NEWARK, N.J. – Elijah Williams, aka “Lil Smith,” 24, confessed today to a life steeped in violence and drug dealing as a key player in the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips. The admission comes as part of a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy charge, painting a grim picture of years spent terrorizing the streets of New Jersey.
According to federal prosecutors, Williams’ criminal activity spanned from 2015 through September 22, 2022. He wasn’t just a member of the gang; he actively participated in a pattern of violence designed to eliminate rivals and secure turf. The indictment details a particularly brutal incident on September 25, 2018, in Newark, where Williams allegedly opened fire on four individuals, leaving one paralyzed. The cold calculation continued on March 20, 2019, in Irvington, when Williams is accused of fatally shooting a man in retaliation for the murder of a fellow gang member.
“The defendant in this case today admitted to his role in a criminal enterprise involved in violent crime and drug trafficking,” declared U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger in a statement. “Williams murdered and injured rival gang members and left a trail of blood. He now faces spending the rest of his life behind bars.” Sellinger emphasized the collaborative effort of multiple law enforcement agencies, stating they will “continue this cooperative effort as we battle the scourge of drugs and violence on our streets.”
The investigation, a joint effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), IRS-Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Marshals Service, along with several local police departments and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, underscores the widespread reach of the Rollin’ 60s. DEA Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz noted the guilty plea as a direct result of collaborative efforts “effectively targeting those organizations and individuals poisoning and destroying our communities.” ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to disrupting violent criminals and protecting neighborhoods.
Williams’ plea avoids a trial but doesn’t guarantee leniency. He now faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 4, 2024, leaving Williams months to contemplate the consequences of his actions. The case serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive threat of gang violence and the tireless work of law enforcement to bring perpetrators to justice.
The streets of Newark and Irvington are a little safer today, but the dismantling of one criminal enterprise is rarely the end of the story. Federal agencies and local police will remain vigilant, hunting down the remaining members of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips and other gangs that prey on vulnerable communities. This case, while concluding with a guilty plea, highlights the ongoing battle against organized crime and the relentless pursuit of justice for the victims of violence.
Related Federal Cases
- Bridgette Williams, Identity Theft and Conspiracy, Macon GA, 2014 · Alabama
- Dr. Terence Sasaki, Online Pill Mill Scheme, Newark NJ, 2023 · Ohio
- Danny C. Williams Sr., International Chemical Importation Scheme, T… · Nevada
- Juan Pablo Escalante-Melgar, Plot to Murder Informant, Newark NJ, 2023 · Pennsylvania
- Joel Antonio Cortez, Racketeering Conspiracy, NJ 2024 · California
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Organized Crime|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Press Release
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