By: Richard L. Smith
Two Atlantic City brothers at the center of a massive fentanyl and crack cocaine ring have pleaded guilty to leading a narcotics trafficking network.
According to a statement released by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, Justin and Joseph Suarez, both 40, admitted on Monday, June 23, to first-degree charges of leading a drug network and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Joseph Suarez is expected to receive 28 years in prison with 14 years of parole ineligibility, while Justin Suarez is set to serve 25 years with 12 years of parole ineligibility.
The twin brothers were targeted in “Operation Florida Keys,” a wiretap investigation that led to the execution of 20 search warrants across Atlantic County in November 2022.
Authorities seized over 40,000 folds of fentanyl, nearly $90,000 in cash, crack cocaine, and multiple firearms.
Investigators found that the brothers coordinated large-scale drug shipments and distributed narcotics through a network of associates who stored, transported, and sold the drugs on their behalf.
Joseph Suarez received fentanyl deliveries from New York and Philadelphia, while Justin operated out of stash houses along Florida Avenue.
Several others were charged in the operation:
-Arcadia Ridley, 34, of Pleasantville, stored over 16,000 folds of fentanyl and a loaded handgun; she awaits sentencing.
-Orlando Perez, 39, of New York, delivered fentanyl from the Bronx; he faces three years in prison.
-Jose Perez-Paredes, 31, and Yoao Jerez-Tejada, 29, of Philadelphia, delivered crack to Joseph Suarez; both were sentenced to prison.
-Howard Cubbage, 60, stored 15,000 folds of fentanyl and will serve 10 years.
-Roderick Holsey, 35, was sentenced to seven years for possessing a ghost gun.
-Keith Potter, 63, and James DiMeo, 61, who stored and sold drugs for Justin Suarez, are expected to serve probationary terms with jail time.
-Safiyah Hauser, 38, a key lieutenant, will serve seven years.
-Maurice Braxton, 36, is already serving a seven-year term tied to fentanyl distribution and an assault ordered by Joseph Suarez.
-Terria Acosta, 57, the twins’ mother, admitted to laundering money and is expected to receive four years in prison.
The case was investigated by local and federal agencies, including the DEA and Atlantic City Police, and prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Chris D’Esposito.