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Two Men Convicted in Violent Drug-Trafficking Operation, Leader Found Guilty of Murder
Jury finds ringleader guilty of murder, both defendants face lengthy prison terms for narcotics and firearms offenses.
A federal jury in Newark has convicted Michael Mayse, 38, and Gary Shahid, 66, both of New Jersey, for their involvement in a dangerous drug trafficking organization (DTO) that operated in the Stephen Crane Village public housing complex located on the border of Newark and Belleville. Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced that the verdict, returned yesterday afternoon, includes convictions for murder, narcotics offenses, and firearms charges.
“Drug trafficking can be a dangerous and violent game, often entangled with the deadly consequences. Today’s conviction against these two members of the Stephen Crane Village Drug Trafficking Organization, who repeatedly used violence when operating their criminal enterprise, shows the commitment the DEA and our law enforcement partners have in keeping our communities safe and making sure those responsible for these types of violent crimes face the consequences for their actions,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz, New Jersey Field Division.
Stephen Crane Village was the site of an open-air drug market run by the DTO from at least February 2019 through February 2020. According to investigators, law enforcement used numerous controlled purchases of narcotics, recorded telephone calls and text messages, physical surveillance, electronic surveillance, and call detail record analysis to determine that DTO members conspired to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base in and around Stephen Crane Village. The DTO also maintained a drug stash apartment within Stephen Crane Village, where large quantities of narcotics were packaged and stored for distribution. The investigation revealed that the DTO sold significant amounts of these drugs to undercover agents and confidential sources.
Mayse, who led the DTO, was convicted of murder, drug trafficking conspiracy, and related drug and firearms offenses. In particular, on December 15, 2019, he entered the DTO’s stash apartment and murdered another DTO member over a monetary debt connected to the drug trafficking conspiracy. Shahid, identified as a drug supplier for the DTO, was convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy, distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and firearms offenses.
The count of conspiracy to distribute at least 100 grams of heroin carries a minimum prison sentence of five years and a maximum of 40 years, along with a fine of up to $5 million. Individual counts of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine distribution each carry a maximum prison term of 20 years and a $1 million fine.
The offense of possessing with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of heroin, and 500 grams or more of cocaine carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of up to $10 million.
The conviction for murder during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime is punishable by a maximum of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Discharging a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $250,000 fine, while possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking is punishable by a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of life, as well as a $250,000 fine.
The investigation was part of the Newark Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), a partnership among federal, state, and local agencies to target offenders who endanger community safety. The case also falls under the umbrella of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) program, which is devoted to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling the most significant criminal organizations across the nation. Additional information about the OCDETF Program is available on the U.S. Department of Justice website.
