Federal Officials charged a Newark man in connection with his role in the distribution of heroin – some of which contained fentanyl – and cocaine base (crack) in an affordable housing complex and a nearby senior living community in Newark, according to U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito
Elijah Kane, 28, and his brother Joshua Kane, 24, were indicted by a federal grand jury on May 29, 2020, on charges of conspiring to distribute cocaine base, possession of heroin and cocaine base with intent to distribute, and maintaining a drug-involved premises.
Four other members and conspirators have been charged by complaint with one count each of conspiring to distribute cocaine base: Ahmad Beyah, 18, Sherrod Richardson, 19, Yusef Ellis, 39, and Reuben Howard, 38
Through controlled purchases of narcotics, consensually recorded telephone calls and text messages, physical and electronic surveillance, and analysis of telephone call detail records, law enforcement officials determined that the defendants distributed and conspired to distribute heroin and cocaine base in and around the affordable housing project, Pilgrim Village, from at least June 2019 through April 2020.
The counts of conspiracy to distribute at least 28 grams of cocaine base each carry a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, and a fine of at least $5 million.
The counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1 million. The counts of maintaining a drug-involved premises each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $500,000.
Elijah Kane is scheduled to appear by videoconference on June 15th before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward S. Kiel. Joshua Kane was arraigned on the indictment before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton on June 10, 2020.
Elijah and Joshua Kane were both charged previously by criminal complaint.