Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and United States Marshal for the District of New Jersey Juan Mattos Jr., today announced the results of the week-long targeted operation, “Silk City Sweep,” which took place from July 12 – 16 and served as an effort to reduce violent crime within Passaic County.
Operation Silk City was a short-term initiative that utilized a blended approach of investigative resources and law enforcement strategies.
Through a cooperative effort with multiple local, State, and Federal participating agencies, intelligence was gathered regarding several hundred criminal offenders within the county.
Utilizing targeted warrant enforcement, criminal intelligence gathering and dissemination, and narcotics and weapons trafficking investigations, the operation focused on removing violent offenders from the streets.
Overall, Operation Silk City resulted in 291 warrants being cleared, 133 arrests, and the seizure of several firearms, large quantities of suspected cocaine and drug packaging paraphernalia. As a result, these arrests and seizures significantly disrupted or dismantled criminal enterprises within the county.
In addition, investigators from the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office and U.S. Marshals Service identified over 25 convicted sex offenders within Passaic County with active warrants for failing to register or update their registration status. Many of which have since departed the state and failed to register elsewhere.
Currently, one offender has been charged and arrested federally and several additional investigations for violations of the Adam Walsh Act have been initiated with more to come.
Operation “Silk City Sweep” was a combined effort by multiple law enforcement agencies, which targeted fugitive cases from various jurisdictions that had a violent offender and a Passaic County nexus, with a primary focus given to the city of Paterson. Prior to attempting any arrests, each warrant was validated as active.
“The resounding success of this counter gang operation is the direct result of the far-reaching collaborative investigative efforts by the U.S. Marshals Service, Passaic County Prosecutor’s and Sheriff’s Offices, and our state, local, and federal task force partners," United States Marshal for the District of New Jersey, Juan Mattos, Jr., said. "I’m extremely proud of the steadfast tenacity these men and women put forth to make this operation such a success."
Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said, “Operation Silk City Sweep” is the latest example of local, state and federal law enforcement partnerships that come together unified in purpose and effort to hold offenders accountable. The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office will continue to work to ensure public safety in the City of Paterson and in Passaic County.
A collective effort from members of Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics, Gangs and Violent Crimes Task Force, in conjunction with the U.S. Marshals, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Passaic County Sheriff’s Department resulted in the issuance of search warrants for a residence in the city of Passaic and a vehicle operated by Tydel Clark.
Upon executing the search warrants, detectives recovered over 28 pounds of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $720,500.00 as well as various items used to package cocaine for distribution.
As a result, Tydel Clark, 31 of Paterson, has been charged with the following:
- First Degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
- First Degree Maintaining a Controlled Dangerous Substance Production Facility
- Second Degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
- Second Degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine within 500 feet of a Public Park
- Third Degree Possession of Cocaine
- Third Degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine within 1000 feet of a School
- Fourth Degree Drug Paraphernalia
Clark has been released on pre-trial monitoring pending the disposition of the charges against him, which have been referred to the Grand Jury for consideration.