TRENTON, N.J. – A Trenton man today admitted his role as a supplier to a significant drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed more than one kilogram of heroin in Trenton and the surrounding area, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.

David Antonio, a/k/a “Pop,” a/k/a “Papi,” a/k/a “Santiago Ramirez,” 32, pleaded guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson in Trenton federal court to Count One of a third superseding indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. Another Trenton resident, Wayne K. Bush, 42, pleaded guilty today before Judge Wolfson to Count Ten of the third superseding indictment charging him with using a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking crime.

In October 2018, Antonio, Bush, and 24 other individuals were charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute heroin. On Feb. 27, 2020, a grand jury returned a 10-count third superseding indictment charging Antonio, Bush, and five other defendants with conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and various other drug and firearm offenses. Of the 26 defendants originally charged in the criminal complaint, Antonio and Bush are the 20th and 21st defendants to plead guilty. The charges remain pending against five defendants.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

From October 2017 to October 2018, the defendants and others engaged in a large drug trafficking conspiracy that operated in the areas of Martin Luther King Boulevard, Sanford Street, Middle Rose Street, Southard Street, Hoffman Avenue, Chambers Street, and Coolidge Avenue in Trenton, and which sought to profit from the distribution of heroin and numerous other controlled substances. Through the interception of telephone calls and text messages pursuant to court-authorized wiretap orders, controlled purchases of heroin, the use of confidential sources of information, and other investigative techniques, law enforcement learned that conspirators Jakir Taylor and Jerome Roberts obtained regular supplies of hundreds of “bricks” of heroin from Antonio. Intercepted communications among Taylor, Roberts, Antonio, and other conspirators revealed that Taylor and Roberts agreed to obtain from Antonio, and that Antonio agreed to supply, a “motherlode” of as many as 1,400 bricks of heroin in a single delivery – equating to approximately 1.5 kilograms of heroin. Taylor told Antonio that he intended to “flood the streets” of Trenton with this large supply, and Antonio agreed to supply a sufficient amount of heroin to Taylor that would allow him to do so. In communications with Taylor, Antonio indicated that he was “filling the bags” up with heroin and fentanyl. During coordinated arrests on Oct. 25, 2018, law enforcement arrested Antonio at a residence in Trenton, and recovered more than 1.4 kilograms of heroin, in addition to a significant amount of paraphernalia used to package heroin for distribution.

Telephonic communications intercepted pursuant to the wiretap order also revealed that Bush, who was incarcerated during the conspiracy on a related conviction, facilitated Taylor’s plan by providing specific advice and recommendations to Taylor on pricing and quantity, ensuring loyalty from his subordinates, and maintaining relationships with heroin suppliers.

The drug conspiracy count to which Antonio pleaded guilty carries a statutory mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life years in prison, and a maximum fine of $10 million. Because Antonio admitted during his plea to having previously been convicted of a federal drug trafficking offense for which he served more than a year in prison, he may be eligible for a statutory enhanced penalty, which would increase the statutory mandatory minimum term of imprisonment to 15 years, and a maximum fine of $20 million. The facilitation charge to which Bush pleaded guilty carries a statutory maximum term of imprisonment of four years, and a maximum fine of $250,000. Antonio’s sentencing is scheduled for June 30, 2020, and Bush’s sentencing is scheduled for June 29, 2020.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Trenton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Newark Division, Trenton Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson; officers of the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Sheilah Coley; officers of the Princeton Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Nicholas Sutter; officers of the Ewing Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police John P. Stemler III; officers of the Burlington Township Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Bruce Painter; and detectives of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, under the  direction of Prosecutor Scott A. Coffina, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty pleas. He also thanked officers of the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan; detectives of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Angelo Onofri; officers of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of

Sheriff John A. Kemler; and members of the New Jersey State Board of Parole for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of the case.

The government is represented by Attorney-in-Charge J. Brendan Day and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Ramey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.

This case was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the FBI’s Greater Trenton Safe Streets Task Force, a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to enhance the identification, apprehension, and prosecution of individuals involved in gang-related activities, violent crime, and drug distribution in and around the greater Trenton area. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.

