Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino announced that 27 defendants were indicted by a state grand jury on charges that they were part of a gang-related drug network that distributed heroin in Newark.
Eighteen of the alleged drug dealers are charged with first-degree gang criminality as alleged members of the Red Breed Gorillas set of the Bloods street gang.
The arrests followed a 10-month investigation in which investigators discovered that an organized hierarchy of the Red Breed Gorillas street gang controlled the drug distribution in the area of Stratford Place and the Grace West Manor Townhomes on Irvine Turner Boulevard in Newark, contributing to heightened violence and criminal activity in the area.
The investigation revealed that individuals who were not members or affiliates of the Red Breed Gorillas were not allowed to sell drugs in that “territory” and faced violent retaliation if they did.
The Division of Criminal Justice Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau yesterday obtained a state grand jury indictment charging a total of 27 defendants, including three alleged “5-Star Generals” in the Red Breed Gorillas who allegedly supervised the drug network:
* Kevin Clayton, 26, of Newark,
* Ramon Finklea, 29, of Newark, and
* Lyonel Finklea, 31, of Newark.
Those three men and 15 other alleged gang members are charged in the indictment with first-degree gang criminality.
In addition, Clayton and Ramon Finklea are charged with first-degree promoting organized street crime. Each of the first-degree charges carries a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison.
Clayton also is charged with unlawful possession of a handgun and possession of a handgun as a convicted felon in connection with a .357-caliber Glock semi-automatic handgun seized from his home during execution of a search warrant.
All 27 defendants named in the indictment are charged with second-degree conspiracy, which carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, and they are variously charged with second- and third-degree drug offenses.
The enterprise had a clear hierarchical structure.
The 27 defendants named in the indictment allegedly filled the following roles in the drug network: (* Indicates charged with 1st-degree gang criminality.)
5-Star Generals
1. *Kevin Clayton, 26, of Newark,
2. *Ramon Finklea, 29, of Newark, and
3. *Lyonel Finklea, 31, of Newark.
Lieutenant
1. *Jahob Loyal, 27, of Irvington
Sergeants
1. *Yasin Hamilton, 25, of Rahway,
2. *Elijah Evans, 24, of Newark,
3. *Quashyne Seburn, 25, of Newark,
4. *Kevin Loyal, 28, of Newark, and
5. *Aljuquan Thomason, 24, of Newark.
Soldiers/Street-Level Drug Dealers
1. *Tyree Oxford, 23, of Newark,
2. *Abdul Bryant, 20, of Newark,
3. *Charlie Jones, 28, of Newark,
4. *Nyreek Loyal, 22, of Irvington,
5. *Yasim Smith, 20, of Newark,
6. *Bryant Hawkins, 39, of Newark,
7. *Jahwon Christian, 22, of Newark,
8. *Tyree Williams, 20, of Newark,
9. *Alquan Shells, 21, of Newark,
10. Naim Stewart, 23, of Newark,
11. Terrance Shells, 20, of Newark,
12. Darnell Cogman, 44, of Newark,
13. Tyre Sorbino, 18, of Newark,
14. Ramadan Daniels, 26, of Orange,
15. Bishop Jackson, 20, of Willingboro,
16. Wali Johnson, 29, of Newark,
17. John Doe, known as “Sid,” and
18. John Doe, known as “Sha.”
First-degree crimes carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $200,000. Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. The charge of second-degree possession of a gun as a convicted felon carries a mandatory minimum period of parole ineligibility of five years. Third-degree crimes carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000, but for narcotics charges, the fine can be up to $75,000.
The indictment is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.