Three Members of Sex, Money, Murder Gang Sentenced Over Nine Years in Federal Prison

Federal case reveals large-scale narcotics network operating in Plainfield, New Jersey, with ties to Sex, Money, Murder subset of the Bloods street gang

Three members of a Plainfield-based drug trafficking organization affiliated with the Sex, Money, Murder subset of the Bloods street gang have each been sentenced to 108 months in federal prison, Acting United States Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba announced this week.

Jerry Ross, also known as “Molly” (age 47), Luis Delvalle, also known as “Lou” (age 42), and Joseph Ross, also known as “Rock” (age 43), were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton after pleading guilty to charges related to the distribution of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. In addition to the drug charges, Joseph Ross also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

“These convictions are the product of a relentless two-year investigation into a drug trafficking network that put New Jersey families and the American public at risk," said HSI Newark Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy.

According to court documents and statements made during the proceedings, the defendants were part of a narcotics organization that operated an open-air drug market in the area of West 3rd Street in Plainfield. Jerry Ross was identified as the leader of the operation, with Delvalle serving as a manager and supplier.

The investigation—spanning several months—included surveillance, controlled drug purchases, and phone record analysis, all of which indicated sustained narcotics distribution activity among the group. Law enforcement later executed search warrants, which led to the recovery of multiple firearms, fentanyl, other controlled substances, and drug packaging materials.

In total, ten individuals have been charged in connection with the conspiracy. In addition to the Ross brothers and Delvalle, the following defendants—Pernell White (37), Jaquay Bell (36), Andre Gaddy (32), Jacob Douglas (43), Tarrell Strond (43), and Tayeire Thomas (27)—have all pleaded guilty to similar conspiracy charges. Strond has been sentenced to 36 months in prison, while Thomas received a 48-month sentence. The remaining defendants are awaiting sentencing.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Newark, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Plainfield Police Department, with additional assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Port of New York/New Jersey and the Perth Amboy Police Department.

The federal government’s prosecution is being led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Goldberg of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit and Rachelle M. Navarro of the Bank Integrity, Money Laundering, and Recovery Unit in Newark.