John Wellman, Crack Cocaine Trafficking, New Jersey 2017

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Two Atlantic County men have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a massive crack cocaine trafficking conspiracy that shook the streets of Atlantic City. The case was cracked by a joint investigation led by the FBI, DEA, and local law enforcement agencies.

John Wellman, 41, of Atlantic City, New Jersey, was sentenced to 130 months in prison for his part in the conspiracy. Wellman, who pleaded guilty to distributing over 280 grams of crack cocaine, will also serve five years of supervised release after his prison term.

Ronald Douglas Byrd, 51, of Pleasantville, New Jersey, received a 96-month prison sentence for his role in the conspiracy. Byrd, who was sentenced on July 11, 2017, will also serve five years of supervised release.

The conspiracy, which lasted from February 2012 through December 2014, involved the distribution of over one kilogram of crack cocaine and used multiple residences in Pleasantville and Absecon, New Jersey, to store and package the illegal substance.

Wellman and Byrd were among 12 individuals charged in connection with the conspiracy. While one defendant remains a fugitive, all others have been convicted of their roles in the case. The investigation was led by the FBI’s Newark Division, the DEA’s Newark Division, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Atlantic City Police Department.

Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick praised the efforts of law enforcement agencies in bringing the case to a close. ‘This case is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our law enforcement partners in taking down large-scale drug trafficking organizations,’ Fitzpatrick said.

Wellman and Byrd’s defense attorneys, Michael Huff and John F. Renner, respectively, could not be reached for comment.

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