The charges and allegations pending against the remaining five defendants are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

TRENTON, N.J. – Two Trenton men have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a violent drug trafficking conspiracy that allegedly distributed more than one kilogram of heroin in Trenton and the surrounding area, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.

Kahlil Hampton, a/k/a “Ruger,” 29, was sentenced today to 176 months in prison and five years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Judge Wolfson imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.

Donte Ellis, a/k/a “Shalant,” 42, was sentenced Nov. 15, 2019, to 181 months in prison and five years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty before Judge Wolfson to an information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Ellis also admitted to possessing a firearm during the offense.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

In October 2018, Ellis, Hampton, and 24 other members of a drug trafficking conspiracy operating in Trenton were charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute heroin. On Aug. 8, 2019, a grand jury returned a 15-count second superseding indictment charging nine of those defendants – Omar Council, a/k/a “Stacks,” a/k/a “O,” a/k/a “Y-O,” a/k/a “Snow,” Jerome Roberts, a/k/a “Righteous,” a/k/a “Lee;” David Antonio, a/k/a “Papi,” a/k/a “Pop,” a/k/a “Victor Arias,” a/k/a “Santiago Ramirez;” Brian Phelps, a/k/a “B-Money,” a/k/a “B;” Timothy Wimbush, a/k/a “Young Money;” Taquan Williams, a/k/a “Trip;” Jubri West; Dennis Cheston Jr., a/k/a “Beans;” and Wayne K. Bush – with various crimes relating to the drug-trafficking conspiracy, including firearms charges against Phelps, Wimbush, Williams, West, and Cheston. To date, 20 defendants have pleaded guilty in connection with their participation in the conspiracy.

From as early as October 2017 to October 2018, the defendants and others engaged in a narcotics conspiracy that operated in the areas of Martin Luther King Boulevard, Sanford Street, Middle Rose Street, Southard Street, Hoffman Avenue, and Coolidge Avenue in Trenton, and which sought to profit from the distribution of heroin and numerous other controlled substances. Through the interception of telephone calls and text messages pursuant to court-authorized wiretap orders, controlled purchases of heroin, the use of confidential sources of information, and other investigative techniques, law enforcement learned that in September and October 2018, Ellis—who had been released from state prison in August 2018 for two prior convictions for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder—obtained large quantities of heroin on multiple occasions from codefendant Jakir Taylor, which he redistributed to others in and around Trenton. The investigation also revealed that, on several occasions when Ellis obtained supplies of heroin from Taylor, he also obtained a firearm from Taylor for protection in redistributing the narcotics. Hampton was a close associate of Taylor, and he regularly obtained and redistributed large quantities of heroin in furtherance of the conspiracy. The investigation also revealed that Hampton had access to one or more firearms.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Trenton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson, ATF Trenton Field Office; officers of the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Sheilah Coley; officers of the Princeton Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Nicholas Sutter; officers of the Ewing Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police John P. Stemler III; officers of the Burlington Township Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Bruce Painter; and detectives of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Scott A. Coffina, with the investigation leading to today’s charges. He also thanked officers of the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan; detectives of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Angelo Onofri; officers of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John A. Kemler; and members of the New Jersey State Board of Parole for their assistance in the case.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Brendan Day and Alexander Ramey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.

This case was conducted by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the FBI’s Greater Trenton Safe Streets Task Force, a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to enhance the identification, apprehension, and prosecution of individuals involved in gang-related activities, violent crime, and drug distribution in and around the greater Trenton area. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.

The charges and allegations against the remaining defendants are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defense counsel:

Hampton: Stanley O. King Esq., Woodbury, New Jersey

Ellis: Jose Luis Ongay Esq., Camden, New Jersey

TRENTON, N.J. – A Trenton man today admitted his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that allegedly distributed more than one kilogram of heroin in Trenton and the surrounding area, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Omar Council, a/k/a “Stacks,” a/k/a “O,” a/k/a “Y-O,” a/k/a “Snow,” 40, pleaded guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson in Trenton federal court to a superseding information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

According to documents filed in this and other cases and statements made in court:

