James S. Gutierrez, a.k.a. ‘Bad News,’ 26, of Newark, has admitted to serving as a crack-cocaine wholesaler for the New Jersey faction of the Grape Street Crips, pleading guilty to racketeering conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine in federal court.
Gutierrez entered his plea before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark, admitting his role in a sprawling drug network that flooded neighborhoods with thousands of ‘clips’—small, pre-packaged units of crack cocaine—distributed through a hierarchy of street-level dealers, including fellow gang members.
Operating out of the 6th Avenue and North 5th Street corridor, the Grape Street Crips enforced their control with violence and intimidation, relying on so-called ‘community guns’ that circulated freely among members. Among the weapons seized during the investigation: a .410 caliber assault rifle, a .45 caliber Thompson semi-automatic carbine, a 7.62 caliber assault rifle, and multiple semi-automatic handguns.
The gang’s operations were part of a broader criminal enterprise that dealt in narcotics, territorial enforcement, and retaliation against rivals. Law enforcement officials say the network functioned like a street syndicate, with Gutierrez at a key nexus of distribution, coordinating bulk sales that fueled addiction and violence across Newark.
Under the terms of his plea agreement, Gutierrez faces a prison sentence of 10 to 14 years, followed by five years of supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for May 22, 2017. He remains in federal custody pending that date.
The investigation was led by DEA and FBI special agents in Newark, with critical support from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Newark Department of Public Safety, and the Essex County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Osmar J. Benvenuto and Barry A. Kamar under the OCDETF and FBI Safe Streets Task Force initiatives. Gutierrez is represented by Edward J. Plaza, Esq., of Little Silver, New Jersey.
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Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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