Leader of Major Newark Drug Operation Sentenced to Over 14 Years in Prison

Shaheed “Sha Gotti” Blake is last of 26 co-conspirators convicted in massive heroin and crack distribution scheme.

NEWARK, N.J. – A 41-year-old Newark man described as the driving force behind one of the city’s most lucrative and violent open-air drug markets was sentenced to 168 months in prison, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced. Shaheed Blake, a/k/a “Sha Gotti,” “Sha,” and “Bruh,” was handed the sentence by U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin in Newark federal court for leading a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that operated continuously—day and night—on the Newark–Irvington border. He is the last of 26 defendants indicted in the case, all of whom have now been convicted and sentenced.

Leadership of the “CKarter Boys”

Investigators say Blake controlled one of two adjacent houses near the Newark–Irvington line, establishing a massive heroin and crack cocaine distribution ring. According to evidence:

The criminal group called themselves the “CKarter Boys,” referencing “The Carter,” a drug den portrayed in the 1991 film New Jack City.

The “CK” in their name signaled “Crip Killer,” reflecting the DTO’s alignment with the Bloods and hostility toward rival Crips members.

On average, the single building managed by Blake generated approximately $10,000 in revenue each day—peaking at $13,000 during some shifts.

Staggering Daily Operation and Building Fortifications

The DTO maintained 24-hour operations for heroin and crack sales:

Two Adjacent Dens: Each supplied with large quantities of narcotics. One of these residences, described as abandoned, was so heavily barricaded that the group installed a ladder as an entryway to a second-floor window, concealing themselves inside.

“Drive-Through” Window: Traffickers cut a hole on the first-floor exterior wall, serving as a point for “customers” to exchange cash for drugs—similar to fast-food service.

Backyard Shed: Used as storage for additional narcotics, a communal cell phone, firearms, and ammunition.

All of this took place two blocks from Thurgood Marshall Elementary School, a public institution serving Pre-K through 5th Grade.

Wiretap Investigation and 26 Sentencings

Law enforcement agencies—including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office—relied on wiretaps, surveillance, and investigative methods to dismantle the DTO. Twenty-five other co-defendants had already been sentenced over recent months. Among them:

Anderson Hutchinson was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment;
Jabaar Blake was sentenced to 163 months’ imprisonment;
Jason Colon was sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment;
Keyenn Rodgers was sentenced to 150 months’ imprisonment;
William Teal was sentenced to 132 months’ imprisonment;
Brian White was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment;
Todd Garrett was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment;
Anthony Bowens was sentenced to 88 months’ imprisonment;
Dorrell Blake was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment;
Daquan Lockhart was sentenced to 90 months’ imprisonment;
Aldoray McClain was sentenced to 72 months’ imprisonment;
Sharif Davis was sentenced to 72 months’ imprisonment;
Roger Thomas was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment;
Lamont Pugh was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
David Rogers was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
Hanif Yarrell was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
Aaron Watson was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
Marquise O’Neal was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
Jaleel Metz was sentenced to 66 months’ imprisonment;
Bernard Brown was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
Jesse Scott was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
Rasheem Langley was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
Shadesasha Ford was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment;
Linwood Lyles was sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment; and
Andrew Knox was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment.

Each of them faced charges relating to distributing heroin, distributing crack cocaine, possessing firearms, or aiding in the criminal enterprise as suppliers, lookouts, enforcers, or mid-level managers.

Blake’s 168-month sentence includes 5 years of supervised release following incarceration. In imposing the punishment, Judge Padin acknowledged Blake’s extensive involvement and leadership role within the gang, which used firearms and threats of violence to protect and expand its operations.

Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna stressed that the relentless flow of drugs and the group’s open display of guns exacted a heavy toll on local residents, who endured constant illegal activity near their homes. Authorities say that confronting such DTOs is essential to restoring public safety and improving quality of life in Newark’s affected neighborhoods.

The investigation was driven by:

ATF (Newark Field Division, Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks Jr.).
Newark Department of Public Safety, led by Director Emanuel Miranda.
Various local agencies, including the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Police, and multiple municipal police departments across northern New Jersey.

Newark Violent Crime Initiative and OCDETF

This prosecution was part of the Newark Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), launched in August 2017 to reduce violent crime by pooling federal, state, county, and local law enforcement resources. It was also conducted under the umbrella of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), which brings a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Desiree Grace, Chief of the Criminal Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olta Bejleri and Jake A. Nasar led the prosecution. By dismantling the “CKarter Boys” and sentencing all 26 defendants, officials mark a decisive blow against one of Newark’s most entrenched drug markets.