In October 2018, Council and 25 other members of a drug trafficking conspiracy operating in Trenton were charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute heroin. Council is the 18th defendant to plead guilty. On Aug. 8, 2019, a grand jury returned a 15-count second superseding indictment charging Council and eight other defendants – Jerome Roberts, a/k/a “Righteous,” a/k/a “Lee”; David Antonio, a/k/a “Papi,” a/k/a “Pop,” a/k/a “Victor Arias,” a/k/a “Santiago Ramirez”; Brian Phelps, a/k/a “B-Money,” a/k/a “B”; Timothy Wimbush, a/k/a “Young Money”; Taquan Williams, a/k/a “Trip”; Jubri West; Dennis Cheston, Jr., a/k/a “Beans”; and Wayne K. Bush – with various crimes relating to the drug-trafficking conspiracy, including firearms charges against Phelps, Wimbush, Williams, West, and Cheston.

From as early as October 2017 to October 2018, the defendants and others engaged in a narcotics distribution conspiracy that operated in the areas of Martin Luther King Boulevard, Sanford Street, Middle Rose Street, Southard Street, Hoffman Avenue, and Coolidge Avenue in Trenton. Through the interception of telephone calls and text messages pursuant to court-authorized wiretap orders – including over a cellular telephone used by Council – controlled purchases of heroin from Council and others, the use of confidential sources of information, and other investigative techniques, law enforcement learned that Council was a significant drug distributor in and around Trenton and the surrounding area. The investigation also revealed that Council maintained close relationships with other conspirators, including Jakir Taylor, who obtained regular supplies of hundreds of “bricks” of heroin from David Antonio, whom they referred to as “Papi.” Council obtained supplies of heroin directly from Taylor and others (including supplies of heroin originating from Antonio), and regularly redistributed that heroin to others in and around Trenton.

The drug conspiracy count to which Council pleaded guilty carries a statutory mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum potential penalty of 40 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $5 million. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 10, 2020.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Trenton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Newark Division, Trenton Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson; officers of the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Sheila A. Coley; officers of the Princeton Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Nicholas Sutter; officers of the Ewing Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police John P. Stemler III; officers of the Burlington Township Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Bruce Painter; and detectives of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Scott A. Coffina, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked officers of the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan; detectives of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri; officers of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John A. Kemler; and members of the N.J. State Board of Parole for their assistance in the case..

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Brendan Day and Alexander Ramey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.

This case was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the FBI’s Greater Trenton Safe Streets Task Force, a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to enhance the identification, apprehension, and prosecution of individuals involved in gang-related activities, violent crime, and drug distribution in and around the greater Trenton area. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.

The charges and allegations against the remaining defendants are merely accusations and those defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defense Counsel: Mark W. Catanzaro Esq., Mount Holly, New Jersey

Second Defendant also Pleads Guilty to Distributing Multiple Controlled Substances as Part of Conspiracy

TRENTON, N.J. – A Trenton man today admitted his leadership role in a significant drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed more than one kilogram of heroin in Trenton and the surrounding area, and also admitted possessing firearms in furtherance of the drug conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.

Jakir Taylor, a/k/a “Jak,” 28, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson in Trenton federal court to two counts of a superseding indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin (Count One), and possessing and conspiring to possess one or more firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (Count Seven).

Another member of the conspiracy, Alonzo Leary, a/k/a “J-Buck,” a/k/a “Buck,” 37, of Trenton, pleaded guilty May 30, 2019, before Judge Wolfson to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute multiple controlled substances, including heroin, oxycodone, and alprazolam.

