By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Atlantic County announced that on Thursday, February 13, Alvin Whittaker, 33, of Atlantic City, was sentenced to an aggregate term of 10 years in New Jersey State Prison after previously pleading guilty to first-degree possession of five ounces or more of cocaine with the intent to distribute and fourth-degree contempt of a drug offender restraining order.
His two codefendants, Juan Howard, 31, of Atlantic City, and James Clegg, 34, of Atlantic City, were also sentenced to New Jersey State Prison, ACPO officials stated.
Atlantic City Police said that Howard was sentenced to five years in State Prison after previously pleading guilty to second-degree conspiracy to distribute five ounces or more of cocaine, and Clegg was sentenced to an aggregate term of five years in State Prison after previously pleading guilty to second-degree conspiracy to distribute five ounces or more of cocaine and third-degree possession of heroin with intent to distribute in a school zone.
ACPO authorities said that on November 8, 2023, the Vice Unit of the Atlantic City Police Department conducted surveillance in the area of Carver Hall in Atlantic City.
Clegg was observed entering an apartment in Carver Hall while Whittaker was seated outside in a vehicle counting money. After Clegg exited the apartment, he entered the vehicle with Whittaker, and they drove away.
A motor vehicle stop was conducted, which led to the recovery of approximately 50 folds of heroin in Clegg’s pocket., Atlantic City Police said. The folds were stamped “Gorilla.” Additionally, a search of the vehicle revealed approximately $8,434 in U.S. currency.
During the motor vehicle stop, Juan Howard arrived on the scene of his own volition. He was arrested pursuant to an active warrant, and a search of his person revealed approximately $1,020 in U.S. currency, according to Atlantic County officials.
ACPO officials stated that pursuant to a search warrant, members of the Vice Unit searched the apartment they saw Clegg coming and going from in Carver Hall. The search revealed over five ounces of cocaine, over 10,000 folds of heroin stamped “Gorilla,” and assorted paraphernalia commonly used for packaging drugs for sale.
Through surveillance video and other investigations, police determined that Whittaker, Clegg, and Howard were using the apartment in furtherance of a conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine, Atlantic County authorities said.
According to Atlantic County officials, all three men admitted under oath during their respective guilty pleas to participating in a conspiracy to sell drugs, which was further corroborated by police through messages found on cellphones that were seized during the investigation.