Five Essex County men have been arrested today and charged with distribution of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine in and around the Reservoir Site Townhouses in Newark, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Arrested today and charged by complaint are:
- Dayvon Rogers, 29, of Newark, two counts of distribution of cocaine in August and September
- Rasheed Gilbert, 27, of East Orange, one count of distribution of cocaine in January, and one count of distribution of heroin and cocaine in January
- Naim Frazier, 32, of Newark, one count of distribution of heroin and fentanyl in January
- Rahjohn Montgomery, 27, of East Orange, one count of distribution of heroin in January, and one count of distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine in June
- Rasheen Thomas, 25, of Newark, one count of distribution of heroin and cocaine in June, three counts of distribution of heroin and cocaine in July, and two counts of distribution of heroin and cocaine in August.
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
The defendants sold narcotics in and around the Reservoir Site Townhouses in Newark, selling to individuals who were confidential informants working with law enforcement.
The narcotics sales were documented through audio and video recordings, text messages, and physical surveillance.
Each count in the complaints carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1 million.
This investigation is part of the Violent Crime Initiative (VCI) in Newark. The Newark VCI was formed in August 2017 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Newark’s Department of Public Safety for the sole purpose of combatting violent crime in and around the Newark.
As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.