New Jersey Fugitive Wanted Since 2021 Arrested in California

Authorities say an Absecon man accused of drug trafficking and weapons offenses was captured in Sacramento after years on the run and has been extradited back to New Jersey.

A New Jersey man wanted for multiple drug and weapons offenses dating back to 2021 has been arrested in California and returned to Atlantic County to face charges, state officials announced.

Jordan P. Ragland, 33, of Absecon, was taken into custody in Sacramento, California, on Sept. 23, 2025, by members of the U.S. Marshals Service Task Force, with assistance from the New Jersey State Police Fugitive Unit. Ragland had been added to the New Jersey State Police Most Wanted List in May 2025 after evading arrest for several years.

According to the Office of the Attorney General, Ragland is wanted on charges including maintaining a controlled dangerous substance production facility, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, unlawful possession of an assault firearm, and unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol, among numerous other offenses.

“No matter how far someone runs, or how long they hide, if we believe they are guilty of a crime, we will not stop until they are brought to justice,” Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said. “Excellent work by our State Police and our law enforcement partners ensured that this defendant is back in New Jersey to face justice for the crimes he is accused of committing.”

The arrest stems from a lengthy, multiagency investigation led by the New Jersey State Police Casino Gaming Bureau, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The investigation began in September 2020 and uncovered what authorities describe as an alleged criminal network involving the shipment of large quantities of crystal methamphetamine from California to Atlantic City and other locations across the United States.

Ragland and his cousin, James P. Wright, were later indicted by a grand jury. The charges include first-degree possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of first-degree maintaining or operating a CDS production facility, second-degree possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, two counts of second-degree possession of a weapon during a CDS offense, second-degree unlawful possession of an assault firearm, fourth-degree certain persons not to possess weapons, and multiple additional third- and fourth-degree offenses.

Wright was arrested in March 2021 and is currently serving a five-year sentence in New Jersey state prison.

Authorities allege that after a residential search warrant was executed in 2021, Ragland fled New Jersey and used multiple aliases while traveling to California to avoid apprehension. Following his arrest in Sacramento, he was extradited back to New Jersey by members of the New Jersey State Police and lodged in the Atlantic County Jail.

“The defendant in this matter spent years on the run, allegedly to avoid arrest for serious crimes,” said Division of Criminal Justice Director Theresa L. Hilton. “Our NJSP Fugitive Unit worked with our law enforcement partners to track him down and arrest him. Their tireless pursuit means the people of New Jersey will finally be able to hold this defendant accountable.”

Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, said the case highlights the persistence of law enforcement agencies working across state lines.

“Taking this fugitive into custody is the result of the unwavering persistence of our detectives and our law enforcement partners,” Callahan said. “This individual—wanted for drug distribution, weapons offenses, and endangering the welfare of a child—posed a serious threat to our communities.”

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Nicole E. Wise.

The charges and allegations against Ragland are accusations only. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.