By: Tracie Carter
Elijah Williams, known by the alias “Lil Smith,” a 24-year-old member of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips gang, entered a guilty plea to a racketeering conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).
The plea was made before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against organized crime.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger highlighted the gravity of Williams' crimes, stating, "Williams murdered and injured rival gang members and left a trail of blood."
Sellinger emphasized that Williams' actions contributed to violent crime and drug trafficking, activities central to the criminal enterprise's operations.
The guilty plea could result in Williams spending the rest of his life in prison, a sentence reflective of his involvement in serious crimes.
Cheryl Ortiz, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA New Jersey Field Division, and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF, both praised the collaborative law enforcement effort that led to Williams' plea.
They stressed the importance of such cooperation in dismantling criminal organizations that threaten community safety and quality of life.
According to court documents, Williams has been a member of the Rollin’ 60s since 2015.
His criminal activities included the attempted murder of four individuals in Newark on September 25, 2018, one of whom was paralyzed.
He also fatally shot another individual in Irvington on March 20, 2019, in a retaliatory act for the murder of a gang member and associate.
Williams is set to be sentenced on September 4, 2024, and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $250,000 fine, demonstrating the severe consequences of his actions and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat gang-related violence and drug trafficking.
