Lateef Grimsley, Heroin Distribution, New Jersey 2015

HEROIN RING BUSTED: Five Essex County Men Charged In Heroin Distribution Ring

NEWARK, N.J. – A brazen heroin distribution ring operating out of a Newark apartment was busted yesterday, leaving five Essex County men facing serious charges. According to sources close to the investigation, the operation was taking place on the third floor of a building in Newark.

Those charged include Lateef Grimsley, 25, of Newark; Daquwann Walker, 24, of Newark; Rassol China, 33, of Newark; Bryant Rudd, 26, of Newark; and Shakur Billinghurst, 21, of Newark. Each man was previously arrested and charged by complaint in connection with the ring.

According to court documents, a federal grand jury indicted the five men on charges of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute, and conspiring to distribute, one kilogram or more of a mixture and substance containing heroin. If convicted, each man could face up to life in prison and a $10 million fine.

The alleged heroin mill was discovered as a result of a lengthy investigation by special agents of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). DEA agents seized over one kilogram of heroin and a variety of drug paraphernalia and packaging materials from the location.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Barry A. Kamar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office General Crimes Unit in Newark. Defense counsel for the defendants includes Angelo Servidio Esq. of Nutley, N.J. for Grimsley; David A. Holman AFPD of Newark for Walker; Peter R. Willis Esq. of Jersey City, N.J. for China; Vincent J. Lapaglia Esq. of Hoboken, N.J. for Rudd; and Bruce S. Rosen Esq. of Florham Park, N.J. for Billinghurst.

U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman credited special agents of the DEA, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Carl Kotowski in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges. The case is a stark reminder of the ongoing heroin epidemic plaguing our communities.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

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