Member of Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips Gang Pleads Guilty to Racketeering

Elijah Williams faces life in prison after admitting to violent crimes, including attempted murder and drug trafficking.

NEWARK, NJ — In a significant development in the fight against organized crime, Elijah Williams, a 24-year-old known gang member of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips, has pled guilty to charges of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court, according to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

Williams, also known by the alias "Lil Smith," is implicated in a series of violent acts and drug trafficking that have significantly impacted communities in New Jersey. His criminal activities include the attempted murder of rival gang members in Newark on September 25, 2018, which left one victim paralyzed, and a fatal shooting on March 20, 2019, in Irvington, as an act of retaliation within gang conflicts.

"The defendant today acknowledged his role in a dangerous network involved in egregious criminal behaviors," stated U.S. Attorney Sellinger. 

He highlighted the importance of multi-agency cooperation in bringing Williams to justice and stressed the ongoing commitment to combatting drug and violence-related crimes in the community.

Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz of the DEA New Jersey Field Division remarked on the collective efforts leading to Williams's guilty plea, pointing out the critical role of inter-agency collaboration in dismantling criminal organizations that degrade the quality of life in neighborhoods.

Similarly, ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller emphasized the dedication of federal, state, and local agencies in identifying and prosecuting individuals who perpetuate violence and disrupt community safety.

The investigation that led to Williams's guilty plea involved a broad network of law enforcement agencies, including the DEA, IRS Criminal Investigation, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, and several local police departments across New Jersey. This case is also part of the broader Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) program, which focuses on disrupting high-level criminal organizations through a comprehensive, multi-agency approach.

Williams is scheduled for sentencing on September 4, 2024, where he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. His case serves as a testament to the ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and justice in the face of organized crime.