Gang Member Sentenced to 28 Years for Racketeering and Violent Crimes

Elijah Williams, 24, of the Rollin’ 60s Crips, was convicted for his role in a criminal conspiracy involving attempting to kill four people, paralyzing one, and murdering one as vengeance.

Elijah Williams, also known as “Lil Smith,” was sentenced to 336 months in prison for participating in a racketeering conspiracy tied to the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips, a violent gang operating in New Jersey and beyond, according to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. Williams, 24, pleaded guilty to the charges earlier this year and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark.

“Elijah Williams brazenly shot multiple rival gang members, murdering one, paralyzing another, and leaving a trail of blood. Gang shootings jeopardize the safety of innocent residents in our communities and make the public less safe. The sentence handed down today ensures that Williams will spend decades behind bars, away from the streets he terrorized. This result was achieved through the hard work of many law enforcement partners in our Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, and we will continue our laser focus on battling the scourge of drugs and violence on our streets," said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

Between 2015 and September 2022, the Rollin’ 60s engaged in violent crimes and drug trafficking. Prosecutors highlighted that on September 25, 2018, in Newark, Williams attempted to kill rival gang members, injuring four people and leaving one paralyzed. On March 20, 2019, in Irvington, Williams fatally shot another individual in retaliation for the death of a fellow gang member.

Williams' sentence includes five years of supervised release after his prison term. This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation, which aims to dismantle major criminal organizations through collaboration among law enforcement agencies.

The Rollin’ 60s case underscores the federal government’s focus on reducing gang violence and organized crime in New Jersey communities.