Two Dozen New Jersey Street Gang Members Busted for Drug Trafficking (2024)

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Breaking Local News Report

JERSEY CITY, NJ – Twenty-four individuals linked to the Booker T street gang have been charged with a range of offenses, from drug distribution to armed robbery and bank fraud, as announced by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. The suspects were brought before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark III in Newark federal court, with four still at large.

The charges highlight a serious criminal enterprise within the Booker T. Washington Housing Complex in Jersey City. Members and associates of the gang are accused of operating a drug trafficking network that distributed significant quantities of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine. Eleven of the defendants face charges of conspiring to distribute over 100 grams of heroin, over 40 grams of fentanyl, and additional quantities of cocaine.

Beyond drug trafficking, the gang engaged in a sophisticated bank fraud conspiracy from December 2022 to May 2024. This scheme involved the creation, alteration, and deposit of fraudulent checks resulting in losses exceeding $100,000. Fifteen of the arrested individuals are charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

Additionally, two gang associates, Juan Hemingway and Stephon Murphy, are specifically charged with Hobbs Act robbery and the unlawful use of a firearm following an armed robbery on May 6, 2024, where they allegedly stole controlled substances from a victim.

The arrests represent a coordinated effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the critical importance of interagency collaboration. Law enforcement officials, including Acting Special Agent Ross A. Marchetti of the ATF and Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez, underscored their commitment to disrupting violent and drug-related activities that threaten community safety.

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These efforts are supported by numerous agencies, including the IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, demonstrating the extensive network of resources mobilized to combat gang-related criminality in New Jersey.

  • Experience Greek Culture at the Annual Bayshore Greek Fest

    HOLMDEL, NJ—The Bayshore Greek Fest, a vibrant celebration of Greek culture, is set to take place from June 6 to June 9 at the Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, located at 20 Hillcrest Road. This annual event invites everyone to enjoy a rich array of Greek cuisine, music, and traditional folk dances.

    Festival attendees will have the opportunity to indulge in a variety of gourmet Greek dishes, including lamb shanks, pastit*io, moussaka, and delectable pastries like tiropites (cheese pies) and spanakopites (spinach pies). The culinary experience is a major highlight, offering a taste of Greece’s famous flavors.

    Adding to the gastronomic delight, the festival features folk dancing performances by children in traditional costumes from the various Kimisis dance groups, providing a lively showcase of Greek heritage. Continuous music and entertainment throughout the weekend ensure that the festive atmosphere remains vibrant.

    For convenience, free parking is available at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, with a free shuttle service transporting visitors to and from the festival site. On-site parking is also provided for those requiring easier access. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in Greek culture right in the heart of New Jersey.

  • Jewish Student Group Cut from New Jersey High School Yearbook Replaced With Muslim Group

    Investigation Launched into Yearbook Erasure of Jewish Student Group in EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ

    An independent investigation has been initiated by East Brunswick Public Schools into the removal of a Jewish student group from the East Brunswick High School yearbook. This inquiry, led by Brisman Law, aims to determine the cause and culpability behind the group's photo being replaced with one of Muslim students and the erasure of their names.

    The review started Friday, with Superintendent Victor Valeski expressing confidence in the thoroughness of the investigation, noting that the law firm has full authority to explore all relevant aspects of the incident.

    This issue first emerged after approximately 375 yearbooks were distributed, revealing the omission and replacement on Tuesday. The superintendent has issued apologies to both the Jewish and Muslim student communities for the distress caused.

    Two Dozen New Jersey Street Gang Members Busted for Drug Trafficking (4)

    Mayor Brad Cohen of East Brunswick labeled the incident a "blatant Anti-Semitic act" and advocated for the investigation to assess if it constitutes a hate crime. He emphasized that neither hate nor anti-Semitism would be tolerated in the community.

    The New Jersey office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations also urged a transparent and fair investigation, highlighting the unintended negative consequences faced by Muslim students who were unaware of the misuse of their photo.

    In a statement,CAIR-NJ Interim Communications Manager Aya Elamroussisaid:

    “It is crucial that school officials ensure theirinvestigation is transparent, fair and thorough so those responsible are held accountable. This incident has triggered heinous backlash against some Muslim students who had no knowledge on their photo beingmisused.

    “The hate comments attacking Muslim high school students are deplorable. We call on East Brunswick’s mayor and public schools superintendent to offer support to their Muslim student community and be leaders for the entire township.”

  • Tragic Badminton Accident Claims Life of Jersey Girl on Family Vacation in Maine

    A six-year-old girl, Lucy Morgan from Stockholm, New Jersey, died this week after a badminton racquet accidentally struck her, causing severe head trauma. The incident occurred on June 1, during a family vacation in Limerick, Maine, approximately 30 miles west of Portland.

