Five Members of Marion Gardens Jersey City Gang Plead Guilty to Racketeering, Violent Crimes

NEWARK, N.J. – The streets of Jersey City are a little less dangerous this week after five members and associates of the notorious Marion Gardens Housing Complex gang admitted their guilt in federal court. Jervon Morris, aka “Sticky,” 35; Kevin Williams, aka “KK,” aka “Kay Kay,” 30; Jakeem Gibson-Madison, aka “Beanz,” 29; K’shawn Jackson, aka “Lil Kay,” 23; and Terick Rogers, aka “Moot,” 32, all of Jersey City, New Jersey, all pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and a litany of related crimes, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

The gang, deeply entrenched in the Marion Gardens Housing Complex, has long been a source of fear and violence in the neighborhood, routinely pushing cocaine and heroin while settling scores with rivals through brutal acts of aggression. The guilty pleas represent a significant blow to their operations, but the damage they’ve already inflicted is undeniable. The evidence presented in court paints a grim picture of a crew willing to use any means necessary to maintain control of their territory, including cold-blooded murder.

The indictment details a string of violent acts stretching back over a decade. On July 28, 2011, Morris and Williams, along with another gang member, carried out a targeted execution in the area of Gifford Avenue and Bergen Avenue. Fast forward to November 5, 2017, and Marion Gardens associates were responsible for another shooting on Van Nostrand Avenue and Bergen Avenue. The violence didn’t stop there. February 7, 2018, saw Williams involved in an assault on a victim identified as R.B. near Summit Avenue and Magnolia Avenue.

The brazenness of this crew reached its peak on June 30, 2018, during a so-called “Meech Day” celebration – a twisted tribute to a fallen comrade. Rogers, Jackson, and another associate opened fire on a crowd, injuring five people. Then, on January 9, 2019, Gibson-Madison and an accomplice ambushed a rival gang member near Grant Avenue and Ocean Avenue, wounding two in the hail of bullets. Even when targeted themselves, the Marion Gardens crew didn’t hesitate to retaliate. On June 9, 2019, Kevin Williams brandished a firearm and attempted to return fire after being shot at by rivals.

“Criminal street gangs – whether they are structured organizations with international reach or, as here, neighborhood based and local – cause devastating damage to the community,” stated U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. “Two of these defendants murdered a victim and all the defendants caused senseless violence and shootings and funneled dangerous drugs for personal profit. These defendants will now deservedly face significant sentences in prison as a result of the harm they’ve caused.” FBI Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the task force’s dedication to dismantling these violent groups. Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez added that the outcome reinforces the commitment to justice for victims and affected communities.

Sentencing dates have been set: Morris and Gibson-Madison will learn their fate on August 20, 2024; Rogers and Williams on August 21, 2024; and K’Shawn Jackson on August 22, 2024. While prison time won’t undo the harm inflicted, it offers a measure of relief to a community long held hostage by fear and violence. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are confident that further arrests are forthcoming.