafficking organization involved in the distribution of narcotics, including heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base (crack) in the Stephen Crane Village Housing Complex in Newark, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
One defendant is also charged with the murder of a conspirator in an apartment in Crane Village.
The charges and arrests resulted from an investigation led by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the U.S. Attorney’s Office and in conjunction with numerous local law enforcement partners and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
“The criminal complaint against these defendants details a brazen drug dealing operation going on right out in the open that used violence to accomplish its goals,” Carpenito said. “Thanks to the combined work of our federal, state, and local partners, we have been able to address a substantial threat to the public.”
“Tonight, residents of the Stephen Crane Village Apartments, and the Cities of Newark and Belleville, can rest a little easier,” ATF Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson said. “Through the relentless efforts of our ATF Newark personnel, along with the unmatched dedication of our partner agencies, we have collectively removed the worst of the worst from our community. These individuals worked in tandem as a hybrid gang, whose community spoilage included drug distribution, and murder. Their ruthless grip on the community has been broken thanks to law enforcement cooperation, and a common mission to remove the most dangerous offenders responsible for violent crime from the community.
“Belleville Police are committed to reducing violent crimes that directly have an impact on our residents,” Belleville Police Chief Mark Minichini said. “Today’s arrests sends a clear concise message that local, county, and state resources will work together to combat these types of crimes thereby making our community safer.”
“No one should have to live in fear in their homes or community,” Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Division, Susan A. Gibson said. “The defendants in this investigation were using Crane Village as their own personal drug market putting every resident at risk. This multi-agency investigation reinforces our commitment to the safety of the public.”
“Once again, collaboration brings results to a community that has been held hostage by a few people,” Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose said. “Our support to our federal partners for making another Newark community ridden of criminals.”
The complaint charges Gary Shahid, 60; Jose Lora, 22; Dayquan Jordan, 25; Ricky Terrell, 23; Charles Mells, 36; Raquan Rawls, 21; Nasir Williams, 23; Quadir Hatcher, 27; Tyree Purkett, 23; James Wicker, 27; and Mayse, 33 – all Newark residents – in one conspiracy spanning February 2019 to February 2020 and involving the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base in and around Crane Village. Jordan, Rawls, Williams, Hatcher, and Mayse, are additionally charged with distribution of cocaine base and heroin on Nov. 21, 2019. Mayse is additionally charged with murder during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense.
Seven defendants were arrested today and two – Mayse and Mells – were already in state custody. Two defendants – Rawls and Purkett – remain at large. Those arrested today are scheduled to have their initial appearances this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court.