    Lucy was watching her siblings play badminton in the front yard of their lake cottage when the accident happened. Her father recounted that a racquet broke during a downward swing, sending a sharp piece flying into Lucy's skull while she sat on the sidelines.

    The family was enjoying their last full day at a lake cottage, a sabbatical gift from their church, when the tragedy unfolded. After the accident, Lucy was unresponsive and was quickly transported by helicopter to Maine Medical Center in Portland.

    At the hospital, doctors performed emergency surgery to relieve pressure on Lucy's brain and address her injuries. Despite efforts to save her, Lucy remained in critical condition with minimal brain function and sporadic breathing. She was intubated in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

    The family remains in mourning, clinging to memories of Lucy. Just weeks before the accident, she had expressed a desire to understand religious salvation, which her mother, Bethany, explained to her. Lucy chose to pray independently, affirming her faith.

  • Denville Welcomes Summer with the First Annual Garlic Festival

    DENVILLE, NJ—Denville invites locals and visitors alike to celebrate the inaugural Garlic Festival at Todd Johnson Field on June 9, from 12 PM to 6 PM. The festival promises a day filled with delightful culinary experiences, focusing on the versatile and beloved garlic, affectionately known as the "stinking rose."

    Attendees can savor an array of dishes from various food trucks and vendors, each incorporating garlic in unique and tasty ways. The event also offers plenty of entertainment for all ages, including games for children, making it a perfect family outing.

    Located at 33 St Marys Place, the festival not only serves as a community gathering but also supports a good cause. Admission is set at $10, but visitors can receive a $5 discount by bringing new toothpaste, mouthwash, or a toothbrush kit, which will benefit the Denville Food Pantry. Don't miss out on the chance to kick off the summer festival season with great food, fun, and community spirit.

  • Fights Outside JFK High School in Silver Spring Mar Graduation Celebrations

    SILVER SPRING, MD—Several brawls erupted this week on the steps of Constitution Hall at John F. Kennedy High School, casting a shadow over the school's graduation ceremonies. Principal Vickie Adamson described the events as "an embarrassment to our community."

    Adamson revealed that some recent graduates were involved in the skirmishes, but the majority of those fighting were adults and other community members. Despite efforts by school staff to de-escalate the situation, the conflicts escalated to the point where pepper spray was used by one of the adults involved.

    The situation caused significant disruption, compounded by graduation traffic, challenging the police who responded to the scene. Officers eventually managed to separate the involved parties and began an investigation based on statements collected from the scene.

    In a letter to the community, Adamson expressed gratitude towards those who attempted to intervene and made responsible decisions during the incident. She emphasized, "These types of altercations are unacceptable and do not represent the values of our larger John F. Kennedy High School community."

  • New Jersey GOP State Leader Endorses Bob Menendez For U.S. Senate

    New Jersey GOP Chairman Bob Hugin has signed a petition filed by disgraced U.S. Senator Bob Menendez to run as an independent candidate in this year's New Jersey U.S. Senate race.

    The petition was published by NBC News' Julie Tsirkin on X. Typically, signing a person's political petition for office is an endorsem*nt of that person to be on the ballot.

    Hugin, who unsuccessfully ran for U.S. Senate after chairman across the state saw dollar signs from the independently wealthy politician, eventually made his way to become chairman of the New Jersey Republican Party.

    His signature on Menendez's petition signals one of two things. Hugin is the "RINO" many New Jersey Republicans say he is, or there's a more sinister and political plot.

    Bob Menendez is getting something from the GOP to run as a spoiler in the election, splitting Democrat votes for the Republicans. We wouldn't put that past Menendez.

    Two Dozen New Jersey Street Gang Members Busted for Drug Trafficking (9)

    To feed into the conspiracy theories being generated over this news, it's important to note that Hugin ran against Menendez in 2018. Rumors at the time circulated that most leaders in the New Jersey GOP realized Hugin had no real shot against Menendez, but that didn't stop them from taking thousands of dollars in donations from Hugin for local campaigns.

    Hugin dished out $39,000,000 in his losing campaign versus $13 million spent by Menendez.

    Millions of dollars in cash were exchanging hands within the New Jersey GOP consultancies that year. These elections typically aren't about winning and losing but to feed the system of the GOP and, sometimes, to keep the status quo for the GOP elites who do business with the New Jersey Democrats.

    It also wouldn't be far-fetched that Hugin would shell out money for Menendez knowing every vote Menendez gets is a vote taken away from Andy Kim, the Democrat candidate. The New Jersey GOP needs a hail Mary to defeat Kim, and a partnership between the NJ GOP, Gold Bar, and Chairman Bob Hugin could just be what certain county chairmen ordered.

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Two Dozen New Jersey Street Gang Members Busted for Drug Trafficking (2024)

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