PATERSON, NJ – Fifteen individuals linked to a violent street gang operating in the Fourth Ward of Paterson have been hit with federal charges, authorities announced Thursday. The bust targets members and associates of the ‘UpTop’ gang, accused of flooding the streets with deadly narcotics – heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine – and backing up their drug trade with firearms.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger says the gang, centered around the area of Governor and Carroll streets, the Incca Village housing complex, and Harrison Street, was a well-oiled machine for pushing poison. At the top sit alleged kingpins Jamal Ricks, aka “Bop,” and Rahjohn Leary, aka “Rah,” accused of controlling the flow of drugs throughout Paterson. Quadair Williams, aka “Fed Baby,” aka “Mega,” allegedly served as a key supplier to these leaders.
The indictment details a conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances, a charge carrying a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a potential maximum of 40 years, along with a hefty fine of up to $5 million. But the charges don’t stop at drugs. Several members are facing serious weapons offenses, underscoring the connection between the drug trade and gun violence that plagues the city.
Marquis Turner, aka “June Bug,” is facing the particularly severe charge of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, alongside possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. He could face up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted. Quajamir Price, aka “Porkchop,” is charged with conspiracy to possess a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. The ATF, leading the investigation, emphasized the importance of dismantling these criminal organizations.
“ATF is dedicated to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling gangs and criminal organizations,” stated Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division. Eleven defendants were arrested Thursday and are scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark. Two were already in custody on state charges, and two remain at large. Sellinger noted a positive trend in Paterson, stating that shooting incidents and victims are down compared to 2022, but stressed the need to continue pushing back against these criminal enterprises.
The full list of defendants and charges remains sealed within court documents. However, authorities confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are possible. This bust represents a significant blow to the UpTop gang’s operations, but the fight against drug trafficking and gang violence in Paterson – and across New Jersey – is far from over. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on developments as they unfold.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Press Release
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