A Newark NJ man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for his connection to a gang that reportedly distributed crack cocaine throughout Essex County, New Jersey.
According to federal prosecutors, the suspect belonged to the Grape Street Crips, a gang that controlled illegal drug distribution in Newark and elsewhere in Essex County. The main area where the gang allegedly focused on selling crack cocaine was the intersection of 6th Avenue and North 5th Street in Newark, New Jersey.
Newark police, Essex County police, and federal authorities spent a long time investigating the drug distribution operation. Police eventually arrested the suspect, among others.
Police officers also reportedly seized a large amount of crack cocaine and several firearms that had reportedly been stashed in various hiding places. The weapons seized by law enforcement reportedly including semi-automatic handguns and assault rifles.
The suspect, a 27-year-old male who resides in Newark, eventually reached a plea deal with federal prosecutors that allowed him to avoid the most serious penalties for drug distribution and weapons offenses. In exchange for the suspect pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, the U.S. Attorney’s Office agreed to recommend a sentence of just five years in prison.
In addition to serving five years behind bars, the suspect will also be subject to parole requirements for four years after he completes his sentence.
For additional information about this case, check out the NJ.com article, “Newark Member of Crips Gang Gets 5 Years for Drug Offense.”
