By: Yuritza Arroyo
Fifteen members and associates of a Paterson-based street gang were charged today in connection with their roles in the distribution of narcotics, including heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
According to federal officials, the 11 defendants arrested today are scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court.
Federal officials said two defendants were already in custody on state charges and two defendants remain at large.
All of the defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine. A number of the defendants are also charged with weapons offenses.
“As alleged in the criminal complaint, these defendants were affiliated with a street gang that trafficked fentanyl, an extremely dangerous synthetic opioid that can kill users with a single dose,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said.
“Not only did they deal these dangerous drugs in Paterson, but certain gang members are also alleged to have had guns to solidify their control of the drug trade.
We have no higher priority than taking apart these gangs and addressing the drivers of violence. Independent of this case, thanks to the efforts of our federal, state, and local partners there have been fewer shooting incidents in New Jersey and fewer shooting victims in Paterson this year than in 2022.
We are committed to building upon this progress and keeping our communities safe.”
“ATF is dedicated to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling gangs and criminal organizations,” Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, said.
“We appreciate the commitment and tireless efforts of our federal, state, and local partners and our personnel in bringing accountability to criminals.
Our collaborative and unified efforts are essential to reducing violent crime and removing those offenders that terrorize our communities and threaten public safety.”
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
The defendants are all members and associates of the UpTop street gang, based in the Fourth Ward of Paterson, in the area of Governor and Carroll streets, the Incca Village housing complex, and Harrison Street.
Court documents state, the gang members and associates are involved in the distribution of controlled substances.
Jamal Ricks, aka “Bop,” and Rahjohn Leary, aka “Rah,” are high-ranking members of UpTop who worked with the other conspirators to control the sale of drugs in and around Paterson.
Quadair Williams, aka “Fed Baby,” aka “Mega,” is a close associate of senior members of UpTop, including Ricks and Leary, and one of the gang’s drug suppliers.
Some members of the gang, including Marquis Turner, aka “June Bug,” and Quajamir Price, aka “Porkchop,” used and possessed and conspired to use and possess firearms in furtherance of the gang’s drug trafficking activities.
According to authorities, Turner is charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
|
Quadair Williams aka “Fed Baby” aka “Mega” |
41 |
Hackensack, New Jersey |
|
Jamal Ricks aka “Bop” |
35 |
Paterson |
|
Rahjohn Leary aka “Rah” |
29 |
Newark |
|
Ronald Taylor aka “Fat Cat” aka “Cat” |
29 |
Passaic, New Jersey |
|
Malachi Fields aka “Chicago” |
28 |
Paterson |
|
Marquis Turner aka “June Bug” |
26 |
Paterson |
|
Prince Carter aka “Eighty” aka “Eight” |
41 |
Paterson |
|
*Terrance Drakeford |
30 |
Prospect Park, New Jersey |
|
Xavier Classen aka “Swaggy” |
25 |
Paterson |
|
Quajamir Price aka “Porkchop” |
20 |
Paterson |
|
*Jamah Godwin |
29 |
Paterson |
|
Troy Blair |
48 |
Paterson |
|
Elton Baker |
45 |
Paterson |
|
Justin Carlos aka “Spaz” |
36 |
Paterson |
|
Marecius Samuels aka “Re-Up” |
35 |
Paterson |