Marion Gardens Gang Member Sentenced to Two Life Terms for Murders, Drug Trafficking

Myron Williams among multiple defendants facing lengthy federal prison terms for violent racketeering crimes in Jersey City

Myron Williams, 31, of Newark—also known by the aliases “Money” and “Tunchi”—has been sentenced to two consecutive life terms for his role in a violent racketeering conspiracy linked to the Marion Gardens Housing Complex in Jersey City. The sentencing, delivered by U.S. District Judge Michael E. Farbiarz in Newark federal court, follows Williams’s conviction for racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, drug trafficking, and firearm offenses.

Williams’s sentence includes:

• Life imprisonment for racketeering conspiracy,

• Life imprisonment for murder in aid of racketeering,

• 240 months for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances,

• 120 months for discharging a firearm during a violent crime,
  with all sentences to be served consecutively.

The charges stem from a sweeping investigation into the Marion Gardens street gang, which since 2013 has been tied to drug trafficking and multiple homicides. Williams and co-defendants, including Khalil Kelley and Roger Pickett, were involved in three gang-related murders between March 2021 and November 2022. These murders were carried out by luring rivals through social media or during staged drug transactions, followed by armed assaults.

Williams’s co-defendant, Khalil Kelley, was sentenced on June 5, 2025, to life plus 10 years. Another associate, Jawaad Davis, was sentenced today to 170 months for coordinating a fatal robbery in 2022.

The case involved months of surveillance and narcotics monitoring in the Marion Gardens complex, culminating in coordinated arrests on March 17, 2023. During the operation, law enforcement recovered heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, firearms, ammunition, and protective gear. Authorities identified Herbert Thomas as a primary drug supplier to the gang.

Eight additional defendants, including Pickett, Thomas, and others, are scheduled for sentencing between June and October 2025.

This investigation was part of the Jersey City Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), a multi-agency effort established in 2018 to target serious violent offenders. The operation was led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey in collaboration with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, Jersey City Police Department, FBI, ATF, U.S. Marshals, and other federal and local agencies.

The prosecution was led by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Desiree Grace and Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Maloy and Javon Henry from the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit.