A Newark man with previous felony convictions today admitted illegally possessing firearms and ammunition as part of a planned revenge shooting, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Honig, Raheem Allen, 34, of Newark, pleaded guilty to an information charging him with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possessing with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On March 7, Allen traveled to Jersey City, to gain revenge for the March 6, murder of his brother, a high-ranking member of a Jersey City street gang. Law enforcement officers obtained communications involving Allen wherein he explained his criminal purpose.
As a result, law enforcement officers saw Allen arrive in Jersey City and retrieve an Intratec Tec-22 semi-automatic firearm, which was loaded with approximately 25 rounds of ammunition.
Law enforcement immediately apprehended Allen as he was readying to enter a vehicle. Law enforcement officers recovered the firearm, additional boxes of ammunition, and a quantity of cocaine.
During post-arrest questioning, Allen admitted that he came to Jersey City to “kill a lot of people” due to the murder of his brother.
Allen has previously been convicted of felony offenses, including robbery and possession of controlled substances.
The firearms offense to which Allen pleaded guilty carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The drug offense carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentencing is scheduled for December 14.