In October 2018, Taylor, Leary, and 24 other members of a drug trafficking conspiracy operating in Trenton were charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute heroin. Taylor and others also were charged with additional firearms offenses. On April 11, 2019, a grand jury returned a nine-count superseding indictment charging Taylor and eight other defendants with conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and various other drug and firearm offenses. Of the 26 defendants charged in the criminal complaint, Taylor is the eighth defendant to plead guilty, and Leary is the ninth. The charges in the superseding indictment and the criminal complaint are currently pending against the 17 remaining defendants.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

From as early as October 2017 to October 2018, the defendants and others engaged in a large narcotics conspiracy that operated in the areas of Martin Luther King Boulevard, Sanford Street, Middle Rose Street, Southard Street, Hoffman Avenue, and Coolidge Avenue in Trenton, and which sought to profit from the distribution of heroin and numerous other controlled substances. Through the interception of telephone calls and text messages pursuant to court-authorized wiretap orders, controlled purchases of heroin, the use of confidential sources of information, and other investigative techniques, law enforcement learned that Taylor and Jerome Roberts obtained regular supplies of hundreds of “bricks” of heroin from defendant David Antonio, whom they referred to as “Papi.” Intercepted communications between and among Taylor, Roberts, Antonio, and other conspirators revealed that Taylor and Roberts agreed to obtain from Antonio a “motherlode” supply of as many as 1,500 bricks – approximately 1.5 kilograms of heroin – in a single delivery. Taylor said that he intended to “flood the streets” of Trenton with this large supply. Taylor also admitted that he and his conspirators possessed at least one firearm to assist his drug trafficking operations, and on multiple occasions during the conspiracy Taylor actively sought to obtain additional firearms from other sources.

Intercepted telephone communications revealed that Leary participated in the drug trafficking as a close associate of Omar Council, Brian Phelps, Gary Ausmore, and other members of the conspiracy. These communications revealed that Leary participated in the conspiracy by distributing quantities of heroin, oxycodone, and alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax) to other narcotics dealers and end users.

The drug conspiracy count to which Taylor pleaded guilty carries a statutory mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a maximum fine of $10 million. The firearms count to which Taylor pleaded guilty carries a statutory mandatory minimum term of five years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of life years in prison, and must be served consecutive to the sentence imposed on the drug conspiracy count. The drug conspiracy count to which Leary pleaded guilty carries a statutory maximum term of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1 million. Taylor’s sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 1, 2019, and Leary’s sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 4, 2019.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Trenton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Newark Division, Trenton Satellite Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson; officers of the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Sheilah Coley; officers of the Princeton Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Nicholas Sutter; officers of the Ewing Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police John P. Stemler III; officers of the Burlington Township Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Bruce Painter; and detectives of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Scott A. Coffina, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty pleas.

He also thanked officers of the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan; detectives of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Angelo Onofri; officers of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John A. Kemler; and members of the N.J. State Board of Parole for their assistance in the case.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Brendan Day and Alexander Ramey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.

This case was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the FBI’s Greater Trenton Safe Streets Task Force, a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to enhance the identification, apprehension, and prosecution of individuals involved in gang-related activities, violent crime, and drug distribution in and around the greater Trenton area. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.

The charges and allegations against the remaining defendants are merely accusations and those defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defense counsel:

Taylor: Jerome A. Ballarotto Esq., Trenton

Leary: Robert B. Haney Esq., West Windsor, New Jersey

TRENTON, N.J. – A Trenton man today admitted his role in a violent drug trafficking conspiracy that allegedly distributed more than one kilogram of heroin in Trenton and the surrounding area, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.

Donte Ellis, a/k/a “Shalant,” 41, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Ellis also admitted to possessing a firearm during the offense.

In October 2018, Ellis and 25 other members of a drug trafficking conspiracy operating in Trenton were charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute heroin. Ellis is the first of the defendants to plead guilty. On Feb. 21, 2019, a grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging four defendants, Jakir Taylor, a/k/a “Jak”; Jerome Roberts, a/k/a “Righteous”; David Antonio, a/k/a “Papi,” a/k/a “Victor Arias”; and Wayne K. Bush, with conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. Taylor also was charged in the indictment with possessing of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charges in the criminal complaint remain pending against the other 20 defendants.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

From as early as October 2017 to October 2018, the defendants and others engaged in a narcotics conspiracy that operated in the areas of Martin Luther King Boulevard, Sanford Street, Middle Rose Street, Southard Street, Hoffman Avenue, and Coolidge Avenue in Trenton, and which sought to profit from the distribution of heroin and numerous other controlled substances. Through the interception of telephone calls and text messages pursuant to court-authorized wiretap orders, controlled purchases of heroin, the use of confidential sources of information, and other investigative techniques, law enforcement learned that defendants Jakir Taylor and Jerome Roberts obtained regular supplies of hundreds of “bricks” of heroin from defendant David Antonio, whom they referred to as “Papi.” The investigation revealed that in September and October 2018, Ellis—who had been released from state prison in August 2018 for a prior conviction for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder—obtained large quantities of heroin on multiple occasions from Jakir Taylor, which he redistributed to others in and around Trenton. The investigation also revealed that, on several occasions when he obtained supplies of heroin from Taylor, he also obtained a firearm from Taylor for protection in re-distributing the narcotics.

The drug conspiracy count to which Ellis pleaded guilty carries a statutory mandatory minimum term of five years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 40 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $5 million. Sentencing is scheduled for June 13, 2019.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Trenton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Newark Division, Trenton Satellite Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Taylor; officers of the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Acting Police Director Pedro Medina; officers of the Princeton Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Nicholas Sutter; officers of the Ewing Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police John P. Stemler III; officers of the Burlington Township Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Bruce Painter; and detectives of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, under the  direction of Prosecutor Scott A. Coffina, with the investigation leading to today’s charges. He also thanked officers of the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan; detectives of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Angelo Onofri; officers of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John A. Kemler; and members of the New Jersey State Board of Parole for their assistance in the case, including with today’s coordinated takedown.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Brendan Day and Alexander Ramey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.

This case was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the FBI’s Greater Trenton Safe Streets Task Force, a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to enhance the identification, apprehension, and prosecution of individuals involved in gang-related activities, violent crime, and drug distribution in and around the greater Trenton area. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.

The charges and allegations against the remaining defendants are merely accusations and those defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

12 Arrests Made in Coordinated Takedown by Federal and State Law Enforcement; Four Defendants At-Large, Remaining 10 Defendants Already in Custody

TRENTON, N.J. – Federal criminal charges were filed against 27 individuals who used violence as part of a conspiracy to distribute significant quantities of heroin and other narcotics in Trenton and whose members possessed numerous firearms in furtherance of the gang’s activities, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.

The complaint unsealed today charges 26 defendants with conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. Six of the defendants – Jakir Taylor, Timothy Wimbush, Taquan Williams, Jubri West, and Dennis Cheston Jr. – are also were charged with possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Wimbush, Williams, and Cheston are additionally charged with unlawfully possessing firearms after having been convicted of a felony. In a separate criminal complaint filed today, Keyanda Phelps was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. (See attached chart for information on the defendants.)

“Despite progress in reducing gun violence in Trenton, we cannot rest,” U.S. Attorney Carpenito said. “A recent spate of shootings shows that we must always be vigilant, and ready to respond to gang violence. Our message to the Trenton community should be loud and clear: We are here, we are watching, and we will not stand idly by while illegal drug distribution, firearms possession, and violent crime terrorize this great city.”

“Today’s arrests reflect the commitment of the FBI and our state, local and federal partners,” Gregory W. Ehrie, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Newark Division, said. “We will continue to target these violent offenders who prey on the City of Trenton and the surrounding communities.”

“ATF will always stand shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners in furtherance of our combined goal to reduce violent crime and protect the citizens of New Jersey,” ATF Newark Field Division Special Agent in Charge John B. DeVito said. “This investigation is yet another example of how effective utilization of crime gun intelligence affords law enforcement the ability to successfully identify, isolate and stop those individuals and organizations that endanger our communities.”

The 12 defendants arrested today, as well as 10 defendants who were already in custody, are scheduled to have their initial appearances this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Arpert in Trenton federal court. One defendant is serving a sentence in state prison and will have his initial appearance at a later date. Four defendants remain at-large.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

From October 2017 to October 2018, the defendants and others engaged in a narcotics conspiracy that operated in the areas of Martin Luther King Boulevard; Sanford, Middle Rose, and Southard streets; and Hoffman and Coolidge avenues. The defendants sought to profit from the sale of heroin and other illegal drugs in Trenton.

