41° and Sunny
Grape Street Crips Gang Members Plead Guilty to Drug Trafficking
Coordinated Law Enforcement Efforts Leads to Convictions in Extensive Drug Network Operating in Newark
NEWARK, NJ — In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking in Newark, Ali Carney, 45, of Newark, has admitted to his involvement in a narcotics distribution conspiracy. This admission is part of a broader investigation that has successfully implicated multiple members and associates of the Grape Street Crips gang. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the guilty plea, which was entered before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court on January 17, 2024.
Carney, along with 11 co-defendants, participated in a drug trafficking organization that dominated the drug trade in the Oscar Miles Village area. From April 2021 through October 2022, Carney and his associates dealt in fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, contributing to the widespread drug issues plaguing the community. Carney's guilty plea to conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute marks a crucial step in the fight against drug-related crimes in Newark.
The charges against Carney carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. His sentencing is scheduled for May 22, 2024. The other defendants, Thomas Barney, Najuwan Blake-Williams, Altray Brown, Najee Carney, Tyrone Cradle, Jaquan McAllister, Ikaim McSwain, Latif Terry, Shaquan Ward, Taji Williams, and Zaid Williams, have also pleaded guilty for their roles in the conspiracy.
A year-long investigation into this drug trafficking organization revealed substantial criminal activity, including the distribution of over a kilogram of fentanyl-laced heroin and over 280 grams of crack cocaine. Additionally, multiple firearms were seized, underscoring the violent nature of this drug network.
The successful prosecution of these individuals is a testament to the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies. Special agents of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the New Jersey State Police, the U.S. Marshal Service, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, and the Newark Police Department played pivotal roles in this investigation. This coordinated effort was part of the Newark Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), formed in August 2017 to combat violent crime in and around Newark.
The Newark VCI's joint operation involving federal, state, county, and city agencies highlights the commitment of law enforcement to tackling the complex issue of drug trafficking and its associated violence. The collective effort of these agencies has delivered a significant blow to one of Newark's major drug trafficking organizations, marking a notable achievement in the ongoing battle against drug-related crime in the city.
The U.S. Attorney's Office, led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samantha C. Fasanello and Olta Bejleri, is handling the government's representation in this critical case. The guilty pleas in this case represent a strong stand against drug trafficking and a step forward in ensuring community safety in Newark.
