TRENTON, N.J. – In a major blow to the city’s violent underworld, 27 defendants have been charged with participating in a brutal Trenton drug trafficking gang.
A 26-count complaint unsealed today in federal court in Trenton charges the defendants with conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. Six of the defendants – Jakir Taylor, Timothy Wimbush, Taquan Williams, Jubri West, and Dennis Cheston Jr. – are also charged with possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Wimbush, Williams, and Cheston are additionally charged with unlawfully possessing firearms after having been convicted of a felony. Keyanda Phelps was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The defendants, who terrorized the city’s streets with their narcotics empire, were rounded up in a coordinated takedown by federal and state law enforcement. Twelve defendants were arrested today, while 10 others were already in custody. Four defendants remain at-large.
The gang’s activities were uncovered through the interception of telephone calls and text messages, controlled purchases of heroin, the use of confidential sources of information, and other investigative techniques.
From October 2017 to October 2018, the defendants and others engaged in a narcotics conspiracy that operated in the areas of Martin Luther King Boulevard; Sanford, Middle Rose, and Southard streets; and Hoffman and Coolidge avenues. The defendants sought to profit from the sale of heroin and other illegal drugs in Trenton.
“Despite progress in reducing gun violence in Trenton, we cannot rest,” said U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito. “A recent spate of shootings shows that we must always be vigilant, and ready to respond to gang violence. Our message to the Trenton community should be loud and clear: We are here, we are watching, and we will not stand idly by while illegal drug distribution, firearms possession, and violent crime terrorize this great city.”
The 12 defendants arrested today, as well as 10 defendants who were already in custody, are scheduled to have their initial appearances this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Arpert in Trenton federal court. One defendant is serving a sentence in state prison and will have his initial appearance at a later date. Four defendants remain at-large.
Defendant Jakir Taylor, a key member of the gang, is charged with conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. If convicted, he faces a minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment.
Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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