Through the interception of telephone calls and text messages pursuant to court-authorized wiretap orders, controlled purchases of heroin, the use of confidential sources of information, and other investigative techniques, law enforcement learned that Jakir Taylor and Jerome Roberts obtained regular supplies of hundreds of “bricks” of heroin (a brick is approximately 50 smaller, individually packaged glassine envelopes or baggies containing heroin) from David Antonio, whom they referred to as “Papi.” Other key members of the drug trafficking conspiracy included Omar Council, Gary Ausmore, Brian Phelps, Davias Taylor, and others.

Members of the conspiracy re-distributed the heroin supplied by Papi and other sources, for profit, to other conspirators, distributors, sub-dealers, and end users in and around Trenton. Law enforcement officers intercepted numerous discussions among the conspirators regarding issues such as heroin quality and availability, pricing, packaging, quantity, and customer satisfaction.

To protect their drug-trafficking activities, multiple conspirators possessed, shared, supplied, and actively sought to obtain firearms. Law enforcement seized at least five semiautomatic firearms possessed by members of the conspiracy, including three semiautomatic handguns and an assault rifle located in a vehicle’s secret compartment specially outfitted to hide contraband. On another occasion, Jakir Taylor sent to another conspirator a photograph of three handguns—one outfitted with an extended magazine capable of loading approximately 50 rounds of ammunition—accompanied by a message that read, “War ready.”

The charges filed today come on the heels of a recent spate of gun violence in the area of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Sanford and Middle Rose streets, primary locations of the conspiracy’s drug trafficking operations. The investigation is continuing; however, based on the information and evidence obtained to date, law enforcement has reason to believe that a significant amount of this recent gun violence resulted from an ongoing dispute between members of the conspiracy and a rival gang. The charges are the result of a two-year investigation by the Greater Trenton Safe Streets Task Force. Led by the FBI, the Task Force is comprised of various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to combine resources and intelligence to enhance the identification, apprehension, and prosecution of individuals involved in gang-related activities, violent crime, and drug distribution in and around Trenton.

The drug conspiracy count carries a statutory mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a maximum fine of $10 million. The count charging Taylor, Wimbush, Williams, West, and Cheston with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime carries a statutory mandatory minimum term of five years, which must run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, and a maximum potential penalty of life in prison. The felon-in-possession charges against Wimbush, Williams, Cheston, and Keyanda Phelps carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Trenton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Newark Division, Trenton Satellite Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John B. Devito; officers of the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Acting Police Director Christopher Doyle; officers of the Princeton Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Nicholas Sutter; officers of the Ewing Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police John P. Stemler III; officers of the Burlington Township Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Bruce Painter; and detectives of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Scott A. Coffina, with the investigation leading to today’s charges. He also thanked officers of the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan; detectives of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Angelo Onofri; officers of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John A. Kemler; and members of the New Jersey State Board of Parole for their assistance in the case, including with today’s charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Brendan Day and Alexander Ramey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaints are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

18-369 

 

Defendants



Name





Age





Residence





Jakir Taylor





28





Trenton





Omar Council*





39





Lawrence





David Antonio





30





Trenton





Jerome Roberts





Unknown





Willingboro





Gary Ausmore





28





Ewing





Brian Phelps





40





Incarcerated





Major Anderson





42





Trenton





Alonzo Leary





37





Trenton





Davias Taylor





Unknown





Incarcerated





Taques Hall





26





Trenton





Kahlil Hampton





Unknown





Lumberton





Donte Ellis





Unknown





Trenton





Dennis Cheston Jr.





37





Incarcerated





Timothy Wimbush





28





Incarcerated





Taquan Williams





Unknown





Trenton





Jubri West





19





Trenton





Malik Bingham





34





Trenton





Deavon Warner





27





Trenton





Jaquan Wade





28





Trenton





Quiana Welch





Unknown





Trenton





Keyanda Phelps





33





Incarcerated





Kaleib Cox*





Unknown





Incarcerated





Varlee Koon*





29





Incarcerated





Brandon Council*





24





Trenton





Wayne K. Bush





40





Incarcerated





Shaquel Rock





24





Trenton





Latrice Wharton





30





Trenton





*denotes at-large